Agriculture Jobs in Japan 2025 Salary and Work Visa Guide

If you are thinking about working in agriculture in Japan, your first question is probably: “How much will I earn?” In 2025, agricultural workers in Japan typically earn between ¥170,000 to ¥230,000 per month (around $1,110 to $1,500 USD). This is about ¥2 million to ¥2.7 million per year. However, salaries vary depending on your job type, experience level, and where you work in Japan. This guide will help you understand the salary ranges for different agricultural jobs, how location affects your pay, and what you need to know about work visas. Whether you are interested in crop farming, livestock care, or agricultural engineering, you will find clear information about earning potential in Japan’s agriculture sector.

(Note: The salaries in this guide are forecasts based on the current job market and should not be treated as 100% accurate. For specific numbers, make sure to confirm with your employer directly)

Japan Agriculture Jobs Salary Overview 2025

Agricultural workers in Japan earn different salaries depending on their specific roles and skill levels. Basic farm workers (general labor) earn the lowest salaries, starting around ¥170,000-¥220,000 per month. Specialized farmers (vegetable, crop, or livestock farmers) earn middle-range salaries of ¥3-4.5 million annually. Agricultural professionals (engineers, managers, and specialists) earn the highest salaries, reaching ¥7 million or more per year.

Average Monthly and Annual Salary for Agricultural Workers

General farm workers performing basic tasks like planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops earn between ¥170,000 and ¥230,000 per month (¥2-2.7 million per year). These positions are often available through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program.

Salary by specialized role:

• Vegetable farmers: ¥4,435,839/year (¥370,000/month)
• General farmers (crops + livestock): ¥4,455,200/year (¥371,000/month)
• Livestock farmworkers: ¥3,155,789/year (¥263,000/month)
• Agricultural engineers/agronomists: ¥7,131,127/year (¥594,000/month) – requires bachelor’s degree

Experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level workers (1-3 years) earn around ¥2,200,000 annually, while senior workers with 10+ years of experience earn over 3,000,000 annually, representing a major increase in salary over time.

Salary Range by Job Type and Region in Japan

Location significantly affects agricultural salaries. Urban and suburban farms near major cities typically pay 10-20% higher than rural farms, but the cost of living difference often means rural workers save as much or more money despite lower nominal wages.

Top hiring regions for foreign agricultural workers:

• Hokkaido: Dairy farming, vegetable production, rice cultivation
• Tohoku (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima): Rice farming, apple orchards, vegetables
• Nagano: Fruit farming, vegetable cultivation
• Kyushu (Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima): Livestock, vegetables, tea cultivation

Most employers are private farms, agricultural cooperatives, and farming corporations employing 5-50 workers, typically providing dormitory housing and meals.

Salary Breakdown by Experience and Role

Entry-Level vs Experienced Agricultural Workers

Japanese agricultural employers value loyalty and skill development, typically providing annual raises of 2-5% for good performance and continued employment.

Salary progression by experience level:

• 0-2 years (Entry-level): ¥170,000-¥220,000 monthly
• 2-5 years: ¥190,000-¥250,000 monthly – developing skills in equipment operation and crop management
• 5-10 years (Mid-career): ¥220,000-¥280,000 monthly – often taking on supervisory responsibilities
• 10+ years (Senior): ¥250,000-¥350,000 monthly – accumulated expertise in agricultural techniques and quality control

This progression reflects skills gained in equipment operation, seasonal planning, specialized tasks, and leadership responsibilities.

Manager and Technician Salary Levels

Management and technical positions offer significantly higher compensation than general farm work.

Professional salary ranges:

• Agricultural supervisors/team leaders: ¥300,000-¥400,000 monthly – oversee daily operations
• Farm managers: ¥400,000-¥600,000 monthly – responsible for entire operations, requiring business management skills
• Agricultural technicians/specialists: ¥350,000-¥500,000 monthly – focus on soil analysis, pest management, or breeding programs
• Agricultural engineers/agronomists: ¥500,000-¥700,000 monthly – highest regular employment salaries, require university degrees

Additional Pay, Allowances, and Benefits

Bonuses, Overtime Pay, and Incentives

Agricultural employers in Japan provide various forms of additional compensation beyond base salaries.

Overtime compensation: Overtime work during planting and harvest seasons must be paid at least 125% of regular hourly wages according to Japanese labor law. Workers with 8-12 additional overtime hours during peak periods can earn ¥20,000-¥40,000 extra monthly.

Bonus structures:

• Larger corporations/cooperatives: Semi-annual bonuses (summer and winter) totaling 0.5-1.5 months of annual salary
• Smaller family farms: Less common, but may offer performance incentives tied to harvest yields or quality
• Seasonal incentives: Additional compensation during particularly demanding work periods

Other allowances:

• Meal allowances: ¥5,000-¥10,000 monthly
• Transportation subsidies
• Free work uniforms and protective equipment

Average Annual Pay Raise and Job Perks

According to standard practices in Japanese agriculture, workers receive annual salary increases based on performance and continued employment.

Typical raise structure:

• Standard annual increase: 2-5% based on performance evaluations
• Exceptional performance/additional skills: 5-10% increases
• SSW Category 1 to Category 2 transition: Significant salary improvement opportunities

Comprehensive employment benefits:

• Health insurance: Covers 70% of medical costs
• Pension contributions: Both employer and employee contribute
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Full coverage for workplace injuries
• Employment insurance: Support if job loss occurs unexpectedly
• Housing: Minimal cost (¥10,000-¥30,000 monthly) or free accommodation
• Work equipment: Uniforms, protective gear, and tools provided at no cost
• Support services: Japanese language lessons and cultural orientation programs

Salary Comparison in Japan’s Job Market

Agriculture vs Other Job Sectors

According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, agricultural salaries appear lower than the national average (¥320,000 monthly across all industries), but free or subsidized housing worth ¥30,000-¥70,000 monthly significantly narrows this gap.

SSW visa sector salary comparison:

Agriculture’s competitive advantage lies in lower living costs due to rural locations and strong employer housing support, allowing better savings rates despite moderate wages.

Government vs Private Sector Salaries

Japan’s agricultural sector is predominantly private, with most foreign workers employed by private farms, agricultural corporations, or cooperatives rather than government entities. Government agricultural research institutions and prefectural agricultural centers do employ some workers but primarily seek Japanese citizens with advanced degrees. The few government agricultural positions available to foreigners typically require Japanese language fluency (JLPT N2 or higher) and relevant university qualifications, offering salaries of ¥250,000-¥400,000 monthly.

Private sector agricultural employers offer more accessible entry points for foreign workers through SSW visas. While government positions might offer slightly higher base salaries and more comprehensive benefits, private agricultural employment provides clearer pathways for foreign workers and greater availability of positions.

Why Japan Needs Foreign Agricultural Workers

Labor Shortage and Aging Workforce in Rural Areas

Japan faces a severe agricultural labor shortage driven by demographic challenges. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the average age of Japanese farmers exceeded 68 years in 2024, and the farming population continues declining by approximately 3-5% annually. Young Japanese citizens increasingly prefer urban careers over farming, creating critical gaps in agricultural labor.

This demographic crisis threatens Japan’s food security and agricultural sustainability. The Japanese government recognizes that domestic recruitment alone cannot solve this problem, leading to the creation and expansion of programs like SSW specifically to attract foreign agricultural workers. Japan aims to accept approximately 820,000 SSW workers across all sectors by 2029, with agriculture representing a significant portion of this target.

Top Hiring Regions and Companies in 2025

Hokkaido actively recruits foreign agricultural workers for dairy farming, vegetable production, and rice cultivation. The Tohoku region (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima) needs workers for rice farming, apple orchards, and vegetable production. Nagano prefecture recruits for fruit farming and vegetable cultivation. Kyushu (particularly Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima) hires for livestock farming, vegetable production, and tea cultivation.

Major agricultural employers include JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) branches throughout Japan, which coordinate hiring for member farms. Private agricultural corporations like vegetable production companies, dairy operations, and livestock farms actively recruit foreign workers. Smaller family farms also participate through registered support organizations that help manage SSW workers’ employment and living arrangements.

Overview of Agriculture Work in Japan

What Agricultural Jobs in Japan Involve

Agricultural work in Japan is primarily hands-on and physically demanding, following seasonal patterns with particularly busy periods during planting and harvest seasons.

Crop farming daily activities:

• Soil preparation, planting seeds or seedlings
• Maintaining crops through watering, weeding, and applying fertilizers/pesticides
• Monitoring plant health for diseases and pests
• Harvesting carefully to avoid damage
• Sorting and packaging produce (Japanese agriculture emphasizes quality and appearance standards)

Livestock farming daily activities:

• Ensuring animals receive proper nutrition and clean water
• Feeding according to schedules, participating in milking activities
• Cleaning animal housing daily
• Monitoring animal health for signs of illness

Important requirements: Your primary assigned activity must occupy at least 50% of your working time according to SSW visa regulations. Physical demands include frequent bending, kneeling, lifting heavy objects, and standing or walking for hours. Japanese farms maintain strict hygiene standards requiring regular handwashing, clean work clothes, and proper sanitation procedures.

Main Types of Agriculture Jobs (Crop, Dairy, Livestock, Greenhouse)

According to the Ministry of Justice’s SSW guidelines (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/nyuukokukanri07_00026.html), the SSW Agriculture visa covers two main categories:

1. General Crop Farming – cultivation management, planting, growing, harvesting, and sorting:

• Vegetables: Cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, radish
• Fruits: Apples, peaches, strawberries, grapes
• Grains: Rice, wheat, barley (rice cultivation remains culturally and economically significant)

2. General Livestock Farming – breed management, feeding, and handling of livestock products:

• Cattle: Beef production and dairy operations
• Pigs: Breeding and meat production
• Poultry: Chickens for meat or egg production

Greenhouse farming (increasingly common): Allows year-round production of high-value crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and flowers with controlled temperature and humidity.

Visa Options for Agricultural Workers

SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) Agriculture Visa Overview

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Specified Skilled Worker visa allows foreign workers to work in Japan’s agriculture sector for up to 5 years under SSW Category 1, with the possibility of transitioning to SSW Category 2 for unlimited renewal.

SSW Category 1 (SSW i):

• Duration: Up to 5 years total (non-renewable)
• Family: Cannot bring family members
• Work scope: General crop farming and general livestock farming
• Requirements:
  • At least 18 years old
  • Pass JFT-Basic (A2 level) OR JLPT N4 (costs ¥7,000-¥10,000 / ~$45-$65 USD)
  • Pass Agriculture Skill Assessment Test
  • Exemption: TITP program graduates in the same agricultural field are exempt from both tests

SSW Category 2 (SSW ii):

• Duration: Renewable stays (can continue working indefinitely)
• Family: Can bring spouse and children to Japan
• Path to residency: Provides pathway toward permanent residency
• Requirements: Complete SSW Category 1 first + pass additional advanced skills assessment test

TITP Trainee to SSW Transition Pathway

The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) historically served as the main pathway for foreign workers to enter Japan’s agricultural sector. By 2027, TITP will be replaced by a new “Training and Employment Program” reflecting reforms to address worker rights concerns. TITP allowed trainees to work for up to 5 years across three progressive stages.

For agricultural workers who successfully completed at least three years of TITP, transitioning to SSW Category 1 became much easier because they were automatically exempt from the skills and language tests. According to statistics, approximately 70% of current SSW visa holders previously participated in TITP, transitioning to SSW status after completing their training period. This pathway recognizes that TITP completion demonstrates the necessary skills and Japanese language ability for continued agricultural work.

Requirements and Qualifications

Education and Japanese Language Test Requirements

You do not need formal university education for SSW agriculture work – the visa accepts workers based on practical skills rather than academic credentials.

Basic requirements:

• Age: At least 18 years old (no official upper age limit, though most successful applicants are 18-40)
• Physical health: Good condition for physically demanding work

Japanese language proficiency (mandatory for safety reasons): Choose one of these tests:

• JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) – A2 level
• JLPT N4 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
• Cost: ¥7,000-¥10,000 (~$46-$65 USD)

Agriculture Skills Assessment Test (mandatory):

• Written sections: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
• Practical demonstrations: Actual farming tasks
• Topics covered: Planting techniques, irrigation, fertilizer application, equipment operation, harvesting methods, sorting standards, disease recognition, safety procedures
• Cost: ¥5,000-¥15,000 (~$33-$98 USD)

Important exemption: TITP graduates who completed at least three years in the same agricultural field are exempt from both language and skills tests.

Documents Needed for Visa Application

After passing required tests, you must gather documents for your visa application. Your Japanese employer applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf.

Required documents checklist:

Personal documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Recent passport photos (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)
• Birth certificate with official Japanese translation

Test certificates:

• JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 certificate (original)
• Agriculture Skills Assessment Test certificate (original)
• Note: TITP completion certificate can replace test certificates

Employment documents:

• Formal employment contract (specifying job details, salary, working hours)

Health and background:

• Health examination certificate (within 3 months)
• Criminal background check (within 6 months) with Japanese translation

Financial documents:

• Bank statements or savings proof

Application timeline:

1. COE application by employer to regional immigration bureaus: 1-3 months
2. Visa application at Japanese embassy/consulate: 5-10 business days
3. Total timeline: 4-6 months from document preparation to entering Japan

Working Conditions and Lifestyle in Japan’s Agriculture Sector

Typical Working Hours, Housing, and Benefits

Japanese labor law applies equally to foreign SSW workers and Japanese employees, ensuring fair treatment.

Standard working schedule:

• Daily hours: 8 hours (typically 6:00-7:00 AM to 3:00-4:00 PM)
• Weekly hours: 48 hours (6 days per week)
• Days off: 1 day weekly (usually Sunday) + national holidays
• Overtime: Paid at 125% of regular wages
• Seasonal variation: 10-12 hours daily during planting/harvest seasons; reduced hours in winter

Housing arrangements: Most agricultural employers provide accommodation on or near farm property with minimal cost.

• Shared dormitories: Private bedrooms, shared kitchens/bathrooms/living areas
• Private rooms: Some farms offer private rooms with small kitchenettes
• Cost: ¥10,000-¥30,000 monthly ($65-$195 USD) or free

Mandatory benefits:

• Health Insurance: Covers 70% of medical costs (9.15% contributions split between you and employer)
• Pension System: 9.15% contributions split (eligible for lump-sum withdrawal when leaving Japan)
• Workers’ Compensation: Employer-paid, covers workplace injuries
• Employment Insurance: Support if unexpected job loss occurs

Additional perks:

• Meal allowances: ¥5,000-¥10,000 monthly
• Free transportation to work sites
• All work equipment provided at no cost

Life in Rural Japan: Culture and Cost of Living

Rural Japanese communities (5,000-50,000 populations) offer a slower, more relaxed lifestyle with strong community bonds and traditional festivals.

Monthly living expenses in rural areas:

*Transportation costs apply if owning a car (used kei cars cost ¥300,000-¥500,000 / $1,960-$3,270 USD to purchase). Many employers provide work transportation.

Cultural aspects: Rural residents tend to be more traditional but often show genuine curiosity and kindness. Learning basic Japanese phrases builds positive relationships. Community participation in cleaning days, respecting quiet hours, and proper trash sorting demonstrates good community membership. Healthcare is accessible with at least one public hospital or clinic per municipality (routine visits cost ¥2,000-¥3,000 after insurance).

Entertainment: Free or low-cost activities include hiking, hot springs (onsen), temples, shrines, and festivals. Limited public transportation (buses run only a few times daily), but many employers provide work transportation.

FAQs: Agriculture Job Salary and Career in Japan

Q. Which Job Pays the Most in Agriculture?

A. The highest-paying agricultural positions require advanced education and specialized skills.

Top earning positions:

• Agricultural engineers/agronomists: ¥7,131,127/year (~$46,610 USD) – requires bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or engineering
• Senior farm managers: ¥5,000,000-¥7,000,000/year (~$32,680-$45,750 USD) – requires extensive experience and business management skills
• Specialty crop farmers (Tokyo): Up to ¥9,064,068/year (~$59,240 USD) – exceptional cases with high-value products

For SSW visa holders without degrees: After several years of general farm work, advancement to supervisory or specialist roles can increase earnings to ¥300,000-¥400,000 monthly (~$1,960-$2,615 USD) compared to starting salaries of ¥170,000-¥230,000 monthly.

Q. What Is the Maximum Salary for a Farmer?

A. Maximum farmer salaries vary significantly based on farming type, location, and scale of operation.

For employed SSW agricultural workers:

• Experienced general farmworkers (8+ years): ¥2,500,000-¥3,000,000/year (~$16,340-$19,610 USD)
• Specialized farmers (vegetables/livestock management): ¥3,000,000-¥4,500,000/year (~$19,610-$29,410 USD)
• Senior supervisors/highly skilled specialists: ¥4,500,000-¥5,000,000/year (~$29,410-$32,680 USD) – highest for non-degree holders

Conclusion

Working in Japan’s agriculture sector offers foreign workers stable income, authentic cultural experiences, and valuable international work experience. Entry-level SSW agricultural workers earn ¥170,000-¥230,000 monthly ($1,110-$1,500 USD), which translates to ¥2,040,000-¥2,760,000 annually. When combined with employer-provided housing, comprehensive benefits, and lower rural living costs, these salaries allow significant savings.

Career advancement exists for those investing in skill development and language learning. The visa process requires passing Japanese language tests (JFT-Basic or JLPT N4) and Agriculture Skills Assessment Tests, though TITP graduates receive exemptions. The entire application timeline spans 4-6 months. Daily work is physically demanding but structured with clear labor protections including standard 8-hour workdays, overtime compensation at 125%, paid annual leave, and mandatory health insurance.

Life in rural Japan presents both rewards and challenges. The peaceful environment, strong community bonds, and authentic cultural experiences differ dramatically from urban life. Lower living costs (¥100,000-¥150,000 monthly) allow comfortable living while saving money. However, limited public transportation, fewer foreign residents, and traditional social customs require adaptation. Success depends on willingness to learn Japanese, participate in community activities, and embrace rural lifestyle.

Japan’s agricultural sector welcomes motivated foreign workers who respect Japanese culture, work diligently, and contribute positively to rural communities. Whether building savings before returning home or transitioning to permanent residency, agricultural work provides a legitimate pathway to achieving your goals. The opportunity awaits – begin by assessing your qualifications, preparing for required tests, and connecting with employers or recruitment agencies. Your journey to working in Japan’s countryside begins with taking that first step.

Exchange rate used: ¥153 = $1 USD (as of October 28, 2025) Word count: Approximately 2,490 words