Choosing an Industry for Employment - Characteristics and Precautions of High-Paying Industries

In the job market, salary levels are considered a very important factor. In particular, industries with high starting salaries and anticipated salary increases are of great interest to job seekers. However, there are various factors to consider when choosing an industry based solely on high salaries. In this article, we aim to introduce the characteristics and precautions of promising high-paying industries when looking for a job.

First, according to the 'Basic Statistics Survey on Wage Structure' by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, the industry with the highest starting salary for four-year college graduates is 'Academic Research, Professional and Technical Services', with an annual salary of 2,272,000 yen. This is followed by 'Information and Communication' at 2,181,000 yen and 'Construction' at 2,167,000 yen. In addition to the starting salaries for college graduates, 'Construction' and 'Information and Communication' also ranked high in starting salaries for high school graduates.

'Academic Research, Professional and Technical Services' is a field where individuals who have acquired specialized knowledge at universities work, providing various research and development and consulting services. To work in this industry, it is crucial to possess specialized knowledge and technical skills.

'Information and Communication' is the industry encompassing companies that provide data communication and IT services. It requires sensitivity to the latest technological trends and continuous skill acquisition. With the advancement of new technologies such as 5G, VR/AR, and Generative AI, new business opportunities are expanding, making it a promising field. However, it also faces challenges such as cybersecurity and data privacy.

Meanwhile, 'Construction' includes various types of construction work such as building, civil engineering, and equipment installation. It employs a large number of high school graduates and has a high demand for skilled workers. However, issues such as the aging of skilled workers and long working hours have been pointed out, highlighting the need for efforts to improve working conditions.

Looking at the proportion of high-income earners besides starting salaries, the industry with the highest percentage of employees earning 10 million yen or more annually is the 'Medical and Welfare' sector. This is attributed to the high proportion of professionals like doctors and pharmacists. Interestingly, the proportion of high-income earners among high school graduates was higher than that of college graduates.

If you are aiming for a high salary when seeking employment, professional and technical fields seem advantageous. However, a high starting salary doesn't necessarily guarantee high income in the long term. Building your career through continuous self-development and enhancing your expertise is also important. You should also consider the stress and long working hours that may accompany a high salary.

Ultimately, finding an industry that aligns with your aptitude and values is paramount. Instead of simply chasing money, it's advisable to make career decisions considering job satisfaction and work-life balance. While salary is important, it's not the sole determinant of everything. We hope you can choose an industry that aligns with your goals and values, leading to a fulfilling professional life.