One app for all your study abroad needs
Animator Salary in Japan: If you have a good interest in catering for a cartoon character, animation is one of the perfect fields to start your career. Working as an animator in Japan earns a high salary with various employee benefits. An animator typically has a certificate of bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, many animators are self-taught and have gained experience through internships or other opportunities.
We also have an article that goes more into the details of animator salaries in Japan. Of course, salaries will vary depending on experience, skill level, and industry.
This Blog Includes:
How Much Does an Animator Paid in Japan?
In Japan, an animator’s salary can vary significantly depending on their experience and expertise. The average animator earns a yearly salary of 4,777,400 JPY, which translates to a monthly paycheck of 398,116 JPY. However, this can range quite a bit. Entry-level animators might start at around 2,435,600 JPY annually, which is 202,966 JPY per month. On the other hand, highly experienced animators with a strong reputation can command salaries as high as 7,356,900 JPY a year, or 613,075 JPY monthly. This highlights the importance of building your skills and experience in the animation industry to maximize your earning potential.
Explore the Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in Japan 2024 for Indians
Animator Salary in Japan Based on Experience Level
Animators with less than (0-2 Years of Experience) can expect an average annual salary of approximately JPY 2,734,500. Professionals With 2-5 Years of Experience), animators typically earn around JPY 3,564,300 per year. Those possessing f(5-10 Years of Experience) see average salaries increase to about JPY 4,991,200 annually.
Professionals with (10-15 Years of Experience) earn an average of JPY 5,998,900 per year. With (15-20 Years of Experience) in the industry, animators can expect average annual earnings of JPY 6,529,400. High-skilled professionals with over (20+ Years of Experience) typically earn around JPY 7,045,600 per year.
When determining an animator’s pay in Japan, experience is typically taken into account as a primary factor. The experience-based pay trend is broken out as follows:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-1 Years | JPY 2,734,500 |
| 2-5 Years | JPY 3,564,300 |
| 5-10 Years | JPY 4,991,200 |
| 10-15 Years | JPY 5,998,900 |
| 15-20 Years | JPY 6,529,400 |
| 20+ Yeras | JPY 7,045,600 |
Animator Salary in Japan Based on Education Level
Animators with a high school education earn an average salary of approximately JPY 3,277,900 per year. Those holding a Certificate or Diploma can expect an average annual salary of around JPY 3,769,500, reflecting a 15% increase over high school graduates. Animators with a
Bachelor’s degrees earn about JPY 5,292,500 annually, which is a 41% increase compared to those with a certificate or diploma. Professionals possessing a Master’s Degree can anticipate average earnings of JPY 6,815,700 per year, marking a 29% increase over bachelor’s degree holders
If you are an animator, having a relevant education is considered a great advantage since it shows that you have the ability to work on high-end projects and have a high level of proficiency. This is also where you can see how much money you can make given your degree of education:
| Education | Average Salary Per Year |
| High School | JPY 3,277,900 |
| Certificate or Diploma | JPY 3,769,500 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 5,292,500 |
| Master’s Degree | JPY 6,815,700 |
Here are the Average Software Engineer Salary in Japan
Animator Salary in Japan Based on Organisation
Animator salaries across different organizations in Japan are influenced by factors such as studio size, project budgets, and employment terms. Prospective animators should consider these aspects when evaluating potential employers in the Japanese animation industry.
Top companies like Toei Animation employ over 1,200 full-time staff. “Attack on Titan,” Studio WIT offers animators a monthly salary ranging from JPY 210,000 to JPY 250,000
Candidates with suitable job experience are given preference when hired by Japanese companies. You may view the wage range for animators offered by reputable Japanese companies here:
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
| Toei Animation | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 4,000,000 |
| Square Enix | JPY 3,000,000- JPY 4,000,000 |
| Polygon Pictures | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 2,500,000 |
| Aniplex | JPY 2,500,000- JPY 3,400,000 |
| Studio WIT | JPY 3,000,000- JPY 5,000,000 |
| Marza Animation Planet | JPY 2,500,000- JPY 6,000,000 |
| Shirogumi | JPY 3,900,000- JPY 5,000,000 |
| IGG | JPY 2,065,000- JPY 3,080,000 |
| Domerica | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 3,000,000 |
| NACB | JPY 2,069,000- JPY 3,900,000 |
| SOLA DIGITAL ARTS | JPY 3,080,000- JPY 3,900,000 |
| AnimationCafe | JPY 1,500,000- JPY 2,000,000 |
| Square Enix | JPY 1,500,000- JPY 2,900,000 |
| Toneplus Animation Studios | JPY 1,000,000- JPY 2,000,000 |
| Marza Animation Planet | JPY 2,905,000- JPY 4,000,000 |
| Megalis | JPY 3,000,000- JPY 6,000,000 |
| Studio No Border | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 3,000,000 |
| COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD. | JPY 1,000,000- JPY 2,500,000 |
Here is the list of some most demanding Animation Courses after 12th
Animator Salary in Japan Based on Cities
As the hub of Japan’s animation industry, cities like Tokyo, and Osaka offer higher salaries to animators. The average gross salary for a 2D animator in Tokyo is approximately JPY 5,326,200 per year, which is about 38% higher than the national average.
Fukuoka and Kyoto are home to renowned studios, the city offers competitive salaries. While exact figures are not specified, it’s noted that Kyoto Animation provides favourable working conditions and salaries that are competitive within the industry.
For highly trained animators, the majority of Japanese cities provide competitive wage packages. You can check your pay for working in several Japanese cities here:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Fukuoka | JPY 4,786,100 |
| Kawasaki | JPY 4,249,700 |
| Kobe | JPY 4,777,400 |
| Tokypo | JPY 5,326,200 |
| Osaka | JPY 5,053,200 |
| Kyoto | JPY 4,414,800 |
Animator Salary in Japan Based on Position
Japan offers a wide range of fascinating career options in both established and emerging Japanese businesses. The following is a list of several well-paying occupations that are comparable to animation:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| 2D Animator | JPY 4,302,857 |
| 3D Artist | JPY 2,900,000 |
| Advertising Coordinator | JPY 3,000,000 |
| Advertising Manager | JPY 10,000,000 |
| Digital Campaign Manager | JPY 6,870,000 |
| VFX Artist | JPY 6,400,000 |
| Technical Animator | JPY 4,000,000 |
| Storyboard Artist | JPY 5,000,000 |
| Character Designer | JPY 6,000,000 |
Here is the main List of Well-Paying Japanese Part-Time Jobs
FAQs
A recent research by the non-profit Nippon Anime & Film Culture Association, which aims to enhance working conditions in Japan’s screen industries, reveals that the nation’s anime employees are frequently subjected to harassment, overwork, underpayment, and lack of appropriate training.
The Association of Japanese Animations estimates that the value of the Japanese animation business, which includes movies, TV shows, products, and events, was $20 billion (¥2.9 trillion) in 2022—a 6.8% rise from 2021 and the biggest amount ever.
Due to the enormous need for new content, technological developments, and the proliferation of streaming services, 2D animation is now far more necessary than it was in the past. These days, there are plenty of options for animators to try out various formats and techniques in order to create fresh and distinctive stories.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average gross compensation for a 2D animator is ¥11,097,295, or ¥5,335 per hour. This is 38% more than the average wage for a 2D animator in Japan (+¥3,059,290). They also receive bonuses, on average, of ¥237,482.
Animators working on international projects or for global studios based in Japan often earn higher salaries due to larger budgets and better payment structures. English proficiency may be an advantage for such roles.
This was all about animator salaries in Japan. For more information on salary articles, follow Leverage Edu and stay tuned to our main page, Jobs Abroad.
Related Reads
45,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
