Feature | Column | Status of Residence Required for Working in Japan

 Working in Japan is a great opportunity, and understanding “how much you can earn” and “what your future career could look like” is an important first step.
Japan currently operates two major programs—the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program—and a new system called Employment for Skill Development will begin in 2027.

This guide explains, in simple terms, the current salary ranges, required deductions, your rights as a worker, and career options in the coming years.

 1. Comparison of Average Salaries and Statistics for SSWs and Technical Intern Trainees

 Because the roles and expectations differ between the SSW and the TITP, the salary levels also differ.

 Average Salary for SSWs 

 SSW workers are considered “job-ready,” meaning they can contribute immediately in the workplace. Therefore, the average base salary for SSW (i) workers is generally around 200,000–240,000 yen per month (1)(2). With overtime and allowances included, total monthly income often reaches 250,000–280,000 yen.

 Average Salary for TITP 

 The TITP is designed for learning technical skills in Japan. As a result, base salaries typically start closer to each region’s minimum wage, usually around 170,000–190,000 yen per month.

Today, many trainees with three or more years of experience transfer to the SSW after passing exams or undergoing skill evaluations (2)(3).

 [Industry-Specific Data] Latest Salary Rankings

 The following table shows wages by industry based on the latest data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (released in 2024) (4). For SSW (i), while actual pay depends on experience and skills, appropriate salaries are set using the average wages listed below as a guideline.

Jobs that are physically demanding, such as those in the construction industry, or jobs that require specialized qualifications and skills, such as those in infrastructure and finance, tend to offer higher salaries. Meanwhile, industries like manufacturing and food service may have lower base salaries, but workers often increase their take-home pay through night shifts and overtime during busy periods.

 2. Wage Determination Rules for SSW: Workers’ Rights You Should Know

Japan has strict rules to protect the wages of workers under the SSW.

 Proving "Equal to or Higher Than Japanese Employees"

 When a company hires a SSW worker, the law requires the company to provide a salary that is equal to or higher than that of a Japanese worker performing the same duties.

 Specifically, when hiring, the company must submit documents to the immigration authorities promising to “pay compensation equal to or higher than that of Japanese employees,” along with a wage table for comparable Japanese employees. This prevents foreign workers from being forced to work for unfair wages simply because they are foreign nationals.

 When No Comparable Japanese Employee Exists

If the company has no Japanese workers doing the same job, salaries must be compared with average wages of nearby companies or with publicly available national statistics.
This ensures that foreign workers are not paid unreasonably low wages.

3. Understanding Deductions and Take-Home Pay

In Japan, the amount you receive in your bank account (“take-home pay”) is different from your total salary (“gross pay”).
Here is what is usually deducted:

 Breakdown of Deductions from Salary

The following amounts are automatically deducted from your salary in accordance with the law.

•  Social insurance premiums (health insurance and pension): Covers medical expenses in case of illness or injury, as well as your future pension.

•  Income Tax and Resident Tax: Taxes paid by everyone working in Japan.

•  Company housing expenses (rent): Rent paid when living in a room provided by the company (however, companies are prohibited from charging unreasonably high rent).

 Allocation of Support Outsourcing Fees and Supervision Fees

 There is an important point here. Support outsourcing fees for the SSW and supervision fees for the TITP must be paid by the company, not by the worker. If these appear on your pay slip as deductions, it may be a legal violation.

4. Structure of Pay Slips and Protection of Rights Based on Legal Compliance

Your monthly pay slip is an important document that allows you to check whether you are being fairly compensated for your work.

Equal Pay for Equal Work Guidelines

 This rule states that “for the same work and the same responsibilities, the same salary must be paid.” You must not be denied bonuses or various allowances (such as commuting and housing allowances) paid to Japanese employees simply because you are an SSW worker.

Checking Whether Taxes and Social Insurance Premiums Are Calculated Correctly

 As explained in the previous section, taxes and other deductions are taken from your salary, but these must be "amounts determined by law."

•  Residents and Non-Residents: Individuals who have been in Japan for over one year (or plan to reside for over one year) are considered “residents” and are subject to the same tax rates as Japanese nationals.

•  Important Note on Resident Tax: Since resident tax is based on “the previous year’s income,” it often begins to be deducted starting in the second year. Please rest assured that if your take-home pay decreases slightly in the second year, it is not because your salary has decreased, but rather proof that you are paying taxes correctly.

 5. Outlook for 2027 and Beyond: Employment for Skill Development and Career Paths

 In the future, due to amendments to Japanese law, the TITP will be abolished, and a new “Employment for Skill Development” program will begin in 2027.

Changes Under Employment for Skill Development 

 Under this system, "changing jobs"—which has been difficult until now—will become possible at your own discretion if you meet certain conditions (such as working for 1–2 years or passing a Japanese language test) (5).

 A major benefit of the new system is that it will be easier to choose a company that values you and offers higher pay.

Transition to SSW (ii) and Career Planning

 Furthermore, if you aim for “SSW (ii),” you will be able to bring your family to Japan, and there is no limit on how long you can stay (5).
As a SSW (ii), you are expected to play a key role at the worksite, build a long-term career like Japanese employees, and work in Japan for many years. With this status, it is also possible to aim for a salary designed for long-term employment, with an annual income of 4 to 5 million yen or more.

 6. Summary

The transition from the TITP to the SSW is a great opportunity to increase your salary and enjoy a long, stable life in Japan. However, laws and procedures can be complicated, and you may sometimes feel worried or uncertain when dealing with them on your own.

CROSSY GLOBAL provides support for job seekers (foreign workers) 1 and for business users such as accepting companies, Registered Support Organizations, Supervising and Support Organizations, and educational institutions (Sending Organization) 2. Please feel free to contact us for consultation. 

CROSSY GLOBAL helps build a more prosperous society across borders through compliant, safe operations and well-matched employment opportunities.

*1 Job seeker portal: https://crossy-global.jobs 

*2 Business portal: https://crossy-global.biz 

 7. List of References and Sources

 This article is based on the latest primary information from the following official agencies.

 (1) Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Status of the SSW System (June 2024)

 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001428398.pdf

 (2) Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "2024 Basic Survey on Wage Structure" – Wages by Employment Type

 https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/itiran/roudou/chingin/kouzou/z2024/dl/06.pdf

 (3) Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Number of Foreign Nationals with the SSW Status (as of the end of June 2025)

  SSW (i) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001447392.pdf 

  SSW (ii) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001447393.pdf

 
(4) Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "2024 Basic Survey on Wage Structure": Wages by Industry

 https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/itiran/roudou/chingin/kouzou/z2024/dl/05.pdf

 
(5) Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Expert Panel on the Future of the TITP and the SSW Program (Final Report)

 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/policies/policies/03_00058.html