Embarking on a medical career in Japan offers not only the opportunity to contribute to a highly respected healthcare system but also the potential for substantial financial rewards. As of 2025, understanding the earning prospects for doctors in Japan is crucial for both aspiring and practicing medical professionals.
Japan, known for its advanced healthcare system and high-quality medical care, offers a rewarding career path for doctors. Understanding the salary landscape for doctors in Japan is one of the most important factors when considering a medical career in Japan. This overview will provide insights into the average and range of doctor salaries, allowing you to make informed decisions about your potential career path.
This Blog Includes:
What is the Average Doctor’s Salary in Japan?
The provided table shows the salary range for doctors in Japan. The average annual salary for a doctor is JPY 16,198,300, which translates to an average monthly salary of JPY 1,349,858. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, specialisation, and the location of practice. The lowest annual salary for a doctor is JPY 8,425,800, while the highest can reach JPY 24,718,600. This means that the monthly salary range for doctors in Japan can be from as low as JPY 702,150 to as high as JPY 2,059,883.
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Experience Wise Doctor Salary in Japan
Newly practicing doctors with average 2-5 Years of work experience in Japan can expect to earn an average annual salary of approximately JPY 13,820,377. Highly experienced doctors with over 10+ years in the profession can earn an average annual salary of up to JPY 29,454,186.
Experience is one of the most critical factors that influence a doctor’s salary in Japan. The more years a doctor spends in practice, the higher their earnings due to increased expertise, patient trust, and specialization. Below is a breakdown of how different experience levels impact a doctor’s salary:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | JPY 9,565,900 |
2-5 Years | JPY 12,841,200 |
5-10 Years | JPY 16,679,800 |
10-15 Years | JPY 20,159,800 |
15-20 Years | JPY 22,081,800 |
20+ Years | JPY 23,280,700 |
Education Wise Doctor Salary in Japan
Practising with the Doctorate Degree (MD or Equivalent) qualification for practicing medicine in Japan. The average salary reflects the base earnings for medical doctors holding this degree.
Doctors who pursue specialized training or certifications in fields such as cardiology, neurology, or surgery often see a significant increase in their earnings. Doctors engaged in medical research or academic positions may pursue a Ph.D. This advanced degree can lead to roles in teaching hospitals or research institutions, often accompanied by increased salaries, approximately 23% more than those with a Master’s degree
In Japan, a doctor’s educational attainment significantly influences their earning potential. While all practicing physicians hold a Doctorate degree, pursuing additional qualifications can further impact salaries. Here’s an overview:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 2,570,000 |
Master’s Degree | JPY 7,720,000 |
PhD | JPY 10,000,000 |
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Organisation Wise Doctor Salary in Japan
The type of healthcare institution significantly impacts a doctor’s earning potential in Japan. While private ownership and corporate roles may offer higher financial rewards, public institutions provide stability and benefits. Self-employment offers the potential for substantial earnings but comes with increased responsibilities. Understanding these variations can help medical professionals make informed career decisions.
Doctor’s in private hospitals or clinics often receive higher compensation due to the profitability of these institutions. Salaries can vary based on the hospital’s size, location, and reputation.
In Japan, a doctor’s salary can vary significantly depending on the city in which they practice. Factors such as local demand for healthcare services, cost of living, and the concentration of medical facilities contribute to these variations. Below is an overview of how location impacts doctors’ salaries across different cities:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
Teikyo University | JPY 20,000,000- JPY 22,000,000 |
Juntendo University Hospital | JPY 30,075,000- JPY 40,005,000 |
Saitama Children’s Medical Center | JPY 80,000,000- JPY 90,000,000 |
Eminal Clinic | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 12,000,000 |
Advisory Board | JPY 57,000,000- JPY 63,000,000 |
Thomson Paediatric Centre | JPY 16,000,000- JPY 17,000,000 |
Saitama Medical Center | JPY 80,000,000- JPY 90,000,000 |
Thomson Clinic | JPY 10,000,000- JPY 10,000,000 |
Cities Wise Doctor Salary in Japan
Regions like Tokyo, Kawasaki, Osaka, with higher demand for medical services may offer higher salaries to attract physicians.
In Japan, a doctor’s salary varies significantly based on the city in which they practice. Factors such as local demand for healthcare services, cost of living, and regional economic conditions contribute to these variations.
Here’s an overview of how location impacts doctors’ salaries across different cities:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Fukuoka | JPY 16,198,300 |
Kobe | JPY 15,360,400 |
Hiroshima | JPY 14,639,900 |
Sapporo | JPY 16,561,800 |
Osaka | JPY 16,679,800 |
Kawasaki | JPY 14,760,200 |
Kyoto | JPY 16,079,800 |
Nagoya | JPY 17,519,700 |
Yokohama | JPY 17,519,700 |
Saitama | JPY 15,360,400 |
Sendai | JPY 13,798,900 |
Tokyo | JPY 18,479,600 |
Positions Wise Doctor Salary in Japan
In Japan, a doctor’s position and specialization significantly impact their earning potential. Specialists and those in leadership roles typically earn higher salaries due to the advanced expertise and responsibilities associated with their positions.
Below is an overview of how different roles within the medical field influence earning potential:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Physician | JPY 6,900,700 |
Anesthesiologist | JPY 20,159,800 |
Assistant Optometrist | JPY 5,857,100 |
Audiologist | JPY 11,197,500 |
Cardiovascular Specialist | JPY 24,718,600 |
Care Assistant | JPY 3,959,700 |
Chief of Psychology | JPY 20,038,100 |
Chief of Surgery | JPY 27,001,700 |
Clinical Biochemist | JPY 11,389,900 |
Clinical Microbiologist | JPY 12,958,200 |
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FAQs
Japan’s economy is among the best in the world. There is a lot of opportunity for you to grow or launch your firm because the tech, automotive, and innovation sectors are seeing rapid business growth. But you have to keep in mind that the average salary in the nation is roughly 39818 USD or 6200000 Yen.
You can still watch or receive training in a hospital setting even if you do not have a Japanese medical license. However, international medical graduates can obtain extensive clinical training, which includes patient diagnosis and treatment, with the proper permit.
The average monthly pay in Japan is 516,000 JPY (INR 2.90 Lakhs). In the Japan region, a doctor makes, on average, 700,000 JPY (INR 3.94 lakhs) every month.
This was all about the doctor’s salary in Japan. If you are looking to read more such articles on high-paying professions, follow Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad.
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