How much does a welder make in Japan?
a year · about $16 an hour
The average welder in Japan makes $30,315 (¥4.55M) a year, monthly pay × 12 plus bonus, about the same as a typical worker in Japan (average, 2025, Japan's Basic Survey on Wage Structure).
What do they do?
After putting on protective gear, a welder sets up metal and a torch, then follows the seam with a bright arc or runs a welding machine. They clean tools and inspect the joint, sometimes checking inside it for hidden flaws.
Did you know? Welders can check inside a joint for hidden flaws using X-rays or ultrasound—not just by looking at its surface.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowWhat if you were…
In Japan, age and company size matter mostPick a company size, sex or age to see that group's average here.
How it changes with age
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How it changes with company size
How do you become one?
In Japan, many start after high school, around age 18, or public vocational training; no degree is required. They complete arc or gas welding safety training, learn on the job, and may take a Japan Welding Engineering Society skills test.
Why does pay differ?
In Japan, pay can vary with experience, welding certificates, and the metals, methods, or positions a worker can handle. It also depends on location, employer type and size, and hours such as night shifts or travel work.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In the US, a typical welder makes $53,750 → see more
Data table and sources
| Company size | Everyone | Men | Women | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any size | $30,315 | $30,585 | $24,118 | 41.8 |
| Big company | $41,734 | $41,865 | $38,726 | 40.4 |
| Mid-size | $30,541 | $31,097 | $23,903 | 40.3 |
| Small company | $28,335 | $28,507 | $20,052 | 42.9 |
Source: MHLW Basic Survey on Wage Structure 2025 (regular workers, by occupation) (e-Stat). Yearly pay = monthly contractual cash earnings × 12 + annual bonus. Averages for regular workers at firms with 10+ employees. Public employees (teachers, police, firefighters) and company executives are not in this survey. e-stat.go.jp
Pages used for the text
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/Occupation/Detail/255
- www.jwes.or.jp/qualifications/wo/manualwelder
- manten-comic.com/welder-career-guide
Data: MHLW Basic Survey on Wage Structure 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY