Japan's National Government Employees' Salaries Increased Significantly After 32 Years: Average Annual Salary Rises to 6,916,000 Yen

The Japanese Personnel Agency has recommended a 2.76% average salary increase for national government employees. This marks the largest increase in 32 years, since 1992. This recommendation is in response to rising prices and the need to attract talent, aligning with the sharp salary increases seen in private companies.

According to the agency's recommendation, national government employees' monthly salaries will increase for the third consecutive year, with an average increase of 11,183 yen. Furthermore, bonuses will also see a third consecutive year of increase, with an additional 0.1 month's worth of salary added, bringing the total annual bonus to 4.6 months' worth. Specifically, to attract young talent, the starting salary for newly hired university graduates in general administrative positions has been set at 230,000 yen, representing a 14.6% increase.

As a result of this recommendation, the average annual salary for national government employees in general administrative roles will increase by 228,000 yen, reaching 6,916,000 yen. Due to this salary increase, the Japanese government anticipates an additional personnel cost of approximately 382 billion yen and the Cabinet will decide whether to adopt the recommendation.

Meanwhile, within Japan, given the substantial salary increase for national government employees after 32 years, it is expected to have an impact on the salaries of local government employees going forward. Particularly, to narrow the salary gap with private companies and gain a competitive edge in attracting talent, it is highly likely that salary increases for national government employees will continue in the future.