I recently landed an offer at Japan for 5M gross anually (base + OT + bonus, transportation is sepatate). I checked around reddit and it seems quite low from the number usually thrown around here.
For context, I’m SE with 5 yoe from 3rd world country. I did the math and seems like I could still save nicely even after monthly spending. My tech stack is quite outdated and this company use a pretty nice stack to update my resume for a few years at least. I’m financially stable enough to afford a gap year so I’m in no real rush to get a job. I’m pretty much in for the experience. I’m leaning to accept the offer rn and roll with it for a while, you think it’s a good idea? Anything I should careful of if I accept?
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I work in IT as a developer in Japan, from my experience 5 million is pretty average.
If you’re outside Tokyo, it can be decent.
Usually low end salaries are 3-4 million, mid-range 5-7 million, and anything above 7-8 million is in the higher range. (it depends on location though)
What can we really say? You know your quality of life, standards, and future goals better than us. That total comp is not awful, not great. If you’re willing to come here and work for a year while looking for a better opportunity, go for it. Not exactly crazy or unheard of.
If you’re looking for higher comp, go to US.
5M is definitely liveable. If you’ve got a year’s worth safety net, there’s no harm in taking the job and risk of moving. Worst case, you get let go and casually try to find another job. Take the experience and polish your skills while you’re with them.
The hardest part is getting here. More job opportunities open up once you reside in Japan.
Do you know anyone in the company?
I’d want specification of what exactly “OT” is.
Mate, i have like 3.8mil, youre good to go with 5
That’s less than $40k in USD. If you’re really just trying to get in country, I’d say take it but don’t plan on living luxuriously on that income.
I’m making 5.25 and supporting my family of 4 easily. We live in Saitama prefecture about 45 minutes out from Tokyo. Just make sure you have decent savings when you come over, because the first paycheck can take a while and there are a lot of initial expenses.