Industrial products manufacturing is one of the largest and most mature SSW fields. It was formed in May 2022 by consolidating three previously separate SSW industries — Material Industries, Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, and Electric/Electronic/Information Related Industries — initially under the name “素形材・産業機械・電気電子情報関連製造業,” and was renamed to its current name “工業製品製造業” in the March 2024 cabinet decision, which also expanded the scope. The field is now officially structured into 10 business categories: machine/metal processing, electric & electronic equipment assembly, metal surface treatment, paper/cardboard box manufacturing, concrete products, RPF, ceramics, printing & bookbinding, textile manufacturing, and sewing — covering casting, forging, machining, welding, assembly, plastic molding, painting, plating, industrial packaging, and the seven categories added in 2024.
This guide breaks down realistic SSW industrial products manufacturing salary expectations in Japan for 2026: monthly pay ranges, regional differences (Aichi/Shizuoka/Kanagawa premiums), salary by process type (welding and machining pay more than assembly and packaging), shift-system premiums (two-shift vs three-shift), dormitory benefits, certifications that boost income, and the path from Type 1 to Type 2, made possible for this field following the June 9, 2023 cabinet decision and subsequent implementation.
SSW Industrial Products Manufacturing Field Overview
Industrial products manufacturing is supervised by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). From FY2026, JAIM (Japan Association for Industrial Products Manufacturing Skills) administers the Manufacturing Field SSW Type 1 and Type 2 Evaluation Tests, and employers must follow the field-specific acceptance and compliance framework. The field was created in May 2022 by merging three predecessor SSW industries that had launched in April 2019, and was renamed and expanded by the March 2024 cabinet decision. Existing SSW Type 1 holders in the former manufacturing-related fields were handled under transitional arrangements, but the applicable work category and permitted activities should be checked against the individual's designation and Immigration documents. system launches April 1, 2027, replacing the Technical Intern Training Program.)
The current industrial products manufacturing field is organized into 10 business categories under METI's rules. The original three categories — machine/metal processing, electric & electronic equipment assembly, and metal surface treatment — cover the traditional metalworking tasks: casting, forging, die casting, machining, metal press, sheet metal, plating, aluminum anodizing, finishing, machine inspection, machine maintenance, electronic equipment assembly, electric equipment assembly, printed circuit board manufacturing, plastic molding, painting, welding, and industrial packaging. The March 2024 cabinet decision added seven further categories: paper/cardboard box manufacturing, concrete products, RPF, ceramics, printing & bookbinding, textile manufacturing, and sewing. For the evaluation tests, the framework currently covers 17 categories for SSW Type 1 and 3 broader categories for SSW Type 2 (machinery & metal processing, electrical & electronic equipment assembly, metal surface treatment). The SSW visa is tied to specific permitted work, so workers should confirm the exact applicable category before choosing a test or job route. Note: the seven categories added in March 2024 are currently Type 1 only and not yet eligible for Type 2.
Major employer clusters include automotive parts, machinery, electronics, metalworking, and plastic injection-molding manufacturers and suppliers, especially around Japan's industrial regions such as Aichi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo, and Mie.
Important distinction: Industrial products manufacturing is separate from food and beverage manufacturing, which is its own SSW field with different skills tests and regulations. Do not confuse the two when choosing your skills test.
Average Monthly Salary Range
SSW industrial products manufacturing pay varies significantly by process, region, shift system, and certifications. The following ranges are practical benchmarks based on recent job offers and market observations as of 2025–2026, and should be treated as approximate figures rather than guaranteed levels:
| Status | Monthly Base | With Overtime, Shift & Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| SSW Type 1, entry (year 1) | ¥200,000–¥220,000 | ¥230,000–¥280,000 |
| SSW Type 1, 2–3 years | ¥240,000–¥280,000 | ¥280,000–¥340,000 |
| Skilled / sub-leader track | ¥270,000–¥310,000 | ¥320,000–¥380,000 |
| SSW Type 2 (post advanced exam) | ¥300,000–¥380,000+ | ¥360,000–¥450,000+ |
Hourly-paid manufacturing positions typically range from ¥1,100 to ¥1,500/hour, anchored to the prefectural minimum wage plus 10–30%. Two-shift and three-shift operations push the upper end of this band; daytime-only assembly hugs the lower end.
Annual income for SSW Type 1 industrial products manufacturing workers typically ranges from ¥2.8 million to ¥4.2 million, while SSW Type 2 holders often reach ¥4.5 million to ¥5.5 million+ annually with full shift premiums, overtime, and seasonal bonuses (large auto parts makers commonly pay 2–4 months of bonus per year, which can lift total income substantially).
Salary by Region
Industrial products manufacturing pay tracks the automotive and machinery industrial clusters closely. In observed job offers, Aichi and other automotive and machinery clusters often appear at the higher end of the pay range, followed by areas such as Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Osaka, and Hyogo depending on employer and process type. Rural prefectures with smaller factories may show lower base pay in observed job offers, but some employers provide dormitory subsidies that can offset part of the gap.
| Region | Type 1 Monthly Base (Mid-Career) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aichi (Toyota corridor) | ¥250,000–¥310,000 | Highest base; Toyota / Denso / Aisin supplier network; large bonuses |
| Shizuoka / Mie | ¥240,000–¥290,000 | Auto parts and machinery clusters; strong dormitory benefits |
| Kanagawa | ¥240,000–¥300,000 | Electric / electronics heavy; Nissan supplier network |
| Osaka / Hyogo (Kansai) | ¥230,000–¥280,000 | Heavy industry, electric equipment; balanced living costs |
| Gunma / Tochigi / Saitama (Kanto) | ¥225,000–¥275,000 | Subaru, Honda, Hitachi supplier networks; very common dormitories |
| Rural prefectures | ¥200,000–¥240,000 | Lower base but free or very low-cost dormitory; very low cost of living |
Always cross-check the offered hourly or monthly salary against the prefectural minimum wage. As of the FY2025 minimum wage revision: Aichi ¥1,140/hour, Kanagawa ¥1,225/hour, Shizuoka ¥1,097/hour, Osaka ¥1,177/hour. Industrial products manufacturing job offers typically pay well above minimum wage even at entry, but always confirm the figure in writing.
Salary by Process Type
Within industrial products manufacturing, the specific work category significantly affects base pay. Processes involving high heat, heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, or specialized skill commands a meaningful premium over routine assembly or packaging.
| Process Type | Description | Typical Monthly Base |
|---|---|---|
| Welding | Arc, semi-auto, TIG welding — high skill, hazardous | ¥260,000–¥340,000 |
| Machining | Lathe, milling, CNC — high skill, blueprint reading | ¥250,000–¥320,000 |
| Casting / Forging / Die Casting | High heat, heavy metals — difficult work environment | ¥240,000–¥310,000 |
| Plating / Anodizing | Hazardous chemicals, surface treatment | ¥235,000–¥295,000 |
| Plastic Molding / Painting | Injection molding, spray painting — mid-range skill | ¥220,000–¥280,000 |
| Sheet Metal / Press / Finishing | Metal press, sheet metal forming, deburring/finishing | ¥215,000–¥275,000 |
| Machine Inspection / Maintenance | QA inspection, preventive maintenance | ¥220,000–¥280,000 |
| Electronic / Electric Assembly | PCB assembly, electric equipment assembly | ¥205,000–¥260,000 |
| Industrial Packaging | Industrial product packaging for shipment | ¥200,000–¥240,000 |
Why welding and machining pay more
Welding requires manual skill that takes years to master, often involves overhead or confined-space work, and exposes workers to UV radiation, fumes, and burn hazards. Skilled welders with national skill test Level 2 or higher certifications are scarce and in very high demand across auto, shipbuilding, and construction-adjacent metalworking. Similarly, machining — especially CNC programming and high-precision lathe work — demands blueprint-reading ability and dimensional accuracy that not every worker can deliver. Both processes typically earn ¥30,000–¥50,000/month above the assembly and packaging ranges.
Why assembly and packaging pay less
Electronic and electric equipment assembly is largely standardized, line-paced work. While it requires care, dexterity, and quality consciousness, the training path is often more standardized than for welding or machining. Industrial packaging similarly requires care and physical fitness more than specialized skill. These roles are still well-paid relative to many service-sector SSW fields, but they tend to sit at the lower end of the industrial products manufacturing pay scale in observed job offers.
Shift Premiums — Two-Shift and Three-Shift Systems
Most automotive parts plants and many electronics assembly lines operate on a two-shift system or three-shift system to maximize capital utilization. Shift-system pay is one of the largest components of total income in this field.
- Two-shift system: Typically a day shift (8:00–17:00) and a late shift (20:00–5:00), rotating weekly. The late shift includes mandatory 10pm–5am late-night premium.
- Three-shift system: Three 8-hour shifts covering 24 hours, rotating on a fixed cycle. The night shift (typically 22:00–7:00) earns the full late-night premium.
- Late-night allowance: Article 37 of the Labor Standards Act mandates at least 25% above base pay for work between 10pm and 5am. This is automatic and non-negotiable for all employees including SSW workers.
- Shift allowance: Many employers pay a separate per-shift allowance on top of the late-night premium: typically ¥500–¥2,500 per night shift. Over a month of rotating shifts this can add ¥10,000–¥30,000 to take-home pay.
- Stacked premiums: If late-night work is also overtime, the premiums stack: 25% + 25% = 50% above base. Overtime exceeding 60 hours per month must be paid at 50% above base (applies to all employers since April 2023).
- Statutory holiday work premium: 35% above base pay applies when work is performed on a statutory holiday under the Labor Standards Act.
A worker on a ¥1,200/hour daytime base who rotates into a two-shift system effectively earns close to ¥1,500/hour for the night-shift portion, plus a ¥1,500/shift shift allowance. Over a month with 10 night shifts this can add ¥20,000–¥40,000 to base pay.
Common Allowances
Beyond base pay and shift premiums, SSW industrial products manufacturing workers can earn additional income through allowances. The auto industry in particular has a long tradition of generous, well-defined allowance structures. Always confirm in writing what allowances apply at a job offer:
- Position allowance: ¥5,000–¥30,000/month for sub-leaders and line leaders
- Qualification allowance: ¥2,000–¥30,000/month per certification (see below for the most valuable ones)
- Transportation allowance: Actual commuting costs reimbursed up to a cap (often ¥15,000–¥50,000/month). Required by most employers; sometimes waived if you live in the company dormitory.
- Dormitory subsidy: Either free company dormitory housing or subsidized rent. Common in some automotive and manufacturing employers and often a major cost-saving benefit, though the actual value depends on dormitory rent, utilities, location, and the worker's alternative housing cost.
- Shift allowance: ¥500–¥2,500 per night shift, as noted above
- Perfect-attendance allowance: ¥5,000–¥15,000/month for full-month attendance
- Family allowance: Some larger employers pay ¥5,000–¥20,000/month for spouse and child dependents (more relevant after moving to SSW Type 2)
- Seasonal bonus: Large auto parts makers commonly pay 2–4 months of base salary per year as summer and winter bonuses; smaller subcontractors may pay 0–2 months
The combination of dormitory subsidy, shift allowance, and seasonal bonus can make industrial products manufacturing one of the higher-net-savings SSW fields for workers in dormitory-supported manufacturing roles. Actual savings depend on wages, overtime, deductions, dormitory costs, remittances, and personal spending.
Certifications That Boost Your Salary
Industrial products manufacturing has the most extensive Japanese certification ecosystem of any SSW field, anchored by the National Trade Skill Test administered by the prefectural Vocational Ability Development Associations. Earning these qualifications is the most reliable way to push your salary toward the top of the range.
- National Trade Skill Test: A useful certification route for many manufacturing occupations, but the applicable trade, grade, and relationship to SSW requirements differ by category. Some employers may pay a qualification allowance for relevant certifications, but the amount depends entirely on company rules.
- National Trade Skill Test Level 2: Intermediate level; typically achievable after 2–3 years of practical work; +¥10,000–¥20,000/month. Often a prerequisite for sub-leader promotion.
- National Trade Skill Test Level 1: Highest level; opens line leader and trainer roles; +¥15,000–¥30,000/month.
- Arc Welding Special Education: Required by Industrial Safety and Health Act for arc welding work. Usually arranged by the employer. Free or low-cost — no allowance per se, but mandatory.
- Sling Work License: Required for slinging loads over 1 ton; very common in metalworking factories. +¥2,000–¥8,000/month.
- Forklift Operator: Required for forklifts over 1 ton. Extremely common in manufacturing logistics. +¥3,000–¥10,000/month.
- Crane Operator: Required for overhead cranes over 5 tons. +¥5,000–¥15,000/month and often required for promotion in casting and heavy-machinery plants.
- Gas Welding: Required for oxygen-fuel gas welding work. +¥2,000–¥8,000/month.
- JLPT N3 or higher: Better Japanese ability is rewarded with higher allowances and is often a prerequisite for promotion to sub-leader or line leader roles, where you must read work instructions, conduct safety briefings, and communicate with engineers.
For Foreign Workers Looking to Build Their Career in Japan
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Consult TreeGlobalPartners →Career Path: From Type 1 to Line Leader
Industrial products manufacturing has a clearly defined progression that many SSW workers follow over 5–10 years. Following the June 9, 2023 cabinet decision and subsequent implementation, industrial products manufacturing became one of the SSW fields with a Type 2 route — Type 2 eligibility was expanded from the original Type 2 fields (construction and shipbuilding/marine industry) to additional SSW fields. Note: the seven business categories added in March 2024 (sewing, printing, ceramics, etc.) are currently Type 1 only and not yet eligible for Type 2.
Year 1 — Entry SSW Type 1
Pass the SSW Industrial Products Manufacturing Field skills test for the relevant work category, plus the JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 Japanese test. (Technical Intern Training No. 2 completers are exempt from the Japanese-language test regardless of field; the skills test is waived when the prior training job is related to the SSW work category.) Start on basic line work, learn safety procedures, complete arc-welding special education or forklift training as relevant. Pursue National Trade Skill Test certification in your trade where it is offered.
Year 2–3 — Specialized Skill
Move into more specialized work: complex weld patterns, CNC programming, multi-axis machining, paint quality control, or mold setup. Earn forklift, sling, and gas welding qualifications as your work requires. Begin preparing for the National Trade Skill Test Level 2. Pay rises into the ¥240,000–¥280,000 range, plus shift premium and dormitory subsidy.
Year 3–5 — Sub-Leader Track
Pass National Trade Skill Test Level 2. Take on sub-leader responsibilities: train new hires, conduct safety briefings, manage parts changeovers, lead small-team quality activities. Pay rises into the ¥270,000–¥310,000 range with position allowance. Begin preparing for SSW Type 2 examination.
Year 5+ — SSW Type 2 and Line Leader
To qualify for SSW Type 2 in industrial products manufacturing, workers must meet one of the official routes. Under the Type 2 evaluation-test route, this generally includes passing the required Business Career Certification Grade 3 category, passing the Manufacturing Field SSW Type 2 Evaluation Test, and having at least 3 years of practical experience at a manufacturing site of a company with a base in Japan. A separate skills-test route may also be available depending on the relevant trade and official requirements. If SSW Type 2 is approved, there is no total 5-year stay cap, and a spouse and minor children may apply for Dependent status subject to individual examination. Type 2 years may also be relevant to future permanent residence eligibility, but PR still requires a separate full examination of residence history, income, tax, pension, insurance, conduct, and other factors. Take on full line leader responsibility for one production line, manage line workers, and interface with engineers and quality assurance; higher annual income may be possible in line-leader-track roles, depending on the employer, duties, supervisory responsibilities, shift premiums, overtime, and bonuses.
Working Conditions Under the Labor Standards Act
Ordinary industrial products manufacturing workers are generally covered by the Labor Standards Act rules on working hours, overtime, late-night work, statutory holidays, and paid annual leave. Manufacturing is also subject to extensive Industrial Safety and Health Act requirements covering machine guarding, chemical handling, noise, and personal protective equipment. Specifically:
- Maximum regular hours: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week under Article 32. Two-shift and three-shift schedules are designed within these limits per shift.
- Overtime premium (Article 37): at least 25% above base pay for hours over 8/day or 40/week. Mandatory.
- Late-night premium (Article 37): at least 25% above base pay for work between 10pm and 5am. Mandatory.
- Statutory holiday work premium (Article 37): 35% above base pay for work on a statutory holiday under the Labor Standards Act. Mandatory when applicable.
- 60-hour overtime rule: Overtime exceeding 60 hours per month must be paid at 50% above base. Applies to all employers since April 2023.
- Paid annual leave (Article 39): 10 days after 6 months of continuous service, scaling up with tenure.
- Maximum overtime cap: 45 hours/month and 360 hours/year as principle, with strict exception caps under the work-style reform package.
- Safety education (Industrial Safety and Health Act Article 59): Employers must provide safety and health education at hiring, when changing duties, and for hazardous work (welding, crane, forklift, etc.). For SSW workers, employers should ensure the education is actually understood, using appropriate language support, translated materials, interpreters, or visual training where necessary.
Red flag: Some smaller tier-3 subcontractors fail to pay the mandatory late-night or shift premiums on rotating shifts, or push regular working hours beyond 8/day without proper overtime accounting. This violates Article 32 and Article 37 of the Labor Standards Act. Always confirm in writing both the base hourly rate AND that night-shift and overtime premiums are properly calculated. Also confirm that safety education is properly delivered before you handle dangerous equipment.
Critical legal obligation for SSW workers changing employers: Within 14 days after your employment contract ends, you must personally file a "Notification Concerning the Affiliated Organization" with the Immigration Services Agency under Article 19-16 of the Immigration Control Act. Failure to file can negatively affect future visa renewals or status changes. For details, see our SSW Job Change Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- SSW Type 1 industrial products manufacturing workers in Japan typically earn ¥200,000–¥220,000/month for entry, rising to ¥240,000–¥280,000 with 2–3 years' experience and ¥270,000–¥310,000 in sub-leader roles
- SSW Type 2 industrial products manufacturing workers (route available following the June 9, 2023 cabinet decision and subsequent implementation): higher pay may be possible in line-leader-track roles depending on employer, duties, supervisory responsibilities, shift premiums, overtime, and bonuses
- Field formed in May 2022 by merging three predecessor SSW industries and renamed to 工業製品製造業 in March 2024; the field is now officially structured into 10 business categories (with 7 added in 2024), and the evaluation-test framework currently covers 17 categories for Type 1 and 3 broader categories for Type 2
- Region matters: Aichi (Toyota corridor) pays the most (¥250K–¥310K); Shizuoka, Kanagawa, and Mie close behind; rural prefectures lower but with strong dormitory benefits
- Process matters: Welding and machining earn ¥30K–¥50K/month more than electronic assembly or industrial packaging
- Shift premiums: Two-shift and three-shift systems are standard in auto parts; late-night premium (25%+) plus shift allowance (¥500–¥2,500/shift) significantly lifts take-home pay
- Dormitory subsidy: Very common in the auto industry; effectively adds ¥30K–¥60K/month to take-home pay
- Earn certifications: National Trade Skill Test Levels 1–3 in your category, plus forklift, sling, crane, gas welding — each adds ¥2K–¥30K/month
- Career path: entry → specialized skill → sub-leader → SSW Type 2 + line leader
- Labor Standards Act and Industrial Safety and Health Act protections apply: overtime premiums, late-night premiums, and statutory-holiday work premiums are mandatory when the legal conditions are met; employers should ensure safety education is actually understood before hazardous work
- For related SSW field salary data, see our guides on SSW Construction Worker Salary and SSW Building Cleaning Worker Salary
Industrial products manufacturing can be one of the higher-earning SSW fields for workers in skilled processes or shift-based factories, especially where dormitory support, shift allowances, and bonuses are available. Actual net savings depend heavily on employer rules, overtime, deductions, housing costs, and personal spending. For a deeper look at the Type 2 process, see our SSW Type 2 Complete Guide.
For Foreign Workers Looking to Build Their Career in Japan
TreeGlobalPartners' service is completely free for foreign workers — no fees of any kind, no hidden charges. We support your appropriate job change or new employment in Japan with verified employers. Visa applications, status changes, and registered support procedures are handled through our group's affiliated Tree Administrative Scrivener Corporation, giving you a true one-stop service across the group.
Consult TreeGlobalPartners →Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of May 2026 and is based on industry salary surveys, the SSW framework as administered by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the SSW Industrial Products Manufacturing Field skills test framework, Japan's Labor Standards Act, the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Minimum Wage Act, and related regulations. Actual salaries vary by employer, region, process category, shift system, certifications, and economic conditions. Always verify the specific terms of any job offer in writing before accepting. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute employment, legal, or immigration advice.