For workers aged 40–44, scheduled monthly wages are highest in Tokyo at ¥427,800, followed by Kanagawa at ¥411,900 and Tochigi at ¥389,100. By ages 45–49, Tokyo rises to ¥467,600, creating an ¥86,200 gap with Gunma, the lowest of the seven prefectures. This article looks at those mid-career regional differences through the industries and senior roles available in each area.
Scheduled monthly wage ranking for ages 40–44 across the 7 Kanto prefectures (2023, men and women combined)
| Rank | Prefecture | Ages 40–44 (¥1,000) | Ages 45–49 (¥1,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | 427.8 | 467.6 |
| 2 | Kanagawa | 411.9 | 447.3 |
| 3 | Tochigi | 389.1 | 416.3 |
| 4 | Saitama | 382.4 | 412.7 |
| 5 | Chiba | 375.3 | 406.1 |
| 6 | Ibaraki | 371.2 | 399.8 |
| 7 | Gunma | 352.6 | 381.4 |
The gap widens further by ages 45–49
| Prefecture | Ages 40–44 | Ages 45–49 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 427.8 | 467.6 | +39.8 |
| Kanagawa | 411.9 | 447.3 | +35.4 |
| Tochigi | 389.1 | 416.3 | +27.2 |
| Gunma | 352.6 | 381.4 | +28.8 |
By the late 40s, the Tokyo-Gunma gap reaches more than ¥80,000 a month
For ages 40–44, the order is Tokyo, Kanagawa, Tochigi, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, and Gunma. Tokyo is only ¥15,900 above Kanagawa, but ¥75,200 above Gunma.
By ages 45–49, wages rise by ¥39,800 in Tokyo, ¥35,400 in Kanagawa, ¥27,200 in Tochigi, and ¥28,800 in Gunma relative to the 40–44 group. Wages rise in every prefecture, but the absolute gap between the top and bottom becomes larger.
Headquarters management and manufacturing leadership roles shape the regional gap in the 40s
Tokyo has a deep concentration of headquarters, finance, and foreign firms in Chiyoda, Minato, and Chuo. Kanagawa has R&D and manufacturing employment in Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Atsugi, creating a thick layer of management and advanced specialist positions. Tochigi's third-place ranking reflects major automotive and precision-manufacturing bases around Haga and Kaminokawa that generate managerial and skilled roles within the prefecture.
Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, and Gunma also have large-company operations, but prefectural averages include small and medium-sized firms, service industries, and local businesses. The wage gap in the 40s therefore reflects not only individual ability but also how many higher-level positions exist in the regional labor market.
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: Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Tochigi lead because they offer more higher-level mid-career roles
Tokyo ranks first for wages in the 40s, followed by Kanagawa and Tochigi. Later-career regional gaps are influenced less by starting salaries than by the depth of management, specialist, and skilled positions available locally.
- Ages 40–44: Tokyo ¥427,800
- Kanagawa ¥411,900; Tochigi ¥389,100
- Ages 45–49: Tokyo-Gunma gap ¥86,200
- Look not only at current pay but also at the promotion paths available in the region
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: 7 Kanto prefectures / Kanto region
- Year: 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.