Scheduled monthly wages in Kanagawa rose from ¥372,800 in 2020 to ¥384,100 in 2023, an increase of ¥11,300 or 3.0%. The largest gain was among workers aged 30–34, whose wages rose by ¥32,500 or 10.3%. This article focuses not only on the male-female ratio, but also on overall wage growth and the stronger gains among younger workers.
Kanagawa scheduled monthly wages, all ages (men and women combined, ¥1,000)
| Year | Total | Men | Women | Women as % of men |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 372.8 | 390.7 | 297.4 | 76.1% |
| 2021 | 376.4 | 392.3 | 299.8 | 76.5% |
| 2022 | 381.6 | 399.6 | 306.3 | 76.6% |
| 2023 | 384.1 | 408.5 | 314.4 | 76.9% |
Change by age: younger workers saw larger gains
| Age | 2020 | 2023 | Increase | Growth rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–24 | 234.7 | 254.9 | +20.2 | +8.6% |
| 25–29 | 279.8 | 297.8 | +18.0 | +6.4% |
| 30–34 | 316.2 | 348.7 | +32.5 | +10.3% |
| 40–44 | 396.4 | 411.9 | +15.5 | +3.9% |
| 50–54 | 428.3 | 440.6 | +12.3 | +2.9% |
| 55–59 | 441.8 | 454.9 | +13.1 | +3.0% |
¥11,300 higher over four years; early-30s wages rose 10.3%
Across all ages, scheduled monthly wages rose each year: ¥372,800 in 2020, ¥376,400 in 2021, ¥381,600 in 2022, and ¥384,100 in 2023.
By age group, workers aged 30–34 recorded the largest increase at ¥32,500. Wages for ages 20–24 rose by ¥20,200 and those for ages 25–29 by ¥18,000. The increases for workers in their 40s and 50s were generally around ¥12,000 to ¥15,000, meaning the growth rate was stronger among younger age groups.
Competition for younger workers and R&D talent may be lifting the lower age bands
Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Atsugi have concentrations of R&D and technical employment associated with companies such as Nissan, Fujitsu, NEC, and Sony, while employers also compete with Tokyo's IT and professional-services labor market. Hiring difficulty among younger workers and increases in starting salaries may be reflected in the stronger wage growth among workers in their 20s and 30s.
These annual statistics do not track the same individuals over time, however. The composition of surveyed companies and workers can change by age, gender, industry, and company size. The 3.0% increase therefore does not mean that every individual worker received a 3.0% pay raise over the four-year period.
How to read these figures
Scheduled monthly wages exclude bonuses and overtime pay. The table alone also does not show differences in industry mix, company-size mix, or occupation mix.
The article is organized primarily around published statistical figures. Numerical values directly observable in the statistical tables should be distinguished from interpretations of background factors.
Summary: Kanagawa wages rose, led by workers in their 20s and 30s
Kanagawa's all-age scheduled monthly wage rose by ¥11,300 over four years, with particularly strong growth among workers in their early 30s. The data suggest a strong market for younger workers, but this is not the same as real wage growth after inflation.
- ¥372,800 in 2020 to ¥384,100 in 2023
- Increase of ¥11,300, or +3.0%
- Ages 30–34: +¥32,500, or +10.3%
- Not an individual pay-raise rate and not a measure of real wages
Source: Published statistics listed in the Analysis notes at the end of this article
📊 Analysis notes
This article is based on the following statistical data.
- Statistics used: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Basic Survey on Wage Structure (Table ID: 0003426933, view on e-Stat)
- Area: Kanagawa Prefecture
- Years: 2020 and 2023
- Data retrieved: June 6, 2026
- Notes: The article is organized primarily around figures from published statistics. Because industry mix, company-size mix, occupation mix, and other factors outside the article also matter, numerical values directly observable in the statistical tables should be distinguished from interpretation.
Chart and table values have been independently aggregated and visualized from the statistical data above.
Table values have been organized from the statistical data above.