Kids' questions / Politics & public office
🎖️ How much does a sdf member make?
Answer: Ministry of Defense publishes the pay scale and starting salary.
Published figures
| Figure | Amount | Reliability | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Self-Defense Force member · minimum | $19,160 | Government statistics | Ministry of Defense (2026) |
- Starting pay for a high-school graduate joining the Self-Defense Force in 2026 is 239,500 yen a month, times 12.