Country Guide · Japan
International school teacher salaries in Japan
Japan is a dream destination for many teachers, blending strong education systems, rich culture and modern city life. International school packages can be competitive, but the cost of living – and especially rent – requires careful planning. This guide looks at salary bands, benefits, cost of living and realistic savings potential for teachers considering Japan.
Currency
Japanese yen (JPY)
Typical salary band*
~ 300,000 – 500,000 JPY / month
Established international schools in major cities.
Contracts
2–3 year contracts are common
Often renewed annually after the initial period.
Income tax
Progressive national & local tax
Social insurance and residence tax also apply.
Typical salary ranges in Japan
Japan’s education market ranges from eikaiwa (conversation schools) and dispatch companies to long-established international and bilingual schools. Salary and workload can look very different across these segments.
Eikaiwa, language schools & entry-level roles
Many first-time teaching roles and some language schools offer salaries in the 220,000–280,000 JPY per month range. These positions can be good entry points but may come with heavier contact hours and more limited benefits.
Savings potential depends heavily on rent and lifestyle, especially in Tokyo and other major cities.
International schools & leadership
International schools in cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe often offer 300,000–500,000 JPY per month for experienced classroom teachers, sometimes higher for specialist or leadership roles. Some of the most established schools sit above this range and may include housing support or other allowances.
Reputation, workload and expectations also vary; research into individual schools is important.
*All figures are indicative and based on public ranges and teacher reports; they are not guarantees from any specific school.
Common benefits in Japan international school packages
Benefits in Japan vary widely. Some packages are relatively bare bones, while others – particularly in long-established schools – include generous allowances and support.
Housing support: some schools offer subsidised apartments or a housing allowance, while others provide advice but no financial support. This line can make a huge difference to real income.
Flights: start- and end-of-contract flights or a relocation allowance are fairly common for foreign-hire roles, though not universal.
Health insurance: teachers usually join Japan’s national health insurance system; some schools add top-up private cover.
Pension / social insurance: contributions to the national pension and social insurance schemes are a standard part of employment; the exact split between school and teacher varies.
Tuition for dependants: many international schools offer reduced or sometimes free places for staff children, although policies differ and there may be application processes.
Professional development: stronger schools often invest in curriculum and leadership training, particularly for IB and British programmes.
Cost of living and savings potential
Japan is generally more expensive than many other teaching destinations, especially for rent and some imported goods. Daily costs such as local food and transport can be reasonable, but housing and location choices have a big impact on your budget.
Rough monthly costs
A single teacher in a city like Tokyo might spend a significant portion of their income on rent, with everyday costs (food, transport, utilities) adding a further chunk. Smaller cities and suburban areas can be more affordable, particularly for housing.
Specific costs vary greatly by neighbourhood and lifestyle, so researching a target city is essential.
Savings: teacher experiences
Teachers on strong international school packages with some housing support often report being able to save reasonably while still enjoying travel and city life. On lower salaries without housing help, Japan can quickly become more of a lifestyle destination than a savings one.
Package details and housing are usually the deciding factors.
Who is Japan a good fit for?
Japan can be an incredible experience for teachers who value culture, stability and a high level of organisation. It may be particularly appealing if you:
Are excited by Japanese culture, language and day-to-day life, from small towns to megacities.
Appreciate structure, punctuality and detailed policies in school life, even when expectations are high.
Are realistic that Japan may be more of a balanced lifestyle + moderate savings destination unless you are on one of the strongest packages.
Compare your Japan offer
If you have an offer from a school in Japan, use My Offer vs. The World to see how it compares with anonymous packages from teachers in other countries and regions.
🎯 My Offer vs. The World
Explore more on Wondering Staffroom
Browse live salary submissions from Japan and other countries.
Use Analytics to visualise how Japan packages compare globally.
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Join the mailing listFrequently asked questions
- What is a typical salary for international school teachers in Japan?
- Many teachers report salaries in the region of 300,000–500,000 JPY per month at established international schools, with some roles above this range and lower-fee or language-school positions below it.
- Is Japan an expensive place to live as a teacher?
- Japan, and especially cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, can be expensive for rent and some services. Careful budgeting and housing choices are key, but many teachers still manage a comfortable lifestyle and some savings on a solid package.
- Do schools in Japan usually provide housing or just an allowance?
- Some international schools provide subsidised or school-arranged accommodation, while others offer a housing allowance or expect teachers to find their own apartment. The details vary significantly by school and city.
- How does income tax work for teachers in Japan?
- Japan has a progressive income tax system combined with local residence taxes and social insurance. Many schools help with paperwork; some quote net salary while others quote gross, so it is important to clarify.
- How does Wondering Staffroom’s data help with Japan?
- Our Japan figures draw on anonymous teacher submissions and public information to build a clearer, teacher-led picture of what different schools and regions really offer.
Nothing on this page is financial advice. All figures are indicative only and based on public ranges and teacher experiences.
