#Japan #Employment Trends #Wage Growth #Chiyoda, Tokyo #Frog Inc.

Insights from the May 2025 Wage Growth Report

In a recent analysis conducted by Frog Inc., a company specializing in big data collection from recruitment platforms, the results of the May 2025 Wage Growth Report were revealed. This comprehensive report breaks down wage changes across various employment categories, including part-time, temporary, and full-time positions. The data highlights significant trends in Japan’s employment landscape, reflecting evolving wage conditions shaped by economic factors such as inflation and labor shortages.

Overview of the Report

According to a report by the Nihon Keizai Shinbun, the average wage increase rate for small and medium-sized enterprises reached a staggering 4.38%, the highest since records began in 2002 as of April 18, 2025. This surge equates to an average wage increase of 1,4309, driven by pressures such as high living costs and a tight labor market, influencing not just large corporations but also smaller businesses in their wage strategies.

The key list derived from various job postings across prominent recruitment platforms showcases notable changes in wage levels month-on-month. The following platforms were featured in the data collection:

• - Part-time/Temporary: "e-aidem", "Baitoru", "Mynavi Baito"
• - Temporary Employment: "Hatarako Net", "En Haken"
• - Full-time Employment: "Doda", "Type", "En Tenshoku", "Mynavi Tenshoku"

Wage Growth Rankings - May 2025

The May 2025 rankings reveal the following significant shifts:

Part-time and Temporary Employment

For part-time roles, the leading category based on wage increase was Sales/Administration/Planning/Management, with a month-over-month increase of +3.31%. Other notable increases were in categories such as Construction/Civil Engineering/Energy (+2.46%) and Education/Language/Sports (+1.63%). Conversely, the Beauty/Spa/Nail category saw a downturn, recording a decrease of -0.86%.

Comparing the trend over the past year, the Sales/Administration/Planning/Management category maintained stability, with the average hourly wage climbing to ¥1,280, inching close to the ¥1,300 mark. The overall demand for high-paying part-time roles influenced by competitive staffing agencies contributed greatly to this increase. In contrast, positions within the Beauty sector have experienced declining wages since peaking in late 2024.

Temporary Employment Insights

The top segments for temporary work saw the Creative (Non-Web) category lead with an increment of +0.69%. Following closely were Sales/Administration/Planning/Management (+0.58%) and IT Engineer/IT Specialists (+0.48%). Sadly, the Healthcare/Pharmaceutical/Welfare category faced a setback with a decrease of -1.73%, affected by fluctuations in job postings and the completion of various high-paying offers that had artificially inflated wages previously.

Full-time Employment Trends

In full-time employment, the Healthcare/Pharmaceutical/Welfare sector led the way with an increase of +0.56%, reinforcing its stability and consistency regarding average salaries, which remain close to ¥300,000. This is compared to a significant decrease seen in the Film/Event/Entertainment category, which saw a drastic reduction of -1.38%. The disparity in demand for high-paying roles has been indicative of broader trends in the job market, especially as demand fluctuates across different industries.

Analysis Methodology

This analysis was derived from job postings collected between April 1, 2024, and May 5, 2025, where data was aggregated by assessing the lowest salary figures from various recruitment platforms. The resultant wage data provides a valuable insight into economic trends that can be pivotal for both job seekers and employers alike.

Frog Inc. has been at the forefront of compiling vast quantities of recruitment data since 2014, amassing over 40 billion job postings across 150+ platforms in Japan. The company’s innovative approach has positioned it as a key player in offering insights into market trends for various stakeholders, including government agencies and industry leaders.

In conclusion, the May 2025 wage growth rankings signify both challenges and opportunities within Japan's evolving job market, with clear implications for economic strategies moving forward.