#Japan #Tokyo #Caregivers #job market #qualifications

Growing Demand for Caregivers in the Coming Years

As the population ages and the number of elders requiring care rises, the caregiver industry faces a notable shortage of workers. According to a recent report from Frog Co., Ltd., the number of job openings for caregivers without qualifications is projected to grow by approximately 61% by 2025. Notably, this trend reflects a wider societal shift amid Japan’s declining birthrate and the evolving needs of its aging population.

Job Trends in the Caregiving Sector

From January 2019 to January 2025, the overall number of job listings for caregivers is expected to rise from 152,117 to 216,809, indicating a substantial 42.53% increase. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for essential workers, including those in caregiving roles, has remained stable, underscoring the resiliency of this sector.

The report details that job listings categorized as 'full-time or contract employees' and 'part-time or temporary' have both shown significant trends. The former experienced a temporary dip in January 2020 but rebounded with continuous growth thereafter. In contrast, part-time listings have surged, suggesting a strong preference among job seekers for flexible work arrangements, particularly in an era requiring adaptive employment solutions.

Wages Reflecting Increased Demand

Average monthly salaries for full-time and contracted caregivers also show improvements, climbing from 182,764 yen in January 2019 to 216,249 yen by 2025—a noteworthy 18.32% increase. Additionally, the average hourly wage for part-time roles has jumped from 1,003 yen to 1,202 yen, marking a 19.84% rise that surpasses the salary growth for full-time positions.

Comparison with Other Occupations

When comparing the caregiving sector with general job trends, caregivers are experiencing a quicker recovery in job listings post-pandemic compared to the overall workforce. By January 2025, the average monthly salary for caregivers stands at 214,555 yen, just shy of the overall monthly average of 223,677 yen, suggesting caregivers are closing the wage gap, albeit slowly.

The Shift Towards Qualification-Free Roles

A critical aspect uncovered in the report is the increase in job listings available to those without specified qualifications. As of January 2025, job openings that do not require qualifications have surged and are now outpacing those requiring any form of credentials. This trend is reflective of a broader strategy within the caregiving industry to widen employment opportunities and attract talent amid ongoing workforce shortages.

Interestingly, there has also been an uptick in listings marked 'no experience required', ensuring that even those reluctant to enter the caregiving field due to fears of working conditions or pay may find opportunities available. The number of such listings has grown by approximately 28.78% between 2019 and 2025, showcasing a proactive approach to bringing back workers who may have left the profession.

The Trend Towards Division of Labor

Another significant factor is the distinct movement toward dividing labor responsibilities within caregiver roles. Jobs that do not necessitate qualifications, such as cleaning and laundry, are increasingly being delineated to enhance operational efficiency. Notably, the percentage of caregiving positions that involve cleaning tasks without qualification requirements has shown a marked rise from 7.59% in January 2019 to 13.77% in January 2025.

Conclusion

In summary, the latest job market trends in caregiving reflect not only an increase in vacancies but also a transformative approach to workforce integration. The emphasis on positions requiring no qualifications, along with rising wages and the appeal of flexible work, positions the caregiving sector for growth. As Japan continues to navigate its demographic challenges, these changes may help alleviate the mounting pressure on one of the most crucial sectors in society.

About the report

This report utilized data from various job listings across platforms including Hello Work and Baitoru, encompassing multiple employment categories to analyze the caregiver job market thoroughly. For further insights and details regarding employment trends, please refer to the original source.