2024 Salary Guide JP EN
2024 Salary Guide JP EN
JAPAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2024 Salary Guide
The 2024 Salary Guide is based on the analysis of the entirety of our placements made across Japan over the past, as well as an online survey developed by
Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm with forecasts for the year ahead.
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ABOUT ROBERT HALF 2024 Salary Guide
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that
connects companies with highly skilled job seekers. We offer permanent
placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, HR, office
support, legal, and financial services. Robert Half has 345 locations worldwide,
including nearly 100 locations in 18 countries outside the United States.
Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that
provides internal audit, risk, business, and technology consulting solutions.
Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named a Fortune® Most Admired
Company and a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity. Robert Half and Protiviti
have also each been named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list.
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METHODOLOGY 2024 Salary Guide
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MARKET OUTLOOK 2024 | 1 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
The hiring landscape is evolving, with candidates emphasizing competitive salaries and career growth when changing jobs. While companies are actively
bringing in new talent, they are also grappling with high turnover rates. In the face of severe talent shortages and intensified competition, it is crucial to
proactively implement initiatives to improve retention rates and curb the departure of employees seeking better offers.
New Hires: Did the number of people joining your company change in 2023? How much movement is there in the recruitment market?
In the post-COVID landscape, workplace flexibility has become integral to work-life balance in Japan, shifting the focus away from work being the
central aspect of people's lives. As companies adapt their strategies, employees are experiencing an increase in morale, productivity and satisfaction.
How satisfied are you in your current role? Why do workers stay at their current companies?
W
57% Nearly 60% of employees express satisfaction with their
O
28% current company, particularly given the considerable market
R
K
movement of the past two years.
6%
E
6% Hybrid work arrangements provide improved work-life
R
S 4% balance, which is highly valued in the market.
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Morale Productivity Satisfaction
MARKET OUTLOOK 2024 | 3 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
Salaries have increased, albeit slightly, over the past few months, and we expect the trend to continue in 2024. However, there are still increases
available for top candidates within technology, finance, financial services, marketing, human resources, and supply chain fields.
How have salaries at your company changed in the past 12 months? Are employers taking notice of rising living costs and the weak yen?
Over 70% of candidates currently have no intentions of departing from their current positions. However, 5% are contemplating leaving within the first
quarter of 2024, with an additional 10% eyeing a departure within the first six months of the same year. Uncompetitive pay is the top catalyst prompting
individuals to seek job changes, closely followed by limited career progression opportunities and poor work-life balance.
When are you likely to look for a new job? Job market outlook
Japanese companies aim to fill 37.6% of job openings with mid-career
W 5% hires, marking the largest shift away from the traditional lifetime
O employment model.2
R 10%
K Companies are expanding mid-career hires to land enough professionals
E 14%
for digitization efforts.
R
S 71% Salary budgets for Japanese employees are expected to remain high in
The power dynamics between workers and employers are changing. Employees seek competitive pay, more meaningful work and career progression
opportunities. They want fair compensation beyond wage hikes, as solely relying on higher pay for talent retention isn't viable long-term. They're aiming
for increased transparency, fairness and flexibility at work.
Where are companies falling short when it comes to perks and benefits? What are the trends when it comes to perks and benefits?
41% cite lack of competitive pay as the top driver to leave their current role. Employees are looking for greater transparency, equity
and flexibility at work.
18% cite a lack of career progression opportunities.
Hybrid work arrangements provide improved work-life balance,
which is highly valued in the market.
14% are considering to leave their current role due to lack of employee
In-house positions that provide valuable company
benefits.
contributions and a pathway to managerial roles are highly
11% want to leave their current role due to a lack of flexibility and poor desired.
work-life balance. Staff find great appeal in collaborating with international teams,
as it unifies offline and online efforts to foster seamless synergies
and elevate engagement / retention levels.
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TECHNOLOGY | 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
The job market demands specialization, foreseeing steady growth with a preference for contract roles over permanent positions, and reflecting a shift
from traditional employment to self-employment or consulting in 2024. Candidates with strong technical consulting backgrounds, coupled with
strong interpersonal skills are in top demand. It is imperative for candidates to adapt by developing comprehensive skill sets rather than relying
solely on technical expertise.
Salaries at a glance
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TECHNOLOGY | 2 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Are you likely to look for a new job in 2024? Cloud migration driving opportunities and talent demand
The move from legacy systems to cloud services in finance and insurance is fueling a
61%
surge in opportunities for consulting firms and startups, spurring demand for various
roles like project managers, analysts, engineers, and business developers.
Successful companies are leveraging both internal recruitment teams and external
24%
agencies to identify top talent. Companies demonstrating proactive investment in
10%
5% hiring initiatives will enjoy a competitive edge in this evolving landscape.
Companies are encouraging people to come back to the office, with a minimum of
Which of the following are most important for you when three days in office. The hybrid working style will continue into the foreseeable future.
considering a new role?
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TECHNOLOGY | 3 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Most in-demand soft skills Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees
Logical problem-solving skills Technical product management Cloud certification (AWS / GCP)
Communication skills Web Software Engineering (Typescript, Java, CCNA
Python, Rust, etc.) CSM / CSPO
Innovative thinking skills
AWS, GCP, Azure, Linux, etc. CKA / CKAD / CKS
Relationship-building skills
QA, Automation, SDET, Selenium, Appium Computer science
Stakeholder management skills
Machine Learning, Data Science, SQL
Sense of ownership
Docker, Kubernetes, Istio, Jenkins, etc.
Sectors that recruit the most Areas in which staff are hard to find Top 5 benefits
Consulting Network engineers / Mid-level cloud Remote work flexibility
engineers
Technology Agreed bonus plan
Cybersecurity
Manufacturing Financial allowance for remote working
Data engineers / Scientists
Consumer Goods Flexible benefits program
Technical product managers
Life Sciences Career growth opportunities
XaaS Tech Sales
Insurance
Bilingual fluency
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BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION & IT LEADERSHIP| 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
The sector is heavily influenced by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and global market shifts. The prevailing trend in
2024 revolves around internalizing functions, shifting away from external vendors in fields such as engineering and project management. This transition
has led to a shortage of available candidates, prompting traditional IT enterprises to introduce flexible salary structures and prioritize contract-based roles
to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Salaries at a glance
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BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION & IT LEADERSHIP| 2 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
The financial and banking sectors face constraints in their hiring capacities, yet
24%
indications suggest a potential resurgence in recruitment towards the second
10% half of 2024.
5%
Companies continue to support hybrid work, albeit with an increase in
Q1 2024 H1 2024 During 2024 No plans to
office days to maintain productivity while offering flexibility to employees.
leave
Most in-demand soft skills Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees
Leadership Workday SAP, Oracle EBS Cloud (AWS / Azure / GCP)
Communication skills Salesforce and MS Dynamics CRM PMP / Agile / Scrum
Innovative thinking skills ERP BABOK
Relationship-building skills Cloud technologies (Azure / AWS / GCP) TOGAF / Zachman
Stakeholder management skills Supply chain / WMS ITIL
Logical problem-solving skills Front end systems
Sectors that recruit the most Areas in which staff are hard to find Top 5 benefits
Consulting firms and technology vendors Business consulting / analysts Remote work flexibility
Consumer goods Project management Stock options
Pharmaceutical / Healthcare / Medical Mid-level cloud engineers Bonus (company / individual / team)
Devices
Architects Flexible benefits program
Financial Services
IT governance risk & compliance Autonomy
Managed Service Providers
Digital transformation (DX)
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FINANCE & ACCOUNTING | 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
The ongoing talent shortage continues to persist, and with recent inflation spikes and global economics shifts, companies have
increasingly become more mindful in their cost saving efforts. Consequently, candidates are not seeing as frequent significant salary increments,
prompting them to stay at their current company. Both domestic and international companies are increasingly returning to the office, with a preference
for face-to-face interviews during the hiring process.
Salaries at a glance
Are you likely to look for a new job in 2024? Business success: balancing shifting trends and talent challenges
11%
The government’s efforts to bring in foreign finance professionals face
9%
6%
large gaps in remuneration and language requirements.
Q1 2024 H1 2024 During 2024 No plans to Native Japanese with bilingual skills are increasingly in high demand.
leave
Sustainable development (SDGs) and environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) issues are prominent, but there's an imbalance in
Which of the following are most important for you when
talent supply and demand.
considering a new role?
In-house positions that provide valuable company contributions and
1 Corporate values (DEI, ESG)
a pathway to managerial roles are in high demand.
2 Career progression opportunities
3 Benefits
4 Company culture
5 Good flexibility (teleworking, hybrid work, flexible schedules)
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FINANCE & ACCOUNTING | 3 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Most in-demand soft skills Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees
Communication skills JGAAP, US GAAP, IFRS CPA
Change management Microsoft Excel (Financial modelling) Overseas professional accounting qualifications
Business partnering skills Business intelligence tools (TM1, Power BI, and (ACCA / CIMA)
Tableau) / ERP Relevant bachelor’s degree in finance /
Stakeholder management / influencing skills
Financial analysis economics / commerce
Leadership skills
SQL MBA
Sectors that recruit the most Areas in which staff are hard to find Top 5 benefits
Healthcare Treasury Hybrid / remote work
Financial Services Tax Flexible working hours
Retail Accountant Overseas training / mobility opportunities
Manufacturing FP&A Low overtime hours
Internal Audit
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FINANCIAL SERVICES | 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Due to serious talent shortages, companies are becoming more flexible with candidate backgrounds. For instance, F&A professionals coming from
commercial companies are transitioning into financial services, while firms with extended compliance role vacancies are considering candidates from
diverse industries.
Salaries at a glance
+1% average salary increase | +1.4% operations & transformation | +1.4% risk and compliance
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FINANCIAL SERVICES | 2 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Are you likely to look for a new job in 2024? Shifting dynamics in financial services sector
The scarcity of candidates is disrupting the conventional model, leading to a
78% transition of Financial & Accounting professionals from commercial companies into
the Financial Services sector along with increased flexibility in candidate
backgrounds.
12% The sector is experiencing a substantial rise in asset management for primary
8%
2% compliance positions, especially in regulatory fields.
Q1 2024 H1 2024 During 2024 No plans to The hiring landscape within non-traditional financial services companies (Fintech
leave
firms) remains steady.
Which of the following are most important for you when Redefining career pathways
considering a new role?
Auditors at Big 4 firms aim to transition in-house, eyeing positions such as CFO
1 Good flexibility (remote work, hybrid work, flexible schedules) or Head of Finance. Advancing to these roles usually involves starting as an in-
2 Company growth prospects house manager and climbing the corporate ladder.
3 Company culture
The finance industry faces challenges with high demand, fewer new graduate talents
4 Benefits
than in years prior.
5 Manager(s)
Sustained expansion of businesses in Japan is particularly noticeable among
retail brokerage startups, leveraging the weakened JPY for market investments.
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FINANCIAL SERVICES | 3 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Most in-demand soft skills Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees
Stakeholder management AML / KYC Bachelor of Law
Communication skills GRC system implementation Bachelor of
Economics/Accounting/Commerce
Leadership skills Regulatory compliance
CA, CPA
Project management Financial accounting knowledge (SPC)
JSDA Certifications
Negotiation skills Tax-related knowledge
ACAMS
Time management
Regulatory communication
Sectors that recruit the most Areas in which staff are hard to find Top 5 benefits
Insurance Junior to Mid-level Legal Hybrid working
Banking Retail Brokerage Compliance On the job training
Asset / investment management Treasury Stock options
FinTech Internal Audit Amount of paid leave
Retail brokerage Opportunities to work closely with overseas
stakeholders
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HUMAN RESOURCES | 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Japanese companies are in the midst of transformation, disrupting the traditional bilingual talent market, looking to rapidly accelerate their in-house HR
practices and processes. While salaries in most areas have changed marginally, there are increases in certain areas where demand far outweighs the
supply. While the compensation package is important, HR candidates are more interested in company culture and building a long-term career than
professionals in other sectors.
Salaries at a glance
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HUMAN RESOURCES| 2 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Are you likely to look for a new job in 2024? Increased focus on talent management drives demand
13% 15%
8%
Corporate culture is a driving factor for securing the best talent
Q1 2024 H1 2024 During 2024 No plans to Skilled HR talent is present in the region, but business leaders are having to
leave
work hard to sell them on their offer.
Which of the following are most important for you when HR experts want to work for organizations that value people, and because of
considering a new role?
their experience they know how to identify good and bad corporate culture.
1 Company culture
Flexible and hybrid working should still be on the table for HR talent,
2 Company growth prospects
but many are prepared to return to the office to build corporate culture.
3 Benefits
Businesses need to manage their recruitment processes to convince
4 Salary
candidates. Meeting candidates face-to-face makes a difference, as making
5 Geographical location
that additional effort shows that they value people.
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HUMAN RESOURCES| 3 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees Sectors that recruit the most
Stakeholder management Bachelor of Law Healthcare
Change management Masters of HR Management IT
Resilience MBA Luxury / Retail
Project management Labor and Social Security Attorney Manufacturing
(Sharoushi)
Empathy Automotive
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SUPPLY CHAIN | 1 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Salary levels have seen a slight rise, reflecting the heightened significance of supply chain functions within companies compared to previous years.
Moreover, the compensation range for planning roles tends to be higher, owing to the scarcity of qualified candidates in this field.
Salaries at a glance
+7% average salary increase | +10% demand and supply planning| +5% logistics planning
+5% indirect procurement | +10% S&OP and SCM | +8% EHS / HSE
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SUPPLY CHAIN| 2 of 3
While remote and hybrid work options continue to gain popularity, candidates
prefer having the autonomy to decide the number of in-office workdays.
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SUPPLY CHAIN| 3 of 3 2024 Salary Guide
Most in-demand soft skills Most in-demand technical skills Most in-demand certifications and degrees
Stakeholder management Supply chain planning MBA
Change management Proven track record of improvement in Six Sigma (black belt and above)
operational processes
Leadership skills Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMO experience
Project management APICS
Track record of cost reduction
Negotiation skills
SAP
Collaborative behavior
3PL management
Sectors that recruit the most Areas in which staff are hard to find Top 5 benefits
Consumer Goods Supply Chain Manager / Director RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)
Pharmaceuticals Demand & Supply Planner Group life insurance
Machinery / Electrical / Electronics / Automotive Indirect Purchasing Staff / Manager In-house childcare facilities
Parts
Health, Safety and Environmental Control Language learning cost support
Medical Devices Manager
E-commerce / Retail Packaging Development (Packaging)
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HOW TO USE OUR SALARY TABLES 2024 Salary Guide
Salary percentiles
Starting salaries are not one-size-fits-all, which is why we separate them into three percentiles based on multiple factors.
The percentiles account for differences in experience, skills, professional certifications, demand, and the size/complexity of the company hiring.
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SALARIES | TECHNOLOGY | 1 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | TECHNOLOGY | 2 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | TECHNOLOGY | 3 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | TECHNOLOGY | 4 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING | 1 of 2 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING | 2 of 2 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | FINANCIAL SERVICES | 1 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | FINANCIAL SERVICES | 3 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | FINANCIAL SERVICES | 4 of 4 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | HUMAN RESOURCES 2024 Salary Guide
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SALARIES | SUPPLY CHAIN | 1 of 2 2024 Salary Guide
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
Company name: Robert Half Japan Ltd.
Investor Center
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