Highest-paying jobs in Japan: Top 10 in 2025

Japan’s dynamic job market is experiencing a remarkable transformation in 2025, marked by unprecedented growth of employee salaries after decades of stagnation.

This shift is driven by encouraging economic growth and controlled inflation within an increasingly competitive job market, shares Toby Truscott, Managing Director at Michael Page Japan.

According to Michael Page Japan’s Talent Trends 2025 report, 45% of companies in Japan find recruiting challenging – significantly higher than the 31% average across Asia Pacific.

This talent scarcity, especially for skilled professionals with Japanese language skills and English language skills, technical skills, or experience in multinational companies, commands competitive salaries and opens up lucrative career opportunities.

These factors contribute to making roles in finance, technology, and executive leadership among the highest-paying jobs in Japan’s current market.

Japan continues to lead globally in high-demand fields like the automotive, electronics, and robotics industries with consistent hiring activity.

Healthcare and technology sectors are experiencing intensifying salary pressure, especially in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, driven by an ageing population’s increasing healthcare demands.

The evolving workplace also influences compensation trends, with 47% of employees now in hybrid arrangements, as reported in our talent trends report. While a good salary remains crucial, job satisfaction is increasingly driven by work-life balance and recognition – key factors for retaining talent in this highly educated, low-unemployment market.

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The top 10 highest-paying jobs in Japan

As we examine the highest-paying jobs in Japan across various industries for 2025, it is clear that employers offering competitive salaries while demonstrating commitment to workplace evolution will have a significant advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

This challenging recruitment landscape provides lucrative opportunities and a strong career path for qualified professionals, with many sectors now offering high salaries to secure top talent.

1. Senior Investment Banker

Average salary - ¥38,000,000

Senior investment bankers advise corporations, institutions, and governments on complex financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising.

This elite role combines deep financial expertise with strategic advisory capabilities, making them indispensable partners for major business decisions and consistently ranking among the highest-paying jobs in Japan’s sophisticated financial market.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead complex M&A transactions, IPOs, and capital-rising initiatives
• Manage high-value client relationships with corporations, institutions, and government entities
• Develop sophisticated financial models and valuation analyses
• Oversee deal execution from origination through closing
• Mentor and guide junior banking teams

(Browse jobs in investment banking & financial services.)

2. Country Manager

Average salary - ¥35,000,000

Country managers serve as the senior executives responsible for all business operations within Japan, acting as the bridge between global headquarters and local market execution. This role requires exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of Japanese business culture to drive growth and profitability in one of the world's most sophisticated markets.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee all business operations and P&L responsibility for the Japanese market
• Develop and execute market-specific strategies aligned with global objectives
• Build and lead cross-functional leadership teams
• Navigate complex regulatory and compliance requirements
• Drive revenue growth and market expansion initiatives

(Browse jobs in executive leadership.)

3. C-suite executives

Average salaries - ¥25,000,000 - ¥32,000,000

C-suite executives represent the pinnacle of corporate leadership in Japan, commanding premium compensation packages that reflect their strategic importance to organisational success.

These senior leaders shape long-term vision, drive transformational initiatives, and navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering shareholder value in Japan’s competitive business landscape.

Success at the C-suite level in Japan demands exceptional leadership capabilities, deep industry expertise, and the ability to balance global strategies of multinational corporations with local market nuances.

Employers seek executives with proven track records of managing P&L responsibility, leading digital transformation initiatives, and building high-performing teams across diverse functions.

Significant salary variations within C-suite positions reflect specialised expertise requirements, with healthcare and technology leadership commanding the highest premiums and representing some of the highest-paying jobs due to sector complexity and talent scarcity.

Key C-suite salaries

• Chief Medical Officer (CMO) – ¥32,000,000 (Clinical strategy, compliance, patient safety)
• Chief Operations Officer (COO) – ¥30,000,000 (Operational excellence, business performance)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – ¥28,000,000 (Tech vision, product development)
• Chief Information Officer (CIO) – ¥28,000,000 (Enterprise IT, digital transformation)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – ¥27,000,000 (Financial strategy, investor relations)
• Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – ¥27,000,000 (Growth strategy, market positioning)
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – ¥26,000,000 (Cybersecurity, risk management)
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO - HLS) – ¥25,000,000 (Marketing strategy in healthcare/life sciences)

(Browse C-suite jobs.)

4. Head of Marketing

Average salary - ¥20,000,000

Heads of marketing drive brand strategy, customer acquisition, and revenue growth in Japan’s unique and discerning consumer market. This role requires deep cultural understanding and the ability to adapt global marketing strategies to local preferences while leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven insights.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive brand strategy and positioning for the Japanese market
• Lead digital marketing initiatives and customer acquisition programs
• Oversee campaign development, execution, and performance analytics
• Manage marketing budgets and ROI optimisation
• Drive market research and consumer insights to inform strategy

(Browse jobs in marketing.)

Explore our Salary Comparison Tool to see how your compensation compares to industry standards.

5. Human Resources (HR) Director

Average salary - ¥18,000,000

HR directors lead comprehensive talent strategy and organisational development in Japan’s evolving workplace landscape. This role is crucial for navigating the intersection of traditional Japanese employment practices and modern talent management approaches, enabling organisations to attract and retain top talent while preserving cultural harmony.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead talent acquisition and retention strategies across all business units
• Design and implement compensation and benefits programs
• Ensure compliance with Japanese labour laws and regulations
• Drive organisational culture and employee engagement initiatives
• Oversee performance management and succession planning

(Browse jobs in human resources.)

6. IT Director

Average salary – ¥17,000,000

IT directors lead digital transformation and technology strategy in organisations navigating Japan’s rapid technological evolution. This role requires a diverse technical skill set and is essential for modernising legacy systems, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and ensuring cybersecurity in an increasingly digital business environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute enterprise technology strategy and roadmap
• Oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives
• Manage technology budgets and vendor relationships
• Lead IT teams and drive organisational digital capabilities
• Ensure system performance, security, and regulatory compliance

(Browse jobs in technology.)

7. Data Director

Average salary – ¥16,500,000

Data directors transform organisations through strategic data initiatives and advanced analytics, turning information into a competitive advantage. This role is crucial for companies seeking to leverage Japan’s rich data ecosystem and implement AI-driven solutions that optimise operations and drive innovation.

Key responsibilities:

• Define data strategy and governance frameworks across the organisation
• Lead analytics initiatives that drive business decision-making
• Implement AI and machine learning solutions for operational optimisation
• Ensure data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance
• Build and manage high-performing data science and analytics teams

(Browse jobs in data.)

8. Head of Indirect Procurement

Average salary – ¥15,000,000

Heads of indirect procurement manage the strategic sourcing of non-production goods and services, from IT systems to professional services. This role is vital for cost optimisation and operational efficiency, particularly in Japan’s complex supplier ecosystem, where relationship management and quality standards are paramount.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage procurement strategies for non-production goods and services
• Lead supplier negotiations and contract management
• Drive cost optimisation and operational efficiency initiatives
• Implement procurement technologies and digital solutions
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policies

(Browse jobs in procurement & supply chain.)

9. Senior Supply Chain Manager

Average salary – ¥13,000,000

Senior supply chain managers optimise end-to-end logistics and supplier relationships to ensure seamless operations in Japan’s precision-focused business environment. This role is crucial for maintaining the high-quality standards and operational efficiency that Japanese companies are renowned for globally.

Key responsibilities:

• Optimise end-to-end supply chain operations and logistics
• Develop supplier relationships and manage risk mitigation strategies
• Implement supply chain technologies and automation solutions
• Drive cost reduction and operational efficiency improvements
• Ensure business continuity and crisis management preparedness

(Browse jobs in procurement & supply chain.)

10. Internal Communications Manager

Average salary – ¥12,000,000

Internal communications managers develop and execute strategies that enhance employee engagement and organisational culture. This role is essential in Japan’s hierarchical business environment, where effective communication helps bridge traditional corporate structures with modern workplace expectations and drives successful change management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop internal communication strategies that enhance employee engagement
• Create content for executive messaging and corporate announcements
• Manage crisis communications and change management initiatives
• Oversee digital communication platforms and employee feedback systems
• Measure and report on communication effectiveness and employee sentiment

(Browse jobs in communications.)

Explore more salary insights 

To support your job search with comprehensive salary data and job market benchmarks across various industries and roles in Japan, download the full Michael Page Salary Guide, covering the average salaries of jobs in Japan’s dynamic job market, or use our Salary Comparison Tool to see how your compensation compares to industry standards.

Disclaimer: Salaries can differ from one company to another and depending on your skills, knowledge, experience, and industry.

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