Salary Expectations for Different SSW Job Sectors in Japan 2026
The introduction of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program created opportunities for skilled foreign workers, including Nepalese workers, to work within a specified list of 16 industrial sectors.
Legally, these Specified Skilled Workers are required to receive the same pay as Japanese workers doing the same work. This ensures fair compensation and equal working conditions under Japan’s labor laws.
In this guide, we break down SSW salaries by job sectors, the highest paying SSW job sectors, explain monthly take-home salary and whether it covers your cost of living.
What Is the SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Program in Japan?
The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program is a work visa system that creates an employment pathway for foreign workers, including Nepalese workers, in Japan’s 16 designated industrial sectors experiencing labor shortages.
With proper SSW preparation, the skilled workers apply for one of the two SSW categories: SSW (i) and SSW (ii), based on skill level, experience and the ability to bring family workers along with them.
Under this system, the SSW workers are entitled to equal pay with Japanese workers performing the same job.
16 Designated SSW Industries in Japan
The SSW workers do not have the freedom to work in any industry they prefer. They must choose one of the 16 specified industries under the SSW program:
- Nursing Care (Caregiving)
- Construction Industry
- Agriculture
- Food Service Industry
- Manufacture of Food and Beverages
- Building Cleaning Management
- Manufacture of Industrial Products
- Accommodation Industry
- Automobile Repair and Maintenance
- Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry
- Aviation Industry
- Fishery and Aquaculture Industries
- Automobile Transportation Business
- Railway
- Forestry
- Wood Industry
Average SSW Salary in Japan (2026 Overview)
As of 2026, the average monthly wage of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) employees in Japan typically ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥350,000+. However, this amount can differ depending on industry, location and level of experience. In certain skilled or overtime-intensive jobs, the earnings can be higher.
The salaries of the SSW workers are relatively low and in the middle-income range in comparison with the minimum wage and the average national income in Japan. However, they are stable and regulated by law to be on par with those of Japanese employees in the same position.
Several factors influence salary levels, including the job sector, workplace location (urban or rural areas), Japanese language ability and the amount of overtime work. As a result, actual earnings can differ significantly from one worker to another.
Most In-Demand SSW Job Sectors and Their Average Salary
SSW salaries in Japan vary significantly depending on the job sector. While all industries follow Japan’s labor laws and ensure equal pay for SSW workers under the SSW visa, which is one of the key benefits of the SSW visa, some sectors offer higher pay due to labor demand, working conditions and skill requirements.
Below is a breakdown of average monthly salaries across the major SSW job sectors in 2026.
Nursing Care (Caregiving)
Nursing care is one of the most in-demand sectors under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program, largely due to the country’s rapidly aging population. According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, approximately 28.7% of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older, creating a significant need for caregiving professionals.
The average salary of workers in the caregiving industry ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥250,000, depending on overtime, night shifts and weekend bonuses.
Manufacturing / Factory Work
One of the most stable and widely available SSW jobs in Japan is work in the manufacturing industry, due to the consistent demand in industries such as electronics, food processing and automobile parts.
Workers in this sector are typically responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, packaging goods, and maintaining production lines in factories.
The average wage of the manufacturing workers is between ¥200,000 and ¥250,000 monthly, with the possibility of additional earnings through overtime.
Food Service Industry
High demand for restaurant staff and continuous labor shortages in kitchens and service roles make the food service industry a major SSW sector in Japan. The professionals in this industry assist in food preparation, cooking, serving customers and maintaining cleanliness in restaurants and fast-food joints.
The average monthly salary typically ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥250,000, with limited overtime opportunities compared to other sectors.
Hospitality (Hotel Industry)
The hospitality sector is growing steadily under the SSW program, especially due to Japan’s tourism industry recovery and increasing demand for hotel staff. Employees in this industry deal with front desk operations, guest services, housekeeping and basic customer services within hotels and resorts.
The average monthly salary ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥250,000, based on language proficiency, place of work and the category of the hotel.
Construction
The construction industry is one of the highest-paying SSW employment sectors in Japan because of the strong demand in infrastructure development and the labor shortage in the industry.
The average monthly salary for SSW construction workers ranges from ¥220,000 to ¥285,000, depending on experience, location, and overtime opportunities.
Agriculture
In Japan, agriculture is a significant sector of SSW as a result of labor shortages in rural agricultural communities and seasonal workforce demands.
Planting, harvesting and the care of livestock plus general farm maintenance are some of the activities that workers in this industry engage in.
The average monthly salary is between ¥160,000 and ¥230,000, and can fluctuate depending on seasonality and the number of overtime hours during peak farming seasons.
Highest Paying SSW Job Sectors in Japan
Out of the different SSW job sectors in Japan, certain industries offer higher earning potential due to demand, skills requirements and overtime opportunities. Based on the average salary ranges, the highest-paying sectors are as follows :
- Aviation Industry: Average monthly salary of ¥300,000 – ¥420,000+
- Construction Industry: Average monthly salary of ¥220,000 – ¥285,000+
- Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry: Average monthly salary of ¥220,000 – ¥280,000+
- Automobile Repair and Maintenance: Average monthly salary of ¥200,000 – ¥270,000+
- Nursing Care (Caregiving: Average monthly salary of ¥180,000 – ¥250,000+
Monthly Take-Home Salary After Tax
The average salary figures mentioned above represent gross income and not the actual take-home amount. The monthly salary of SSW workers in Japan is subject to deductions such as income tax, resident tax, health insurance, pension contributions and employment insurance.
These deductions amount to 15-20% of gross salary and are standard in Japan’s labor system and apply to all workers, including foreign workers. As a result, the take-home amount is generally lower than the gross income.
For example:
- Gross monthly salary = ¥300,000
- Total deductions (15-20%) = ¥45,000 to ¥60,000
- Estimated take-home pay = ¥240,000 to ¥255,000
Cost of Living vs SSW Salary in Japan
Although SSW salaries in Japan can be a stable source of income, the cost of living is a major factor that determines how much workers can save each month. Living expenses can vary depending on location, lifestyle and whether accommodation is provided by the employer.
On average, monthly expenses for SSW workers include:
- Rent: ¥30,000 – ¥80,000
- Food: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000
- Transportation: ¥8,000 – ¥20,000
- Miscellaneous expenses: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000
With the average salary of SSW workers in Japan, most workers can afford the basic living costs and save a portion of their earnings. Generally, the amount of savings can range from ¥30,000 to ¥100,000 per month, depending on spending habits and take-home amount.
Conclusion
The salary of SSW workers in Japan varies by industry, but in general, it offers a stable and fair income with the possibility to save when managed properly. Factors such as deduction amount, take-home pay, cost of living and job sector all play a key role in overall financial stability.
For those planning to apply for the SSW program in Japan, proper preparation and skill development are crucial. Meihoku Training offers specialized training and guidance to help Nepalese workers develop the skills and language proficiency required to succeed within the SSW program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average salary of SSW workers in Japan?
The average salary of SSW workers in Japan generally ranges from ¥180,000 to ¥350,000, depending on the job sector, location and experience level.
2. Do SSW workers receive the same pay as Japanese workers?
Yes, SSW workers receive the same pay as Japanese working the same job because Japan’s labor laws ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of nationality.
3. Which SSW job sector pays the highest salary in Japan?
Among the specified list of 16 industries, sectors like Aviation, Construction and Manufacturing generally offer the highest pay to SSW workers due to higher skill requirements, labor demand, and overtime opportunities.
4. What amount is deducted from the gross salary of SSW workers?
Approximately 15-20% of the gross salary of SSW workers is deducted for income tax, resident tax, health insurance, pension and employment insurance.
5. Are SSW workers able to save money in Japan?
Yes, with proper planning and budgeting, many SSW workers are able to save between ¥30,000 and ¥100,000 per month. The actual amount of savings depends on their salary, living expenses, job sector, and personal spending habits.
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