2025 Japan HR Salary Guide

Companies in Japan are facing a workforce shortage, worsened by the "2040 problem”. Driven by an aging population and a declining birthrate, by 2040, people aged 65 and older will make up 34.8% of the population, contributing to a labor shortage of 11 million workers.^*

In response, companies are shifting from the traditional membership-based employment system, which lacked clear job descriptions, relied on job rotation, and evaluated employees based on tenure, to a job-based approach prioritizing skills and performance. This shift promotes competition for talent, with businesses offering higher wages to attract skilled workers. Companies are investing in reskilling, especially digital literacy, and rehiring senior talent while recruiting foreign workers to fill labor gaps.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are also central to HR strategies, with a focus on attracting women, caregivers, and foreign workers through flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and better career advancement opportunities. Companies are prioritizing employee wellbeing with wellness programs, mental health support, and burnout reduction initiatives to retain talent.

HR is also taking a leading role in change management, especially during acquisitions and divestitures, focusing on employee engagement, psychological safety, and employee satisfaction. HR is driving transformation, not just managing change.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

HR Director

16000000

22000000

30000000

HR Manager

11000000

13000000

15000000

Senior HR Business Partner

14000000

16000000

20000000

HR Business Partner

8000000

12000000

14000000

HR Generalist

6000000

9000000

12000000

Talent Acquisition Manager

10000000

14000000

17000000

Recruiter

6000000

9000000

11000000

C&B Specialist

8000000

10000000

12000000

C&B Manager

10000000

12000000

14000000

C&B Director

15000000

18000000

22000000

Global C&B Head

16000000

20000000

25000000

Learning & Development Manager

7000000

9000000

12000000

Global HRIS (HR Information Systems)

8500000

12500000

14500000

Talent Management / Organization Development

10000000

14000000

18000000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role and building the needed skills, experience and autonomy.

50th percentile

The candidate has the experience to perform core responsibilities without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.

75th percentile

The candidate delivers value beyond the stated job duties, has advanced qualifications and experience, and is ready for the next career level.

Pay increases are expected for HR professionals in 2025. To attract and retain talent, companies need to align compensation with trends, offering competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments that prioritize work-life balance. HR professionals will need skills in change and project management to stay agile and aligned with business needs.

of companies considering a pay increase of 3% to 5% for 2025.** of companies considering a pay increase of 3% to 5% for 2025.**

of companies expected a wage increase of 1% to 3%, and 8% expected an increase of less than 1% in 2025.*** of companies expected a wage increase of 1% to 3%, and 8% expected an increase of less than 1% in 2025.***

In-demand permanent jobs in HR

Senior HR Business Partner

Talent Management / Organization Development

HR Director

Global C&B Head

In-demand skills and experience in HR

HRIS

Compensation & Benefits

Talent Management (9 box, PPM, BambooHR)

CRM (Salesforce, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)

How much should I earn or pay?

In-demand certifications and degrees in HR

Bachelor of Law

Masters of HR Management

MBA

Labor and Social Security Attorney (Sharoushi)

Top industries hiring for HR professionals

Healthcare

Semiconductor

Luxury / Retail / Consumer goods

Manufacturing

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The salary benchmarks listed in Robert Half's Salary Guide are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Company size, industry and the availability of remote work options can influence salaries. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognizing that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on third-party research. All external data sources are explicitly cited throughout.

^*Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Statistical topics No. 142: Insights on Japan’s older population.

^**Reuters. November Reuters Corporate Survey: Feasible Wage Increase Rates for Spring 2025 Negotiations, 10% of Companies Targeting '5% or More,' Doubling from Last Year.

^***Reuters. Japan's Biggest Union Group Targets 5% Wage Hikes Next Year.