Exploring the Average Annual Salary of Highly Skilled Foreign Workers in Japan for 2024

Understanding Foreign Worker Salaries in Japan for 2024

In 2024, Japan's job market holds significant trends in the salary structures of highly skilled foreign workers. According to a recent study by Global Power, the company behind the foreign employment website NINJA, critical insights have emerged regarding the expected annual income across different job roles. This analysis is particularly relevant as Japan faces a declining domestic workforce and increasing demand for foreign talent.

Research Methodology

The data compiled for this research derived from 45,544 active users of NINJA, focusing on those who secured employment between April 2024 and March 2025. The study primarily looked at various categories of residence permits, emphasizing those with high-skilled labor qualifications. Approximately 80% of the analyzed foreign workers belong to this segment or are potential candidates. The objective is to share valuable insights with Japanese companies regarding the growing reliance on foreign talent to bolster the economy, attract domestic demand, and support tax contributions.

Average Salary for New Graduates

The research reveals a noteworthy statistic: the average annual salary for new graduates who are foreign-born and inexperienced surpasses the national average for Japanese university graduates. Public data estimates this starting salary in Japan to range between 2,760,000 to 2,880,000 yen annually, which is significantly higher than the projected 2024 starting salaries of around 23,000 to 24,000 yen monthly.

Roles that focus on international business strategy and require languages other than Japanese tend to offer higher salaries. Companies seek to leverage these workers as immediate assets, considering the persistent shortage in technical fields, thereby offering competitive compensation.

Given the anticipated further decline in Japan's labor population, the demand for foreign new graduates is expected to soar. Consequently, businesses may find it increasingly important to provide appealing offers to secure skilled foreign talent.

Average Salary for Experienced Workers

Analyzing the remuneration for experienced foreign workers, the study finds that salaries align closely with Japanese standards. As per the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's statistics for 2024, the average monthly wage for university graduates aged 30-34 is approximately 325,100 yen, equating to an annual salary of around 3,901,200 yen.

Similarly, the salaries of foreign workers indicated by NINJA, with an average age of 30.1 years, fall within this range. This suggests that foreign professionals in Japan already earn competitive wages compared to their Japanese counterparts. While the government statistics include foreign workers, this comparison illustrates a favorable position for those employed via NINJA, confirming that they receive satisfactory remuneration.

As the competition for skilled labor intensifies due to declining birth rates, the treatment and salaries of highly skilled foreign workers will become crucial indicators for organizations aiming to thrive within the Japanese market.

About NINJA

NINJA serves as a pivotal employment platform for foreign workers in Japan, with over 77% of its registered users possessing a business-level command of Japanese. The platform comprises talent from 160 different countries, appealing to more than 45,700 individuals looking for scouting opportunities. There are currently over 440 registered companies on the platform, with nearly half representing recruitment agencies.

The uniqueness of working in Japan's employment landscape, combined with the nuanced challenges faced by foreign job seekers, led to high praise and usability ratings for NINJA, which is supported by recruitment agencies to aid in job-hunting processes.

Regular updates on statistical data related to foreign employment are released monthly, with the latest available at NINJA's Media Reports.

For companies considering foreign talent acquisition, useful information is available at NINJA’s Company Information. Likewise, job seekers can explore opportunities on NINJA’s Employment Portal.

Company Overview

Global Power, led by CEO Koichi Takeuchi, was established on August 11, 2004, and is based in Taito, Tokyo, aiming to facilitate foreign work engagement through the NINJA platform. For additional information, please visit Global Power's Website and celebrating 20 years in operation 20th Anniversary Site.