Work in Japan
Jobs in Japan
Tokyo Engineer/Specialist status — modest yen salaries unless you are in global finance or big tech.
Editorial
Reviewed April 2026 (visa) and August 2026 (salary). Guidance only — not immigration legal advice. Market estimates, not job offers. How we source this
Work permit
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Mid software engineer · Tokyo
¥13,186,500
Studio rent · Tokyo
$1,100/mo
Visa
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
The workhorse status of residence covers engineering and many office roles if you have a degree (or proven experience) and a sponsoring employer. Highly Skilled Professional is a points-based upgrade with faster settlement perks. Immigration Services Agency issues the Certificate of Eligibility; you convert it at a consulate. Do not confuse this with a tourist or specified-skilled labour track.
English-speaking roles exist in international firms. Japanese at N2 or better changes your options completely.
Job market
How hiring actually works
Tokyo salaries in yen look modest next to US offers; purchasing power depends on whether you live like a local. Global tech, finance, and a slice of startups hire in English. Most of the economy does not. Lifetime-employment culture is less true than the stereotype, but process-heavy workplaces are real.
Cities on this page: Tokyo. Search on Global Job Scanner is account-gated; create a free account to run a live Japan query.
Pay
Mid-level salaries, local currency
Same model as the salary checker (2025–2026 market estimates, Q1 2026 FX). Not an offer.
| City | Software Engineer | Product Manager | Data Scientist |
|---|---|---|---|
| TokyoJPY | ¥13,186,500 | ¥13,559,000 | ¥12,367,000 |
Compare Tokyo against another city · Rent and budget in the cost of living calculator
Questions
Before you book a one-way ticket
What visa do I need to work in Japan?
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services. The workhorse status of residence covers engineering and many office roles if you have a degree (or proven experience) and a sponsoring employer. Highly Skilled Professional is a points-based upgrade with faster settlement perks. Immigration Services Agency issues the Certificate of Eligibility; you convert it at a consulate. Do not confuse this with a tourist or specified-skilled labour track.
What does a software engineer earn in Japan?
A mid-level software engineer in Tokyo is about ¥13,186,500 in our 2026 model (local currency, market estimate — not an offer). Compare other roles in the table on this page or the salary checker.
Can I get by in English?
English-speaking roles exist in international firms. Japanese at N2 or better changes your options completely.
Search
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