What is the average annual salary of an engineer? Annual salary by job title and tips on how to increase your income.

2024.01.15

  • Advice for Engineers
エンジニアの平均年収は?職種ごとの年収や年収を上げるためのコツを紹介
  • Want to know about the average annual salary of IT engineers in Japan?
  • Want to know about jobs with high annual salaries?
  • Do you want to know how engineers can increase their annual salary?

Do you have any of the above questions?

Generally speaking, the average annual salary of an engineer is 5.98 million yen, but what skills and experience do you need to aim for an annual salary higher than that?

In this article, we explain in detail the average annual salary for each engineering occupation, as well as the skills and experience that engineers need to increase their annual salary. It also includes recommended qualifications for engineers and a description of each qualification.

Average annual salary of engineers is 5.98 million yen


According to the "Comparative Survey of IT Human Resources in Different Countries" released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the average annual salary of IT personnel in Japan is approximately 5.98 million yen. On the other hand, according to the "Statistical Survey of Private Sector Salaries for 2022" released by the National Tax Agency, the average annual salary in 2022 (2022) was 4.58 million yen. In other words, the average annual salary of IT engineers tends to be higher than the overall average.

The annual income of IT engineers is related to the demand for their expertise and skills. As information technology becomes increasingly important in today's society, companies and organizations need the professional support of IT engineers, who play a variety of roles, including developing and managing systems and building networks.

Furthermore, the work of IT engineers is constantly evolving, requiring them to keep up with new technologies and trends. They need to keep up with the latest information and self-education. These specialized skills and responsibilities enable IT engineers to earn high compensation. Therefore, a career as an IT engineer is a good option for a stable income in the future.

 

The average annual salary of IT professionals tends to increase with age. This is due to the fact that experience and skills accumulate and the value of an engineer increases, and also because many Japanese companies have a seniority-based salary system.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Comparative Survey of IT Human Resources in Different Countries

  National Tax Administration Agency, "2022 Statistical Survey of Private Sector Salaries" (Japanese only)

Average annual salary of engineers by occupation


エンジニアの職種は多岐にわたり、それぞれの職種で平均年収にも違いがあります。

Project Manager

The average annual salary of a project manager is 8,915,000 yen, according to the "Results of a Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2017.

Project managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and management of IT projects. They occupy a key position in the organization and have the leadership and skills necessary to maximize project results.

Project managers are responsible for facilitating communication with project members, keeping track of task progress, and addressing risks and issues. They also have a high average annual salary and can expect further increases in income depending on the size and success of the project. Project managers play an important role in achieving project goals, and their contributions are vital to the entire organization.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries.

IT Architect

IT architects are professionals who design entire systems. They analyze system requirements, plan system structures and components, and select appropriate technologies.The average annual salary of an IT architect is approximately 7,782,000 yen, according to the "Results of the Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2017.IT architects have a high level of expertise and experience and are involved in the design of entire systems, and thus earn high compensation.

The role of an IT architect is not only technical in nature, but also business oriented. They are also expected to understand business needs and provide system solutions to achieve business goals. They may also work with project teams and oversee the implementation and deployment of systems.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries

Security Engineer

The average annual salary of a security engineer is approximately 7,582,000 yen, according to the "Results of a Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The role of a security engineer is to ensure the information security of an organization or company as a cyber security expert.

With the ever-increasing importance of information security, the demand for security engineers is also increasing, and they can earn high compensation. Security engineers are responsible for identifying security vulnerabilities and developing and implementing preventive measures and countermeasures.

They also respond to security incidents and attacks. Because security engineers require a high level of expertise and skill, their compensation is also high.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries

Network and Infrastructure Engineer

The average annual salary for network and infrastructure engineers is approximately 7,582,000 yen, according to the "Results of a Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Network and infrastructure engineers are responsible for designing, building, and managing an organization's network and infrastructure. They play a very important role and are vital to the smooth operation of a company.

Therefore, the abilities and knowledge of network and infrastructure engineers are highly valued. For an organization to function smoothly, it needs a reliable network and infrastructure. By fulfilling this role, network and infrastructure engineers can maximize organizational results and increase competitiveness.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries

Programmer (embedded systems)

The average annual salary of embedded programmers is approximately 6,039,000 yen, according to the "Results of a Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Embedded programmers develop software for specific hardware. This field is very specialized and the salaries are very attractive.

Embedded programmers play an important role in a variety of fields, including the automotive industry and consumer electronics. In addition, embedded programmers are well-versed in both hardware and software and have a wide range of skills to solve complex problems.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries

Programmer (Web-based)

Web-based programmers are engaged in the development of web applications. Using their programming expertise and skills, they perform a variety of tasks such as designing user interfaces, building databases, and ensuring security, etc. The role of web-based programmers is becoming increasingly important in today's society, where web applications are in high demand.

As a result, annual salaries for web-based programmers usually tend to be stable and high. According to the "Results of a Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries" published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the average annual salary of web-based programmers is approximately 5,922,000 yen. This high salary reflects their expertise and high demand.

Reference: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Results of Survey on Salaries, etc. in IT-Related Industries

Skills and experience that engineers should have to increase their annual salary in a career change


To increase your annual income, you need specific skills and experience.

Perform upstream process performance and experience

The term "upstream process" refers to work done in the early stages of a project. This includes requirement definition and system design. Experience in the upstream process will help you understand the big picture of the project and allow you to play a more strategic role.

SkillDescription
Requirements DefinitionClarify customer needs and objectives and define system requirements to meet them.
System DesignDesign the structure and functionality of the system based on the requirements.
Project ManagementWe manage the project, including resource allocation, schedule management, and risk management, all of which are necessary for the project's success.

These experiences will increase your value as an engineer and enable you to aim for a higher annual salary in the job market. In particular, engineers who have these experiences along with technical skills are highly valued by many companies. This is because companies tend to reward people with expertise in upstream processes.

Improve communication skills

To improve your communication skills, it is important to pay attention to the following points.

First, develop the ability to convey technical content concisely and clearly. Avoid using jargon and choose expressions that match the other person's level of understanding. It is also important to understand the other person's point of view and tailor your communication to their needs and interests. You must be willing to seek and understand the other person's opinions and feedback.

Accepting constructive feedback and allowing it to lead to self-improvement, as well as providing honest and constructive feedback to others, is essential to improving your communication skills.

Obtain highly specialized certifications

Engineers in the job market are often required to have specific IT certifications. Obtaining these certifications demonstrates a high level of expertise and technical competence. Below is a table listing the national, vendor, and vendor-neutral certifications offered, along with a brief description of each.

TypeQualification NameDescription of Examination
National QualificationBasic Information Technology Engineer Examination (Basic Information)This certification evaluates basic knowledge and skills related to information technology, including information security, hardware, software, and networking.
Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (Applied Information)Compared to the Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination, this certification evaluates more applied skills and focuses on system development, databases, programming, network administration, etc.
IT Coordinator Examination (IT Coordinator)This exam evaluates knowledge and skills related to IT projects, such as IT project management, requirements definition, and quality management.
Network Specialist Examination (Network Specialist)This exam evaluates advanced skills related to network technology and network design, including routing, switching, and security.
System Architect Examination (System Architect)This exam assesses skills related to system design and architecture, and focuses on the design and planning of large systems.
Project Manager Exam (Project Manager)This exam assesses knowledge and skills in project management, including project planning, schedule management, and cost management.
Vendor CertificationsCCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate)This certification assesses basic knowledge and skills related to Cisco networking technologies, including basic network configuration and troubleshooting.
CCNP Enterprise (Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise)This certification assesses advanced skills related to Cisco networking technologies and focuses on enterprise-level network design and operations.
Oracle Master Gold DBAThis certification assesses advanced skills related to the administration and operation of Oracle databases, including database design, tuning, and security.
AWS CertificationThis certification is related to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform and assesses skills in the design, operation, and management of cloud computing services.
Google Cloud CertificationThis certification is associated with the Google Cloud platform and evaluates skills in cloud computing, data analysis, and machine learning.
Microsoft Certification (Azure)This certification is associated with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and evaluates skills in cloud services deployment, administration, and security.
Python 3 Basic Engineer Certification ExamThis certification assesses basic skills in the Python programming language, including Python syntax, data types, and how to create basic programs.
Vendor-neutral certificationC Programming Proficiency TestThis certification evaluates basic C programming skills and includes basic C syntax, data structures, and algorithms.
ITIL® CertificationLearn best practices in IT service management and assess skills related to the delivery and management of IT services.
PMP (Project Management Professional)An internationally recognized certification in project management, including project planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)The certification assesses advanced skills related to information security, including security policy, access control, and risk management.
LPIC (Linux Professional Institute Certified)The certification assesses skills related to the Linux operating system and focuses on basic Linux administration and operation.
G-testThis certification evaluates skills related to business document processing and tests the ability to process documents using Microsoft Office products.
E QualificationsThe certification assesses basic email knowledge and skills, including sending and receiving email, account setup, and security.
Ruby Technician Certification ExaminationThe certification evaluates skills related to the Ruby programming language, including Ruby syntax, object-oriented programming, and web development.

These certifications prove the skills of IT engineers and are effective in advancing their careers and increasing their annual income. However, it is important to not only acquire qualifications, but also to appeal your qualifications together with your work experience. Qualifications also have the effect of systematically organizing and consolidating knowledge and experience, and are effective in laying the foundation for continued growth.

Learn English or other foreign languages

Mastery of a foreign language, especially English, is the key to opening many doors for engineers. In today's increasingly globalized society, English is the primary language of international business communication. There are many benefits for engineers to learning English, including

BenefitsDescription
International career opportunitiesEnglish-speaking engineers have more opportunities to participate in international projects and to work for foreign companies. This allows them to pursue a broader career path and higher annual salary.
Access to the latest technical informationMuch technical literature and resources are written in English. Being able to understand English gives you direct access to this information and allows you to quickly learn about the latest trends and technologies.
Expanding communicationSpeaking English will increase your networking opportunities with engineers and professionals around the world. This is a great advantage for gaining new ideas and perspectives.

Learning a foreign language can increase your market value as an engineer and strengthen your competitiveness in the global workplace. Developing cross-cultural communication skills will also increase your opportunities for leadership roles in international projects. Learning a foreign language takes time and effort, but it is an important investment in your annual salary and career advancement in the job market.

Tips for engineers to increase their annual salary by changing jobs


Here are some tips on how to make a successful career change and increase your annual salary.

Change to a company with a higher salary standard (large company, foreign company)

Large and foreign-owned companies generally tend to have higher salary standards. These firms often handle large projects and offer compensation commensurate with the high level of expertise and skills required.

Leading Companies / Foreign Affiliatesメリット詳細
Leading Companies・Leading companies have stable management foundations and generally higher salary levels.
∙ Abundant opportunities for training and professional development related to career growth and advancement
・Often opportunities to work on large-scale projects and advanced technologies, which can lead to career advancement
Foreign Affiliated Companies
 
・∙ Foreign-owned companies usually offer higher salaries than their domestic counterparts
・Global perspective and international career opportunities
・Many opportunities to utilize English and other foreign languages and gain international experience

When considering a career change, it is important to pay attention to job openings at these companies and consider how your skills and experience match with them. In addition, in order to change jobs at these companies, you may be required to have a high level of technical skills, specialized knowledge, and in some cases, foreign language skills. Therefore, it is essential to hone these skills in advance to ensure a successful career change.

Changing jobs to a major company or a foreign-affiliated company provides an opportunity to make a significant leap forward in your engineering career. Experience with these companies can be an important step toward expanding your expertise, learning new skills, and earning a higher salary.

Understand the evaluation criteria from the company

Knowing the key criteria by which a company evaluates a candidate in a job search is an important step toward success. Below we discuss some of the key criteria for being evaluated by a company as an engineer.

Evaluation CriteriaDescription
Technical competence and expertiseExperience with programming languages, software, and proven track record in projects
Problem-solving abilityAbility to solve complex problems efficiently
Communication SkillsAbility to communicate effectively with team members and clients
Willingness to learn and adaptWillingness to learn the latest knowledge and ability to adapt to new environments
Industry experience and cultural fitExperience in a specific industry and fit with the culture and values of the company

By understanding these evaluation criteria and properly demonstrating your experience and abilities, you can increase your market value as an engineer and aim for a higher annual salary. When changing jobs, the key to success is to keep these points in mind and effectively showcase your skills and experience.

Consider when to change jobs

Considering market demand and the timing of one's career is critical for those considering a career change. Choosing the best time to change jobs can impact your future career success. Understanding market demand and searching for job openings that match your skill set is key to a successful career change.

Choosing the right time to change jobs is also important for your own career growth and satisfaction. In order to find an environment where you can make the most of your skills and experience, you must carefully consider market demand and the timing of your career. Therefore, you must carefully choose the right time to change jobs, taking into account market trends and your own goals.

Improvement of expertise

Continuous learning and improving one's expertise can lead to higher salaries. Improving your expertise is key to increasing your market value as an engineer and increasing your annual salary. Below is an approach to improving your expertise.

ItemContents
Learning new technologiesEngineers need to keep up with the constant evolution of technology. Learn about new technologies and tools that are in demand in your industry. This will give you more opportunities to participate in more projects and jobs and increase your annual salary.
Obtain professional certificationsObtaining professional certifications is an important way to prove your expertise. For example, obtain certifications that match your career goals, such as project manager certifications or security-related certifications. Having certifications will put you in a better position when changing jobs
Build on your achievements in projectsTo enhance your expertise, it is important to accumulate achievements in relevant projects. Participate in successful and challenging projects and accumulate achievements. Your achievements will be a bargaining chip in your next position.

These factors can help engineers improve their expertise to increase their annual income in a career change.

Improve negotiation skills

Improving your negotiation skills is an essential component of earning a higher annual salary when changing jobs.

ItemContents
Self-assessment and self-analysis・Self-assessment and organization of skills, experience, and achievements
・Identify strengths and weaknesses
・Clarification of position and salary sought
Market Research・Research job market trends
・Understand the salary level of other companies in the same industry
・Identify the average salary for the position you are seeking
Negotiation Preparation・Clarify salary expectations, benefits, bonuses, etc.
・List negotiation points
Confidence and Persuasion・Demonstrate confidence and persuasiveness
・Promote your strengths and accomplishments
・Explain your suitability for the position
Compromise and flexibility・Recognizes the need for compromise
・Considers the other party's position
・Negotiate with a flexible attitude. Not getting emotional and undermining the cooperative relationship.

Following these steps will help you improve your negotiation skills and get closer to success when changing jobs.

Acquisition of ITSS

ITSS stands for Information Technology Specialist Certification. This certification certifies a high level of technical competence and knowledge in engineering and IT-related occupations. obtaining an ITSS certification demonstrates your high level of technical competence and expertise, and allows you to showcase yourself as a superior engineer when changing jobs. It also gives you a competitive edge and increases your chances of negotiating a higher-than-usual salary.

To obtain an ITSS certification, you will acquire knowledge through relevant books and online courses. The exam is usually computer-based and administered at a testing center.

Summary


To increase an engineer's annual salary, obtaining certifications, learning foreign languages, and changing jobs at major companies are effective. Also important are improving one's expertise and negotiating skills; obtaining ITSS certifications is also recommended. By combining these methods, you can improve your market value as an engineer and increase your annual salary.

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