Mechanical engineers in Japan play an important role in the country’s thriving manufacturing and industrial sectors. Their expertise is highly valued, and their salaries reflect the importance of their contributions. This overview will understanding of the average Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan, exploring the factors that contribute to salary increments and providing insight into the salary landscape within the profession.
For more information on the salary structure of a mechanical engineer, refer to this blog.
This Blog Includes:
- How Much Does a Mechanical Engineer Earn in Japan?
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Experience Level
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Education Level
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Organisation
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Cities
- Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Position
- FAQs
How Much Does a Mechanical Engineer Earn in Japan?
Mechanical engineers in Japan command an average annual salary of JPY 5,940,300, translating to JPY 495,025 per month. However, this figure represents an average and doesn’t account for the wide range of salaries within the profession. Experience level, location, company size, and specific industry can significantly influence a mechanical engineer’s earnings.
At the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level mechanical engineers or those working in smaller companies earn around JPY 3,085,500 annually (JPY 257,125 monthly). On the other hand, highly experienced mechanical engineers with specialised skills and expertise working in major corporations or research institutions can command salaries as high as JPY 9,082,500 per year (JPY 756,875 monthly).
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Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Experience Level
Entry-level mechanical engineers with 0–2 years of experience typically earn around ¥3,200,000 per year. As they gain experience and move into the early career stage (2–5 years), salaries rise to approximately JPY 4,703,900, which is about 47% higher than the starting salary.
Professionals in the mid-career stage (5–10 years) see a significant jump, earning an average of JPY 6,118,800 per year, which is about 91% more than entry-level salaries. For those with 10–15 years of experience, the average annual income increases to JPY 7,404,700, representing a 131% rise from the entry-level bracket.
Senior engineers with 15–20 years of experience earn around ¥8,099,800, which is 153% more than what new graduates make. Finally, highly experienced professionals with over 20 years in the field can expect to earn up to JPY 8,521,700 annually, marking a 166% increase compared to entry-level salaries.
Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on experience levels:
Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
0-2 Years | JPY 3,503,800 |
2-5 Years | JPY 4,703,900 |
5-10 Years | JPY 6,118,800 |
10-15 Years | JPY 7,404,700 |
15-20 Years | JPY 8,099,800 |
20+ Years | JPY 8,521,700 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Education Level
In Japan, educational qualifications have a notable impact on the earning potential of mechanical engineers. In 2025, professionals with advanced degrees earn significantly more than those holding only undergraduate qualifications, with salary differences reaching nearly 40%.
Mechanical engineers with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of JPY 4,943,500 per year. In contrast, those who have completed a master’s degree can expect an average salary of JPY 6,862,900 per year. This represents a 39% increase in annual earnings compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Here’s a breakdown of average salaries based on education levels:
Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 4,943,500 |
Master’s Degree | JPY 6,862,900 |
Here is a list of the Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in Japan For 2024
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Organisation
Top-tier companies like Honda, Hitachi, and Tokyo Electron pay significantly above-average salaries, especially for mid- and senior-level engineers.
Toyota and Nissan may offer lower starting salaries, but can still provide competitive compensation depending on role and department.
The organisation where a mechanical engineer works can significantly impact their salary. Larger, more established companies often offer higher compensation packages compared to smaller, less reputable firms. Here’s a general breakdown of salary differences based on organisation type:
Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
Honda | JPY 5,800,000- JPY 8,300,000 |
Toyota Motors Corporation | JPY 400,000- JPY 600,000 |
Nissan | JPY 4,200,000- JPY 7,200,000 |
ASM | JPY 3,600,000- JPY 6,900,000 |
Mitsubishi | JPY 300,000- JPY 500,000 |
WHILL | JPY 4,500,000- JPY 7,000,000 |
Hitachi | JPY 5,000,000- JPY 8,200,000 |
Valeo | JPY 200,000- JPY 600,000 |
Tokyo Electron | JPY 6,000,000- JPY 8,000,000 |
Chiyoda Corporation | JPY 500,000- JPY 700,000 |
MRF Tyres | JPY 400,000- JPY 600,000 |
Tech Mahindra | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 6,000,000 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Cities
Cities like Fukuoka and Tokyo offer significantly higher salaries due to their booming industries and concentration of high-paying employers.
Kyoto, despite its historic importance in manufacturing and innovation, offers relatively lower pay compared to Tokyo and Fukuoka.
Salaries for mechanical engineers in Japan can vary significantly depending on the city where they work. Major metropolitan areas generally offer higher compensation due to increased competition for talent and higher cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries in some key Japanese cities:
Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
Fukuoka | JPY 6,073,300 |
Kyoto | JPY 5,975,000 |
Yokohama | JPY 6,840,100 |
Sendai | JPY 5,376,200 |
Tokyo | JPY 6,457,900 |
Saitama | JPY 5,880,300 |
Sapporo | JPY 6,011,900 |
Nagoya | JPY 6,289,900 |
Osaka | JPY 6,564,600 |
Kobe | JPY 6,241,000 |
Kawasaki | JPY 5,567,700 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Japan By Position
Upgrading from a mechanical design engineer to a senior-level role can increase your salary by up to 79%. Management and executive-level positions offer salaries that are over 2x higher than mid-level engineering roles.
The specific position within a mechanical engineering field can significantly influence salary. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries for some common mechanical engineering positions:
Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
Automotive Engineering | JPY 6,000,000 – JPY 8,000,000 |
Robotics and Automation | JPY 5,500,000 – JPY 7,500,000 |
Aerospace Engineering | JPY 5,000,000 – JPY 7,000,000 |
Manufacturing Engineering | JPY 4,500,000 – JPY 6,000,000 |
Research and Development Engineering | JPY 6,000,000 – JPY 8,000,000 |
Here you can explore the List of Well-Paying Japanese Part-Time Jobs in 2025
FAQs
They also receive bonuses, on average, of JPY 322,984. The wage survey data used to estimate salaries was obtained directly from anonymous employees and employers in Japan. The average income for a mechanical engineer with 1-3 years of experience is JPY 6,477,208.
The USA, Japan, and Germany are a few of the countries that have the biggest need for skilled mechanical engineers.
An annual bonus, or “bonus,” is something that many Japanese companies offer. It can be equivalent to one or two months’ compensation on top of the base pay. In Japan, the average monthly pay is roughly 515,000 yen. The typical salary can be as low as 130,000 yen or as high as 2,300,000 yen.
Companies like Honda, Hitachi, and Tokyo Electron are among the highest payers, offering salaries between JPY 7,000,000 to JPY 8,300,000 per year, depending on experience and role.
This was all about the Mechanical Engineer’s Salary in Japan. If you want to know more about such blogs, follow Leverage Edu and our main page, Jobs Abroad.
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