Job seekers:Explore opportunities and grow your career with us.In Japan, employers are leveraging employee benefits and perks to complement salaries in response to rising living costs and labor shortages, a trend called the “third type of raise” (第三の賃上げ). While companies continue to raise pay, inflation erodes real wages, making non-salary benefits a key factor.In particular, younger professionals value practical perks that support daily life, with over 65% saying benefits influence their workplace choice. Popular offerings include learning and career development, childcare and eldercare support, fitness and wellness programs, and subsidized meals.For bilingual talent, exposure to headquarters or offices in the Asian Pacific region, international assignments, relocation, and travel are highly attractive. They evaluate not only pay and benefits but also growth and global experience when choosing roles.To attract and retain top talent, employers should position benefits as part of a holistic employee value proposition beyond salary. Combining competitive pay with practical, personalized perks and clear career and international opportunities helps organizations stand out, engage employees, and secure critical skills in a competitive market.Hiring managers: Get customized salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional.
Employee benefits play a crucial role in candidates’ decisions when choosing an employer. This is especially true for younger professionals: 67% of those in their 20s and 57% of those in their 30s consider benefits important, compared to an overall average of 51%. For younger business professionals, practical benefits that support daily life are a major factor in selecting a company.*of workers say employee benefits are important for staying long-term at a company.*of workers state they placed importance on perks and benefits when choosing their current employer.*
Are enhanced employee benefits the new salary raise?
While most workers still prioritize higher pay, a growing number are expressing a stronger preference for a more comprehensive employee benefits package. About one in three employees would rather see improvements in benefits programs than small pay raises or variable bonuses.32% prefer diverse benefits with tax advantages over small salary increases, and 32% favor stable benefits over fluctuating bonuses.* Professionals in their 20s and 30s especially value stable, diverse benefits packages.*
How to keep bilingual talent engaged
Beyond salary, bilingual professionals highly value factors that support long-term career growth. These include clear career paths, flexible work options, and access to professional development, such as certifications, external training, and conferences. Opportunities for greater responsibility and leadership also serve as strong motivators.Global mobility or relocation opportunities International exposure and global reporting lines Cross-border projects Short-term assignments at headquarters
How to negotiate salary in JapanLearn 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:*Benefit One Inc. (2025). Survey of 1,000 full-time employees nationwide: How Japanese workers choose their employers amid labor shortages.
