Key Facts
• Tokyo Labor Consultation Center surveys wages of SMEs (10–299 employees) annually.
• Average wage in July 2024: ¥394,250 (pre-tax, excludes part-time workers).
• 659 out of 3,500 surveyed companies responded.
• 2024 average wage decreased by ¥12,824 from 2023’s ¥407,074.
• Higher response rate from smaller firms (10–49 employees) contributed to the decline.
• 58.4% of SMEs implemented base pay increases in the past year, a record high.
• Previous record: 49.1% in 2023.
• Gender wage gap persists: Male full-time employees earn ¥373,110, females earn ¥307,657.
• Contract employees: Males earn ¥334,218, females earn ¥292,418.
• Gender gap attributed to shorter working hours and years for women due to caregiving roles.
Summary
The Tokyo Labor Consultation Center’s 2024 survey of SMEs revealed a record 58.4% of companies implemented base pay increases, surpassing 2023’s 49.1%. Despite this, the average wage dropped to ¥394,250, down ¥12,824 from 2023, due to a higher response rate from smaller firms. Gender wage disparities remain significant, with male full-time employees earning ¥373,110 compared to females’ ¥307,657. Contract employees also show a gap, with males earning ¥334,218 and females ¥292,418. The gap is linked to women’s shorter working hours and years due to caregiving responsibilities.
