Caregiving Jobs in Japan: Salary Guide

Are you considering working as a caregiver in Japan? One of the first questions is likely: “How much can I earn?” This article examines caregiving salaries in Japan, covering general salary ranges, differences between public and private facilities, and factors affecting earnings. Whether starting your career or bringing years of experience, this guide provides clear information about caregiving pay in Japan.

A Look at Caregiving Salaries in Japan

In General: What to Expect

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s 2024 Survey on Care Worker Treatment, the average caregiver in Japan earns between ¥3,000,000 and ¥4,500,000 per year. Your salary depends on several key factors: experience, location (cities like Tokyo and Osaka pay higher), education level, and certifications—particularly the Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi) qualification.

Salary Growth by Experience and Certification:

*Exchange rate: 1 USD = 154.15 JPY (as of November 4, 2025)

The 2024 care worker processing improvement data shows that base salaries increased by 4.6% in 2024, with average monthly pay reaching ¥338,200 including bonuses and allowances. Beyond base salary, facilities offer comprehensive benefits including health insurance, pension contributions, annual bonuses (typically 1-3 months of salary), housing allowances, and transportation subsidies.

Public Facilities

Public care facilities operated by national, prefectural, or municipal governments offer stable employment with standardized pay scales. According to government employment standards, caregivers in public facilities typically earn ¥3,200,000 to ¥4,500,000 annually ($20,760 to $29,190 USD).

Public facilities follow standardized government pay scales, making salary increases predictable based on years of service and qualifications. Advantages include excellent job security, comprehensive benefits with generous pension plans, more paid vacation days than private facilities, and structured career paths. The work environment tends to be more standardized with predictable hours and better enforcement of labor laws, though bureaucratic processes may be stricter.

Private Facilities

Private care facilities, owned by private companies or social welfare corporations, vary greatly in size and resources. Caregivers earn between ¥2,800,000 and ¥5,000,000 annually ($18,160 to $32,440 USD), with large, well-funded facilities often paying competitive salaries to attract experienced caregivers.

Private facilities emphasize skills and certifications when determining pay. The Certified Care Worker qualification or specialized training in dementia care, end-of-life care, or rehabilitation support can lead to higher salaries. Some facilities offer performance bonuses based on profitability or resident satisfaction. Benefits vary widely—larger chains may match or exceed public facility benefits, while smaller facilities might offer fewer formal benefits but more personal work environments. Private facilities often have more flexibility in policies and adopt new care methods more quickly than public institutions.

Perks and Benefits

Employment Benefits in Japan

All Japanese employees, including caregivers, receive mandatory benefits required by law. Japan’s social insurance system includes health insurance covering 70% of medical expenses, with employers and employees sharing premium costs. The pension system provides retirement income starting at age 65 after contributing for at least 10 years.

Workers’ compensation insurance, paid fully by employers, covers work-related injuries or illnesses. Unemployment insurance provides financial support during job transitions. Employment law provides generous leave policies: paid annual leave starting with 10 days after six months (reaching 20 days after 6.5 years), 15-16 paid public holidays yearly, maternity leave (42 days before and 56 days after delivery), paternity leave (up to 4 weeks within 8 weeks after birth), and childcare leave until the child turns one (extendable to two years).

Caregiving-Specific Benefits

Annual bonuses equal one to three months of base salary, paid twice yearly (summer and winter). Shift differentials provide 25-50% extra pay for night shifts, with premium pay for weekends and holidays. Housing support is common, especially in expensive cities, through subsidized housing, rent allowances, or company dormitories.

Professional development support helps caregivers advance careers through funding for continuing education, Certified Care Worker qualification courses, and conference attendance. Many facilities provide study leave with pay. Facilities often offer free or subsidized meals during shifts. Childcare support includes on-site facilities or priority enrollment at nearby nurseries. Language training and cultural orientation programs benefit foreign caregivers. Health and wellness programs address the physical and emotional demands of caregiving through gym memberships, stress management workshops, and counseling services.

Cost of Living and Salary

A caregiver’s salary in Japan generally allows comfortable living, especially outside Tokyo. Monthly living costs for a single person range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 ($970 to $1,620 USD) excluding rent. Including housing, total monthly budgets typically reach ¥200,000 to ¥400,000 ($1,300 to $2,600 USD), depending on location.

Monthly Living Expenses by Location:

An entry-level caregiver earning ¥3,000,000 ($19,460 USD) annually takes home approximately ¥210,000 ($1,360 USD) monthly after taxes and insurance deductions. An experienced Certified Care Worker earning ¥4,000,000 ($25,950 USD) receives about ¥280,000 ($1,820 USD) monthly, providing comfortable living even in expensive cities.

Housing represents the largest expense. Many facilities offer subsidized housing or housing allowances reducing effective rent by 30-50%. Japan’s excellent public transportation reduces car ownership need—monthly train or bus passes cost ¥10,000-20,000 ($65-$130 USD). Healthcare expenses remain low thanks to national health insurance. Tax and insurance deductions typically total 20-25% of gross salary but provide comprehensive benefits including healthcare, retirement income, and unemployment support.

Career Growth Opportunities

SSW and Kaigo Visa Pathways

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Immigration Services Agency, two visa categories provide legal pathways for foreign caregivers: the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa and the Nursing Care (Kaigo) visa.

SSW Type (i) allows work in elderly care facilities, nursing homes, group homes, day service centers, and home care agencies for up to five years. Requirements include:

·   At least 18 years old

·   Pass the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test

·   Pass the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test

·   Demonstrate N4 level Japanese (JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic)

Workers receive equal salary as Japanese workers, labor law protection, and employer support. However, family members cannot accompany workers during the initial five-year period.

The Kaigo visa provides permanent work for Certified Care Workers, offering unlimited renewals, ability to bring family members, higher earning potential, and greater career advancement opportunities. To obtain this visa, candidates must earn the Certified Care Worker (Kaigo Fukushishi) qualification by completing training in Japan and passing the national examination.

Common routes include completing nursing care training at a Japanese educational institution, entering through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) program (Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam), or working under SSW/Technical Intern Training while studying for the certification examination. The transition from SSW to Kaigo visa represents a significant career milestone, with many workers using their SSW period to gain experience, improve Japanese language skills, and prepare for the examination.

Specialization Fields

Japanese caregiving offers diverse specialization opportunities. The Certified Care Worker qualification is the most important credential for advancement—over 1.6 million Certified Care Workers work in Japan.

Common specializations include:

– Dementia care: High demand due to Japan’s aging population, requiring understanding of behavioral management, validation therapy, and creating safe environments

– Rehabilitation support: Working with physical and occupational therapists to help residents regain independence

– End-of-life care: Providing comfort and dignity combined with emotional support for families

– Activity planning: Designing programs including art projects, music therapy, exercise programs, and seasonal events

– Management positions: Care managers, supervisors, and facility administrators handling coordination, staffing, and operations

Specialization increases earning potential by 10-25%. The path typically involves gaining 3-5 years of general experience, improving Japanese to N3 or N2 level, obtaining the Certified Care Worker qualification, completing specialized training (3-6 months), and applying for specialized positions.

Requirements

Visa Requirements

The Immigration Services Agency specifies different requirements depending on your pathway:

SSW visa (most accessible): Requires passing the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test, Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test, and demonstrating N4 Japanese language proficiency. No prior healthcare experience required.

Those who complete Technical Intern Training (ii) well can transition to SSW in the same field without retaking the skills test (documented completion/evaluation is required).

Kaigo visa: Requires earning the Certified Care Worker qualification by completing training in Japan and passing the national examination.

EPA program: Only for Indonesian, Philippine, and Vietnamese citizens under bilateral agreements, allowing work while studying for the Certified Care Worker examination.

Education and Language Requirements

SSW positions don’t require specific degrees but demand completion of caregiving skills training. Many countries offer pre-departure training programs covering basic caregiving skills, Japanese language basics, and cultural orientation.

For the Certified Care Worker qualification, candidates must complete at least 12 years of basic education plus either 450 hours of training at a designated facility or graduation from a certified care worker training school (typically 2 years), followed by passing the national examination.

Japanese language requirements: N4 minimum for SSW positions, though N3 is strongly preferred for effective communication. For Certified Care Worker qualification, N3 is strongly recommended, with N2 even better. The national care worker examination is conducted entirely in Japanese. According to recent data, pass rates for all candidates are around 70%, though foreign candidates typically have lower first-attempt rates due to language barriers. Most successful foreign candidates spend 6-12 months in focused Japanese language study before attempting the examination.

Experience Requirements

SSW positions generally don’t require prior healthcare experience. Any experience in elderly care, disability support, hospitality, or customer service strengthens applications. EPA requirements vary: Indonesian candidates need three years of caregiving/nursing experience, Philippine candidates need two years in healthcare/elderly care, Vietnamese candidates need three years in healthcare/caregiving.

Work Environment

Elderly Care Facilities

Special nursing homes (tokubetsu yangō rōjin hōmu), the most common workplace, serve residents needing continuous assistance with daily activities. Caregivers provide most direct care while nurses handle medical management. Intensive care homes (kaigo rōjin hoken shisetsu) function as intermediate settings for post-hospital rehabilitation. Fee-based elderly homes (yūryō rōjin hōmu) are privately operated with better amenities and higher service expectations.

Most facilities operate 24/7 with rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical demands are significant—helping residents with mobility, bathing, toileting, meals, and managing behavioral issues. Cultural emphasis includes respect for elders (keigo language), maintaining dignity during personal care, supporting family involvement, and celebrating seasonal traditions.

Group Homes

Group homes house 5-10 residents in residential-style buildings emphasizing normal daily living. Caregivers handle diverse responsibilities including meal preparation, activity planning, housekeeping, managing dementia-related behavioral challenges, and family coordination. Teams are small (3-5 caregivers per shift) with a homelike atmosphere and close resident relationships. Dementia care requires specialized skills in validation therapy, redirection techniques, and creating safe environments.

Home Care and Day Services

Home care allows caregivers to provide support in clients’ homes, typically visiting 4-6 clients daily for 30-90 minutes each. Services include ADL assistance, housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship. The work requires independence and problem-solving skills. Day service centers provide daytime care and activities, typically operating 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with regular hours and a social, activity-focused atmosphere.

The Future of Caregiving in Japan

According to the Cabinet Office’s 2024 White Paper on Aging Society, approximately 35% of Japan’s population will be over 65 by 2040. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare projects a shortage of approximately 690,000 care workers by 2040, making foreign caregivers increasingly valuable.

Policy changes aim to attract more foreign care workers. The government is relaxing some requirements, improving support systems, and expanding visa pathways. Recent initiatives include adding furigana (pronunciation guides) to examination kanji, extending exam time for foreign candidates, and expanding SSW programs. The 2024 care worker processing improvement shows the government targets 2.0% base salary increases for 2025, continuing gradual wage improvement.

Technology integration includes electronic care records, sensor-based monitoring, robotic lifting assistance, and automated medication reminders. However, technology will not replace caregivers—rather, it allows focus on relationship-building and quality of life support. Specialization opportunities continue expanding as the care population becomes more complex, with demand growing for expertise in dementia care, end-of-life care, and behavioral management.

FAQ

Q: Do I need previous caregiving experience to work in Japan?

A: No, SSW positions accept candidates without experience. Pass the required skills and language tests. Any experience in elderly care, healthcare, or hospitality strengthens applications.

Q: How difficult is the Certified Care Worker examination?

A: The examination is challenging but achievable. Recent official results show an 82.8% pass rate for the 36th national Certified Care Worker exam (2024) and 78.3% for the 37th exam (2025).for all candidates. The difficulty stems from Japanese language requirements and comprehensive scope. Most successful foreign candidates spend 6-12 months in focused Japanese study and may take the exam 1-2 times before passing.

Q: Can I bring my family to Japan?

A: If you enter through SSW, you cannot bring dependents during the initial five-year period. However, once you transition to the Kaigo visa by passing the Certified Care Worker examination, you can sponsor dependent visas for your spouse and children.

Q: What happens if I fail the care worker examination?

A: SSW workers are not required to pass to maintain status—you can complete your five-year period working as a regular caregiver, though you cannot extend beyond five years without passing. EPA candidates typically receive 3-4 chances. Many caregivers who don’t pass on first attempts continue studying while working and try again.

Q: Is Tokyo or rural areas better for foreign caregivers?

A: Tokyo offers more jobs, higher base salaries, and international communities but has high living costs. Rural areas often offer incentives like higher starting salaries, generous housing subsidies (sometimes free housing), lower living costs allowing better savings, and stronger community support. Consider your language level, support needs, and lifestyle preferences.

Conclusion

Working as a caregiver in Japan presents excellent opportunities for foreign workers willing to learn Japanese and commit to quality elderly care. Caregivers earn ¥3,000,000 to ¥5,000,000 annually depending on experience and certifications. Beyond base pay, comprehensive benefits make the total compensation package attractive.

Multiple accessible pathways exist. The SSW program provides straightforward entry requiring no prior experience, while EPA programs serve Indonesian, Philippine, and Vietnamese citizens. Both pathways lead toward the Certified Care Worker qualification, opening doors to permanent employment through the Kaigo visa and significantly increasing earning potential.

The future outlook is positive. Japan’s aging population creates sustained demand. Policy improvements increasingly recognize and support foreign care workers. According to Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare data, wages are gradually rising as labor shortages intensify. For foreign caregivers willing to invest in Japanese language study and skill development, Japan offers stable long-term careers with genuine job security.

Success requires realistic expectations and persistent commitment. The language barrier requires at least six months to one year of dedicated Japanese study. However, the caregiving field is more accessible than nursing, with lower language requirements and no extremely difficult examinations for entry-level positions. The rewards are substantial—serving a population in genuine need, experiencing a culture valuing respect for elders, developing expertise increasingly valuable worldwide, and building meaningful relationships with residents and families.

If considering caregiving work in Japan, begin by honestly assessing your Japanese language level and starting study immediately, researching which visa pathway best matches your background, connecting with organizations supporting foreign care workers in Japan, and preparing financially for the transition. Japan needs caregivers. The demographic reality ensures continued demand for decades, with genuine opportunities for qualified foreign workers to enter, stay, and build rewarding careers.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 154.15 JPY (as of November 4, 2025)*

*All salary and statistical data sourced from official Japanese government publications and surveys.*