Search jobs now Submit your resume Explore how we help job seekers Contract talent Permanent talent Project and interim professionals Learn how we work with you Executive search Technology Finance and accounting Financial services Business transformation & IT leadership Human resources Supply chain Technology Risk, audit and compliance Finance and accounting Digital, marketing and customer experience Legal Operations Human resources 2026 Salary Guide Robert Half blog Career development Management tips Hiring help Land that job Research & insights Browse jobs Find your next hire Our location
Job seekers: Explore opportunities and grow your career with us. While salaries for many HR roles have remained steady, positions in HR business partnering, talent management, leadership, and talent acquisition have seen an increase. This reflects the growing need for both domestic and international companies to transform HR in response to business challenges, evolving workforce expectations, and globalization. With demand outpacing supply, employers are competing for experienced professionals, particularly at the senior manager and director levels.  Talent acquisition (TA) has been a standout area. After years of stagnation, demand for TA specialists surged in the last 12 months, driven by a rebound in IT and a focus on strengthening internal TA functions, which boosted both hiring demand and salaries.  At the same time, a generational gap in Japan’s HR workforce adds pressure. The industry lost many mid-career professionals after the Lehman shock, leaving a shortage of experienced talent in their 30s and early 40s. This has intensified competition for senior HR leaders, even as younger professionals continue to enter the field in large numbers.  In 2026, demand will remain strong for bilingual HR professionals who combine strategic business acumen with adaptability and the ability to shape organizational culture, especially as organizations adopt AI, modernize systems, globalize, and focus on leadership development and succession planning.  Hiring managers: Get customized salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional. 

How much should I pay or earn?
View salaries by category
Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role. Our salaries do not include bonuses, benefits or perks.
HR Talent Acquisition Compensation & Benefits Learning & Development
Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile HR Director 18000000 24000000 30000000 HR Manager 12000000 14000000 16000000 Senior HR Business Partner 14000000 16000000 20000000 HR Business Partner 8000000 12000000 14000000 HR Generalist 6000000 9000000 12000000 Global HRIS Manager 10000000 13000000 15000000 Talent Manager 10000000 14000000 18000000 Organization Development Manager 10000000 14000000 18000000 Payroll Manager 10000000 14000000 16000000 CHRO 20000000 30000000 40000000 DE&I Manager 8000000 15000000 20000000
25th percentile
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.
50th percentile
The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.
75th percentile
The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Let us guide your business

Looking for a job? Explore our vacancies Schedule a walk-through with a Robert Half consultant to get customized insights for your business on the salary trends in Japan. Book a walk-through

Top priorities and in-demand skills in human resources (HR)

HR teams are driving transformation by modernizing systems, adopting global best practices, and leveraging AI to boost efficiency and impact. Strengthening leadership pipelines and succession planning are also key priorities. Hiring managers are looking for HR professionals who can lead change, manage projects, shape culture, and think strategically, especially bilingual talent. Modernizing HR systems and processes Adopting global HR best practices Planning succession and developing leaders Leveraging AI for efficiency and business partnering Global HR mindset and cross-border experience Open mindset, willingness to learn and agility Leading projects & change Ability to think holistically and shape organizational culture

Hiring challenges and retention strategies for human resources (HR)

Hiring managers must balance speed with thorough candidate evaluation while keeping candidates engaged to stay competitive. Prioritizing the candidate experience and understanding the market landscape is essential. Managers should remain flexible in expectations and hiring decisions, valuing potential, mindset, and the right attitudes alongside skills to address gaps.  Finding talent who manage operations, culture, and talent transition Balancing speed with thorough candidate evaluation Being flexible in hiring decisions Ensuring a strong candidate experience Offering competitive pay and benefits Highlighting career growth and internal/global mobility opportunities Providing autonomy and leadership opportunities Focusing on potential and mindset beyond skills
A vast majority of Japanese firms continue to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a record percentage of women aged 15-64 now participating in the workforce.  With demand for strategic HR roles accelerating through digital transformation and globalization, organizations that invest in HR leadership and talent pipelines will stand out. of Japanese companies remain committed to workplace diversity.* of Japanese companies remain committed to workplace diversity.*

female labor force participation rate (ages 15-64) in Japan, June 2025.** female labor force participation rate (ages 15-64) in Japan, June 2025.**

In-demand roles, certifications and top industries hiring 

In Japan’s HR hiring market, companies are prioritizing bilingual professionals with strategic mindsets, business acumen, and the ability to bridge local and global HR practices.  As AI and automation reshape processes, HR professionals with data literacy and change management skills are highly valued. With supply lagging demand, employers are offering higher base pay, hybrid work, and faster hiring cycles to secure top candidates. Key roles in human resources driving Japan’s hiring market: Senior HR Business Partner  Talent Management, Organization Development  HR Director  TA Director  Global C&B Head
Employers seek certified professionals who can blend global HR standards with Japan’s distinct labor landscape, driving compliance, leadership development, and digital transformation within evolving HR functions.  These certifications demonstrate strategic insight, legal expertise, and proficiency in organizational design - capabilities vital for HR business partners, talent leaders, and HR directors. Top certifications for human resource professionals in Japan:  Bachelor of Laws Masters of HR Management  MBA  Labor and Social Security Attorney (Sharoushi)
In 2026, HR hiring in Japan is being driven by industries undergoing rapid transformation and globalization. Companies are prioritizing strategic HR leaders who can manage change, strengthen leadership pipelines, and build agile, future-ready workforces.  Industries driving Japan’s human resources hiring in 2026:   Healthcare  Electronics, semiconductor  Manufacturing  IT/Tech  Financial & professional services

Personalized guidance. Smarter hiring. Better jobs.

A Salary Guide walk-through delivers in-depth insights

You’ll get a customized salary report and personal support to help give you a competitive edge in your search for skilled talent. Schedule walk-through

Build your team with skilled talent

Need to hire? Our recruiters are here to help you quickly find experienced professionals who are the right fit for your business. Hire talent

Looking for work?

We’ll help you find a role that fits your goals, skills, and lifestyle. Let’s get started on your job search today. Find a job

Hiring and career insights in HR

Why mid-career hiring is challenging in Japan and how to overcome it Hiring mid-career professionals helps secure experienced talent fast, but Japan’s competitive market demands new strategies. Learn key challenges and practical hiring solutions.
Employee retention rate in Japan: why it matters and how to improve it What does retention rate reveal about your company? Learn how to calculate and improve employee retention in Japan—and why it matters for business success.
Retention strategy in Japan: Why it matters and how to strengthen it Struggling with employee turnover in Japan? Discover why having a strong retention strategy is essential and explore actionable ways to keep your top talent engaged and loyal.
What is an HRBP? Understanding the role and career path An HRBP acts as a strategic partner in HR, bridging the gap between employees and leadership. Explore the role, skills required, and career path of an HRBP.
How to negotiate salary in Japan Learn how to confidently negotiate your salary with practical tips, timing advice, and example phrases to secure the pay you deserve in your next role or current job in Japan.
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 in Japan.   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 and all external data sources are explicitly cited throughout. Sources: *Reuters.com. (2025). Most Japan firms stay committed to diversity despite US moves, Reuters survey shows. **Bank of Japan. (2025). Japan's labor market under demographic decline: Changes in dynamics and macroeconomic implications.
Browse jobs Contract talent Permanent talent Project and interim professionals Executive search Consulting solutions Technology Finance and accounting Financial services Business transformation & IT leadership Human resources Supply chain Discover insights Job directory Salary guide e-Learning Timesheets Subscribe to newsletter Information center About Robert Half Leadership Corporate info Careers with us Locations Investor center Our brands Fraud alert Privacy notice Terms of use Robert Half Inc. Australia - English Belgium - English Belgium - Nederlands Belgium - Français Brazil - Português Canada - English Canada - Français Chile - Español China - English China - 中文 France - Français Germany - Deutsch Hong Kong, China - English Ireland - English Italy - Italian Japan - English Japan - 日本語 Luxembourg - English Luxembourg - Français Netherlands - English Netherlands - Nederlands New Zealand - English Singapore - English Switzerland - Deutsch Switzerland - English Switzerland - Français United Arab Emirates - English United Kingdom - English United States - English