[Japan] Undergrads seeking at least ¥250,000 monthly starting salary

New research has found that Japan’s undergrads are seeking a starting salary of at least ¥250,000 (about $1,650) and this group cite "salary structure" as the most important factor when deciding where to work after graduating, The Mainichi reports.

The survey, conducted by tech firm Ceres Inc.'s Moppy Lab, targeted undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the company's point exchange site. 

The results reportedly reflect a move among Japanese companies - particularly larger firms - to increase starting pay for graduate hires.

According to Sanro Research Institute Inc., for fiscal 2024 Japan’s average starting salary for university graduates at companies without job distinctions between general and specialized roles was ¥225,457 (roughly $1,480). Competition to attract top talent will likely intensify, with companies focusing on raising starting salaries and enhancing employee benefits.

Responding to a multiple-choice question on factors important when deciding on a job, university students ranked salary structure as the top factor at 58 per cent, followed by job content and company stability, both at 57 per cent. Graduate students placed job content first at 69 per cent, followed by salary structure (62 per cent) and comprehensive benefits (51 per cent).

Regarding their minimum desired starting monthly salary, the most common answer among undergraduates was reportedly "at least 250,000 yen" at 26.1 per cent. Among graduate students, "at least 300,000 yen" (about $1,970) was the most common response, chosen by 31.0 per cent.

The top reasons, with each achieving 44 per cent of votes from undergraduates and graduate students, for these desired starting salaries were, "I want at least the average starting salary" and "The higher the starting salary, the better." While 17 per cent stated, "I'm fine with whatever as long as it covers minimum living expenses." 

Ten per cent reportedly selected, "Other criteria are more important than starting salary" and another 10 per cent said, "A system that properly evaluates achievements and offers raises accordingly is more important."

Other responses included, "Companies with high (or excessively high) starting salaries give off a suspicious impression" at 9 per cent and 8 per cent said, "I place the most importance on high starting salaries."

Source: The Mainichi

(Quotes via original reporting)

New research has found that Japan’s undergrads are seeking a starting salary of at least ¥250,000 (about $1,650) and this group cite "salary structure" as the most important factor when deciding where to work after graduating, The Mainichi reports.

The survey, conducted by tech firm Ceres Inc.'s Moppy Lab, targeted undergraduate and graduate students who are members of the company's point exchange site. 

The results reportedly reflect a move among Japanese companies - particularly larger firms - to increase starting pay for graduate hires.

According to Sanro Research Institute Inc., for fiscal 2024 Japan’s average starting salary for university graduates at companies without job distinctions between general and specialized roles was ¥225,457 (roughly $1,480). Competition to attract top talent will likely intensify, with companies focusing on raising starting salaries and enhancing employee benefits.

Responding to a multiple-choice question on factors important when deciding on a job, university students ranked salary structure as the top factor at 58 per cent, followed by job content and company stability, both at 57 per cent. Graduate students placed job content first at 69 per cent, followed by salary structure (62 per cent) and comprehensive benefits (51 per cent).

Regarding their minimum desired starting monthly salary, the most common answer among undergraduates was reportedly "at least 250,000 yen" at 26.1 per cent. Among graduate students, "at least 300,000 yen" (about $1,970) was the most common response, chosen by 31.0 per cent.

The top reasons, with each achieving 44 per cent of votes from undergraduates and graduate students, for these desired starting salaries were, "I want at least the average starting salary" and "The higher the starting salary, the better." While 17 per cent stated, "I'm fine with whatever as long as it covers minimum living expenses." 

Ten per cent reportedly selected, "Other criteria are more important than starting salary" and another 10 per cent said, "A system that properly evaluates achievements and offers raises accordingly is more important."

Other responses included, "Companies with high (or excessively high) starting salaries give off a suspicious impression" at 9 per cent and 8 per cent said, "I place the most importance on high starting salaries."

Source: The Mainichi

(Quotes via original reporting)