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Working as a Nurse in Japan is one of the best opportunities to kickstart your medical journey. The nursing profession helps you build your practical experience with advanced medical technology. Along with this, Japan offers competitive salaries to nurses; a nurse in Japan earns around 5 million JPY per year, but this salary range can be higher based on factors such as education and experience. In this guide, you will find detailed information about nurse salaries, broken down by experience, education, city, and position, helping you understand your earning potential.
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How Much Does a Nurse Make in Japan?
Nurses in Japan receive an average annual salary of around JPY 17,100, which translates to approximately JPY 418,091 each month. Salaries, however, vary depending on experience, region, and type of hospital or organisation. The lowest nurse wage in Japan is approximately JPY 2,352,500 per year, or JPY 196,041 per month, for entry-level occupations. On the other hand, experienced nurses or those working in top hospitals can earn up to JPY 7,930,200 per year, which equates to approximately JPY 660,850 per month. This salary range reflects the expanding need for skilled nurses in Japan’s healthcare system.
Here is a list of the Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in Japan for 2025
Experience-Wise Nurse Salary in Japan
Nurses’ pay in Japan rises steadily with experience. Entry-level nurses are often paid less; however, those with several years of experience or working in specialised areas might make substantially more. Here is how compensation grows with years of experience:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| 0-2 Years | JPY 2,724,700 |
| 2-5 Years | JPY 3,755,300 |
| 5-10 Years | JPY 5,340,600 |
| 10-15 Years | JPY 6,505,500 |
| 15-20 Years | JPY 6,862,900 |
| 20+ Years | JPY 7,477,100 |
Education-Wise Nurse Salary in Japan
In Japan, a nurse’s wage is also determined by their educational background. Nurses with higher degrees and specialised training tend to earn more than those with basic education. Here is a look at the average nurse wages by education level:
| Education Level | Average Salary Per Year |
| Bachelor’s Degree | JPY 3,755,300 |
| Master’s Degree | JPY 6,862,900 |
Explore the List of Well-Paying Japanese Part-Time Jobs in 2025
Organisation-Wise Nurse Salary in Japan
In Japan, nurse compensation varies based on the type of healthcare company where you work. Public and private hospitals typically offer greater income and more job stability, but private clinics and nursing homes may pay less but often have easier workloads. Here is a look at the average nurse wages by top companies in Japan:
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year |
| Omid Hospital | JPY 2,000,000- JPY 3,000,000 |
| Interac | JPY 2,200,000- JPY 2,500,000 |
| Chiba University | JPY 1,000,000- JPY 1,500,000 |
| Jutendo University Hospital | JPY 670,000- JPY 720,000 |
| The University of Tokyo Hospital | JPY 4,500,000- JPY 4,800,000 |
| Keio University Hospital | JPY 4,400,000- JPY 4,700,000 |
| Osaka University Hospital | JPY 4,300,000- JPY 4,600,000 |
| St. Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo | JPY 4,200,000- JPY 4,500,000 |
| Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital | JPY 4,000,000- JPY 4,400,000 |
| National Centre for Global Health and Medicine | JPY 4,000,000_ JPY 4,300,000 |
| Juntendo University Hospital | JPY 4,000,000- JPY 4,300,000 |
| Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital | JPY 3,600,000- JPY 3,900,000 |
| Red Cross Hospital Network (Japan Red Cross) | JPY 3,500,000- JPY 3,800,000 |
City-Wise Nurse Salary in Japan
Nurse salaries in Japan vary by city due to variances in cost of living, demand for healthcare, hospital professionals, and hospital budgets. Large cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, typically offer higher pay than smaller towns or rural areas. Here are the average salaries for nurses in major Japanese cities:
| Cities | Average Salary Per Year |
| Fukuoka | JPY 4,966,200 |
| Yokohama | JPY 5,412,700 |
| Tokyo | JPY 5,711,000 |
| Sendai | JPY 4,642,200 |
| Sapporo | JPY 5,088,900 |
| Saitama | JPY 4,714,900 |
| Osaka | JPY 5,123,800 |
| Nagoya | JPY 5,376,200 |
| Kyoto | JPY 4,943,500 |
| Kobe | JPY 4,714,900 |
| Kawasaki | JPY 4,499,000 |
| Hiroshima | JPY 4,450,400 |
Know the Average Cost of Living in Tokyo: A Guide
Positions-Wise Nurse Salary in Japan
Nurse salaries in Japan vary according to job title and position. Nurses in senior or specialised professions earn more than generic staff nurses. Here is a detailed look at the typical salary for nursing positions:
| Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| Clinician | JPY 12,481,200 |
| Acute Care Nurse | JPY 5,614,600 |
| Anesthesiologist | JPY 20,159,800 |
| Optometrist | JPY 5,857,100 |
| Care Assistant | JPY 3,959,700 |
| Company Nurse | JPY 4,093,700 |
| Critical Care Nurse | JPY 5,940,300 |
| District Nurse | JPY 4,919,600 |
| Head Nurse | JPY 5,857,100 |
| Home Nurse | JPY 4,752,100 |
| Mental Health Nurse | JPY 5,315,900 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | JPY 7,309,600 |
| Nurse Educator | JPY 6,084,900 |
FAQs
The average earning salary for a nurse in Japan, for entry-level nurses, is around JPY 3,000,000 per year.
Glassdoor reports that the average annual income for nurses in Japan ranges from JPY 4.5 million (INR 27 lakhs) to JPY 5.5 million (INR 33 lakhs). This wage range excludes cash bonuses and other benefits, which may vary according to experience, shift schedules, and overtime.
Here is a list of some top countries that are best for nurses
Japan
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Australia
Dubai
Denmark
Canada
Norway
Lithuania and Latvia came last, followed by Portugal, Slovakia, and Greece. According to the OECD survey, nurses in Central and Eastern European countries had the lowest pay, which may explain why many opt to migrate to other EU countries.
This was all about the average nurse salary in Japan by experience, education and organisation. If you want to read more such articles, follow the Leverage Edu and Jobs Abroad page. If you want to explore various job opportunities, stay tuned to Leverage Career.
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