One of the biggest reasons Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / Tokutei Ginou / 特定技能) visa holders consider changing jobs is salary. A better paycheck can make a real difference — not only for your daily life in Japan, but also for the money you send home to your family.
But before making a move, you need to know: how much can you actually earn? Salaries for SSW workers vary widely depending on the industry field you work in, the region of Japan, your experience, and the specific company. This article breaks down approximate salary ranges across all major SSW designated fields and regions so you can make an informed decision about your career.
If you are currently considering a job change or wondering whether your current pay is competitive, this data will give you a clearer picture. For a full overview of how to change jobs on an SSW visa, see our complete SSW job change guide.
Average SSW Salary in Japan
Based on available industry data and reports from immigration-related organizations, the average monthly salary for SSW workers in Japan is approximately 200,000 to 250,000 yen before tax (gross salary). This is a broad range because actual wages depend heavily on the industry field, employer, region, and overtime hours.
Gross vs. Take-Home Pay: From your gross salary, deductions for health insurance (健康保険), pension (厚生年金), employment insurance (雇用保険), income tax (所得税), and resident tax (住民税) will reduce your take-home pay by roughly 15-20%. For example, a gross salary of 220,000 yen may result in approximately 175,000-185,000 yen in hand.
It is worth noting that under the SSW system, employers are legally required to pay foreign workers at the same level or above Japanese workers performing equivalent work (同等報酬以上). This means your salary should not be lower than a Japanese colleague doing the same job at the same company.
What Is Included in Your Monthly Salary?
When reviewing a job offer, pay attention to what the stated salary includes:
- Base salary (基本給): The fixed monthly amount before any additions
- Overtime pay (残業手当): Extra pay for hours worked beyond the standard 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
- Various allowances (各種手当): This may include commuting allowance (通勤手当), housing allowance (住宅手当), night shift allowance (深夜手当), or skill-based allowances
- Bonus (賞与): Some companies pay a bonus once or twice a year, typically equivalent to 1-3 months of salary, though this is not guaranteed
Watch out: Some job listings show a salary that already includes expected overtime pay. Always confirm whether the stated amount is the base salary or includes overtime. A "high" salary that assumes 40+ hours of monthly overtime is very different from a moderate salary with reasonable working hours.
Salary by Industry Field
Salary levels differ significantly across SSW designated fields. The table below shows approximate monthly salary ranges based on available industry surveys, job listings, and reports from recruitment organizations. These are general ranges and not exact figures — actual salaries will vary by employer, region, experience, and other factors.
| Industry Field | Japanese Name | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care | 介護 | 180,000 - 220,000 yen |
| Building Cleaning | ビルクリーニング | 170,000 - 210,000 yen |
| Manufacturing (Materials, Machinery, Electronics) | 素形材・産業機械・電気電子 | 200,000 - 260,000 yen |
| Construction | 建設 | 220,000 - 280,000 yen |
| Shipbuilding & Marine | 造船・舶用 | 200,000 - 260,000 yen |
| Auto Maintenance | 自動車整備 | 200,000 - 240,000 yen |
| Aviation | 航空 | 200,000 - 250,000 yen |
| Accommodation | 宿泊 | 180,000 - 230,000 yen |
| Agriculture | 農業 | 170,000 - 220,000 yen |
| Fisheries | 漁業 | 180,000 - 230,000 yen |
| Food Manufacturing | 飲食料品製造 | 180,000 - 220,000 yen |
| Food Service | 外食 | 180,000 - 230,000 yen |
Note: The figures above are approximate ranges based on industry surveys and publicly available job listing data. They represent gross monthly salary before tax and do not include bonus payments. Individual offers may fall outside these ranges.
Why Do Some Fields Pay More?
Several factors explain the salary differences between fields:
- Physical demands: Fields like construction involve strenuous physical labor and sometimes hazardous conditions, which tends to push wages higher
- Technical skill level: Manufacturing and shipbuilding require specialized skills, which commands higher pay
- Labor shortage severity: Fields with more severe worker shortages sometimes offer higher wages to attract candidates
- Industry profitability: Some industries simply generate more revenue per worker, allowing companies to offer better compensation
- Overtime availability: Fields like construction and manufacturing often have more overtime opportunities, which can significantly boost total monthly earnings
Construction pays well, but consider the full picture: While construction tends to offer the highest base salaries among SSW fields, the work is physically demanding and often involves outdoor conditions in extreme heat or cold. Evaluate whether the higher pay is worth the physical toll for your long-term health and career goals.
Salary Differences by Region
Where you work in Japan can affect your salary just as much as which industry you work in. Japan's regional minimum wages vary significantly, and employer pay scales follow a similar pattern.
Higher-Paying Regions
The following regions generally offer higher SSW salaries:
- Tokyo and Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba): The highest minimum wages in Japan and the most competitive labor market. SSW workers here can expect salaries on the higher end of the industry ranges listed above.
- Osaka and Kansai region (Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto): The second-largest economic area, with wages generally close to Kanto levels.
- Nagoya / Chubu region (Aichi, Shizuoka): Strong in manufacturing, with competitive wages particularly in factory and automotive-related fields.
Lower Salary but More Benefits: Rural Areas
Rural prefectures (such as those in Tohoku, Shikoku, or Kyushu) tend to offer lower base salaries. However, many rural employers compensate in other ways:
- Company-provided housing: Free or heavily subsidized housing (社宅) is common in rural areas, saving you 30,000-50,000 yen or more per month
- Meal support: Some employers provide meals or meal allowances, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food manufacturing
- Lower cost of living: Rent, food, and daily expenses are significantly cheaper outside major cities. A 170,000 yen salary in a rural area may provide more spending power than 220,000 yen in Tokyo
- Less competition: Rural employers struggling to find workers may offer additional incentives or faster career advancement
Think about "real" income, not just the number: When comparing job offers, calculate your total compensation including housing, meals, commuting costs, and local living expenses. A job paying 180,000 yen with free housing and meals in a rural area might leave you with more savings than a 240,000 yen job in Tokyo where rent alone costs 70,000-80,000 yen per month.
Regional Minimum Wage as a Baseline
Every prefecture in Japan sets its own minimum wage, which is updated annually (typically in October). As a reference point, minimum wages range from approximately 950 yen/hour in lower-cost prefectures to over 1,160 yen/hour in Tokyo. Your SSW salary must be at or above the minimum wage for the prefecture where you work, and it must also meet the "equal or above Japanese workers" requirement.
How to Negotiate a Better Salary
Many SSW workers accept the first salary they are offered without negotiating. This is understandable — changing jobs can feel stressful, and salary negotiation is uncomfortable for most people. But knowing a few strategies can help you secure better compensation.
01Research the Industry Average Before Accepting
Use the salary ranges in this article and other publicly available information to understand what a fair salary looks like in your field and region. If an offer falls significantly below the typical range, you have a basis for asking why.
02Compare Total Compensation, Not Just Base Salary
Ask about all components of your compensation package: housing support, commuting allowance, meal subsidies, overtime pay rates, bonuses, and any other benefits. A slightly lower base salary with excellent benefits may be better overall than a higher number with nothing extra.
03Ask Specifically About Overtime Pay and Hours
Overtime can make up a significant portion of your total income. Clarify: How many hours of overtime are typical? Is overtime always paid (it must be by law)? What is the overtime rate? Under Japanese labor law, overtime must be paid at a minimum of 125% of your base hourly rate.
04Highlight Your Skills and Experience
If you have relevant experience, a higher Japanese language level (such as JLPT N3 or N2), or specialized certifications, mention these during negotiations. Workers who can communicate well in Japanese and have proven experience are in high demand and can command better pay.
05Use a Recruitment Agency That Advocates for You
A good recruitment agency will negotiate on your behalf to secure better conditions. TreeGlobalPartners provides this service at no cost to workers — the hiring company covers all fees. Having a professional intermediary can make the salary discussion smoother and more effective.
Never pay a recruitment agency: Under Japanese law, it is illegal for job placement agencies to charge fees to workers. If any company or broker asks you for money to find you a job, this is a red flag. Report it and contact a legitimate agency instead.
Want to Find a Higher-Paying SSW Job?
TreeGlobalPartners matches SSW workers with quality employers across Japan — at no cost to you. Our group company, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree), handles all visa procedures. One-stop support from job search to visa change.
Get Free Salary Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- The average SSW salary in Japan is approximately 200,000-250,000 yen/month before tax, according to available industry data
- Construction and manufacturing fields tend to offer the highest wages, while building cleaning and agriculture are on the lower end
- Tokyo and major cities pay higher base salaries, but rural areas often offer housing, meals, and lower living costs that can balance it out
- Always compare total compensation (salary + benefits + overtime) rather than base salary alone
- Employers must pay SSW workers at the same level or above Japanese workers performing the same job
- Use a licensed, free-of-charge recruitment agency to find and negotiate better job opportunities
Understanding salary data is the first step toward making a smart career move. Whether you are considering a job change within the same field or exploring a new industry, knowing what pay to expect gives you the confidence to negotiate and choose wisely.
Ready to Earn What You Deserve?
TreeGlobalPartners connects SSW workers with quality employers across Japan. Our service is completely free for workers. Visa procedures are handled by our group company, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Tree (行政書士法人Tree). From job matching to visa change to settling in — we support you every step of the way.
Get Free Consultation →Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of March 2026 and is intended for general informational purposes only. Salary figures are approximate ranges based on publicly available industry data and job listings; they do not represent guaranteed wages. Actual salaries vary by employer, region, experience, and other factors. This article should not be considered legal or financial advice. Laws, regulations, and wage standards are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) or a qualified professional (行政書士 / attorney). TreeGlobalPartners accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.