How much does a secretary make in Japan?

A secretary often arrives before the boss, sorts messages, and checks the day’s schedule. They arrange meetings, welcome visitors, answer calls, prepare papers or travel plans, and adjust when plans suddenly change.

Did you know? In Japan, a Diet member’s policy secretary needs a special qualification, but passing the exam does not guarantee a job; a lawmaker must still hire them.

In Japan, no specific degree or license is required: people may study secretarial work at a junior college or vocational school, or join an employer after university and move into a secretary role. The Secretarial Skills Test is useful but optional.

Why does pay differ?

In Japan, secretary pay can vary with experience, employer size and type, location, and whether the job is full-time or shorter-hour; schedules and overtime can differ too. Specialist work, such as legal, medical, or bilingual support, may call for extra skills, and useful certificates can help people qualify for different roles.