For Western companies expanding into Japan, understanding tech salary ranges in Japan is critical to attract and retain skilled professionals. Employers hiring in IT technical, sales & marketing, back office, or executive roles need accurate insights to remain competitive, budget effectively, and ensure successful recruitment.
At SVA Recruitment in Japan, we specialize in helping Western companies hire top talent in Japan’s tech industry. With expertise across IT technical, sales & marketing, back office, and executive roles, we provide market insights and guidance on competitive compensation packages, ensuring you can attract the right candidates for your team.
Average Salary Ranges by Focus Area
IT Technical Roles
Technical positions such as software engineers, developers, and IT specialists are in high demand. Average tech salary ranges in Japan for IT technical roles include:
Entry-level: ¥3.5M–¥5M per year
Mid-level (3–5 years): ¥5M–¥8M per year
Senior-level / Lead: ¥8M–¥12M+ per year
Sales & Marketing Roles in Tech
Tech sales and marketing professionals who understand both products and local markets are vital. Tech salary ranges in Japan for these roles are:
Entry-level: ¥3.5M–¥5M per year
Mid-level: ¥5M–¥8M per year
Senior-level / Manager: ¥8M–¥12M+ per year
Back Office & Operations Roles
Back office and operational roles support business efficiency, particularly for foreign companies. Tech salary ranges in Japan for back office positions include:
Entry-level: ¥3M–¥4.5M per year
Mid-level: ¥4.5M–¥7M per year
Senior-level / Team Lead: ¥7M–¥10M per year
Executive Leadership Roles
Executives and senior leaders play a strategic role for Western companies entering Japan. Tech salary ranges in Japan for executive roles are:
CTO / VP of Engineering: ¥12M–¥25M+ per year
Head of IT / Operations: ¥10M–¥20M per year
Head of Sales / Marketing: ¥10M–¥18M per year
Key Factors That Influence Tech Salaries in Japan
Experience & Seniority
Salary expectations grow with technical expertise and leadership experience, especially in IT technical and executive roles.
Location: Tokyo vs Regional Cities
Tokyo offers the highest salaries due to the concentration of global tech firms, while regional cities provide slightly lower but competitive packages.
Company Type & Market Presence
Western companies may need to offer premium packages to compete with local firms and retain top talent. Startups and SMEs may also leverage unique perks and flexible packages to attract candidates.
Language Skills & International Experience
Candidates fluent in English and Japanese, or with international experience, often command higher salaries, particularly in executive and client-facing roles.
Salary Trends and Market Insights
High demand for technical expertise: IT specialists, developers, and engineers are increasingly sought after.
Sales & marketing talent with tech knowledge: Professionals who understand products and local markets are scarce.
Executive roles are premium: Senior leadership positions require strategic insight for foreign companies.
Remote work and flexibility: Western companies offering hybrid or flexible arrangements can attract top candidates.
- Market insights from the World Economic Forum highlight Japan’s growing need for skilled tech professionals and the increasing competition for talent across IT, sales, and executive roles (WEF).
Strategies for Western Companies to Offer Competitive Packages
Beyond Base Salary
Offer bonuses, stock options, relocation support, or flexible working arrangements to make your company attractive to top talent.
Retention-Focused Packages
Regularly benchmark salaries and adjust for inflation, skills scarcity, and performance, particularly for IT technical, sales & marketing, back office, and executive roles.
Employer Branding & Career Growth
Showcase your global reach, career development opportunities, and exposure to international projects to appeal to local talent.
Conclusion
Western companies looking to hire in Japan must understand tech salary ranges in Japan to attract and retain the best talent. Competitive packages tailored to IT technical, sales & marketing, back office, and executive roles, combined with market insights and flexible benefits, ensure your company stands out in Japan’s competitive tech landscape.
