How Much Can You Earn from a Part-Time Job in Japan? 2026 Salary, 28-Hour Rule & Job Search Guide
Htet Aung· Reporter
|·14 min read
Read in
How Much Can You Earn from a Part-Time Job in Japan? 2026 Part-Time Job Salary, the 28-Hour Rule, and How to Find a Job
For Myanmar students studying in Japan, people who want to support their families financially, and those looking for additional income, part-time work is an important employment opportunity.
However, before looking for a part-time job in Japan, it is important to understand:
How much can you earn per hour?
How much can you earn per month?
How many hours can you work per week on a Student Visa?
Do you need a work permit?
What types of jobs are allowed?
Are taxes or other deductions taken from your salary?
This guide explains everything you need to know about Japan part-time job salaries in 2026, minimum wage updates, the 28-hour rule for international students, and important points for Myanmar nationals looking for part-time jobs in Japan.
How Much Is the Hourly Wage for Part-Time Jobs in Japan in 2026?
Japan does not have one nationwide minimum wage that applies equally to every location. The minimum wage is determined by each prefecture.
Some of the current minimum wage rates in major prefectures are:
Prefecture
Current Minimum Wage
Tokyo
¥1,226/hour
Kanagawa
¥1,225/hour
Osaka
¥1,177/hour
Saitama
¥1,141/hour
Chiba
¥1,140/hour
Aichi
¥1,140/hour
Kyoto
¥1,122/hour
Fukuoka
¥1,057/hour
These rates are based on the current regional minimum wage information published by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The effective date can vary by prefecture.
Therefore, when someone asks, “What is the minimum wage in Japan?”, there is no single number that applies to the entire country. You need to check the minimum wage of the prefecture where you will actually work.
Has Japan's 2026 Minimum Wage Increased to ¥1,176?
There is an important update regarding Japan's 2026 minimum wage.
On July 28, 2026, Japan's Central Minimum Wage Council issued recommendations for the revision of regional minimum wages for fiscal year 2026.
The recommendations were:
Rank A: ¥54 increase
Rank B: ¥56 increase
Rank C: ¥56 increase
If the prefectures approve increases in line with these recommendations, Japan's national weighted-average minimum wage is expected to reach ¥1,176 per hour.
This represents an average increase of ¥55 from the previous year, or approximately 4.9%.
However, it does not mean that everyone in Japan is already receiving ¥1,176 per hour.
The ¥1,176 figure refers to the expected national weighted average if the prefectures implement the recommended increases.
The final minimum wage is determined separately by each prefecture's Minimum Wage Council and approved through the relevant prefectural labour authorities.
Therefore, people already living and working in Japan should check the latest minimum wage for their own prefecture.
How Much Can You Earn Per Month from a Part-Time Job in Japan?
A simple way to estimate monthly income is:
Hourly Wage × Hours Worked Per Week × 4 Weeks
For example, if you work in Tokyo at the current minimum wage of ¥1,226 per hour:
Working 20 hours per week
¥1,226 × 20 × 4 = ¥98,080 per month
Working 25 hours per week
¥1,226 × 25 × 4 = ¥122,600 per month
Working 28 hours per week
¥1,226 × 28 × 4 = ¥137,312 per month
These figures represent gross income. The actual amount you receive may be lower after taxes, insurance, and other applicable deductions.
Tokyo vs Osaka: Where Can You Earn More from a Part-Time Job?
Based on the current minimum wage:
Tokyo: ¥1,226/hour
Osaka: ¥1,177/hour
This means Tokyo's minimum wage is currently ¥49 higher per hour than Osaka's.
However, a higher hourly wage does not necessarily mean that living in that city is financially better.
Tokyo may offer higher wages, but expenses such as:
Rent
Food
Transportation
Electricity, water, and gas
can also be higher.
Therefore, when choosing a part-time job, do not look only at the hourly wage. Consider the total monthly living expenses as well.
What Types of Part-Time Jobs Are Popular in Japan?
Some common part-time job categories that Myanmar nationals in Japan may look for include:
Factory and Food Factory Jobs
These may include packaging, food processing, manufacturing, and other factory-related work.
Restaurant and Kitchen Jobs
These may include kitchen staff, restaurant staff, dishwashing, and other food-service positions.
Convenience Store Jobs
Typical duties may include cashier work, stocking products, and cleaning.
Hotel Cleaning Jobs
These may include hotel room cleaning, bed making, and other cleaning-related duties.
Warehouse and Logistics Jobs
These may include packing, sorting, loading, unloading, and handling goods.
Night Shift Jobs
Night-shift jobs may offer higher pay because Japanese labour regulations provide additional compensation for qualifying late-night work.
When comparing jobs, check not only the hourly wage but also:
Night-shift allowance
Transportation allowance
Working hours
Shift schedule
Can International Students Work Part-Time in Japan?
Yes, international students can work part-time in Japan, but they generally need the appropriate Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence.
The Student status of residence is primarily intended for studying and does not automatically give students permission to work.
According to official guidance from Japan's Immigration Services Agency, students who have the appropriate permission can generally work:
Up to 28 hours per week.
How Does the 28-Hour Rule Work?
For international students with the appropriate permission, part-time work is generally limited to 28 hours per week.
During designated long school vacation periods, students can generally work up to 8 hours per day, subject to the applicable conditions.
An important point is that the 28-hour limit is not 28 hours per job.
If you have two or three part-time jobs, the total working hours across all of your jobs must remain within the applicable limit.
Can You Work Part-Time Without Permission?
No.
According to the current official guidance from Japan's Immigration Services Agency, international students who want to engage in paid activities outside the activities permitted under their status of residence generally need the appropriate permission.
Therefore, when looking for a part-time job in Japan, do not assume that simply having a Residence Card means you are automatically allowed to work.
Check whether you have the appropriate Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence.
What Types of Jobs Are Not Allowed for International Students?
There are restrictions on the types of work international students can perform.
In particular, certain businesses related to adult entertainment and amusement businesses are prohibited under the conditions of the standard part-time work permission.
Therefore, when you receive a job offer, do not accept it simply because the salary is attractive.
First check:
Is this job permitted under my status of residence and work permission?
How Can You Avoid Your Part-Time Job Affecting Your Studies?
The primary purpose of a Student status of residence is education.
Therefore, international students should make sure that part-time work does not result in:
Missing classes
Poor attendance
Prioritizing work over studies
Exceeding the permitted working hours
In particular, exceeding the permitted 28-hour limit can create problems related to your status of residence.
What Japanese Language Level Do You Need for a Part-Time Job?
The required Japanese level varies depending on the job and employer.
Factory and Cleaning Jobs
Some positions may have relatively low Japanese-language requirements.
Restaurants and Convenience Stores
Because these jobs involve direct communication with customers, stronger Japanese communication skills may be required.
Office and Customer Service Jobs
These positions may require a higher level of Japanese.
Therefore, it is difficult to say that a specific Japanese level automatically qualifies you for every part-time job.
Always check the language requirements listed in the job description and choose a position that matches your Japanese ability.
What Do You Need to Apply for a Part-Time Job in Japan?
Most employers may ask for some or all of the following:
1. Residence Card
This may be required to confirm your current residence status.
2. Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence
This is particularly important for students and other residence statuses with restrictions on employment.
3. Japanese-Style Resume
A Japanese-style resume may be required when applying for jobs.
4. Japanese Phone Number
Employers may need a Japanese phone number to contact you.
5. Bank Account
A Japanese bank account may be required for salary payments.
6. Work Availability
Being able to clearly explain which days and times you are available to work can make it easier for employers to match you with suitable shifts.
5 Things to Check When Looking for a Part-Time Job in Japan
1. Compare the Hourly Wage with the Minimum Wage
Check the current minimum wage in the prefecture where you will work.
2. Remember the 28-Hour Rule
If you are an international student, follow the working-hour restrictions attached to your permission.
3. Read the Entire Job Description
Do not look only at the hourly wage.
Check:
Working hours
Shift schedule
Transportation allowance
Other allowances
Payday
Employment contract
4. Make Sure the Job Is Compatible with Your Residence Status
Before starting work, confirm that the job is permitted under your residence status and work permission.
5. Be Careful with Job Offers Promising Unusually High Salaries
Do not hand over important documents such as your passport or Residence Card without understanding why they are being requested.
Always read and understand the employment contract before starting work.
How Can Myanmar Nationals Find Part-Time Jobs in Japan?
Japan has many job-search services and employment opportunities, but finding a suitable job can sometimes be difficult for Myanmar nationals, especially when searching in Japanese.
With iorUp Platform, Myanmar nationals in Japan can search for job opportunities and use features designed to make job searching easier.
You can:
Search for part-time jobs
Search by location
Search by salary
Search by job type
Communicate with recruiters in Burmese
Save your CV and use it when applying for jobs
If you are looking for a part-time job in Japan, you can start exploring suitable opportunities through iorUp Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions About Part-Time Jobs in Japan
How much is the hourly wage for a part-time job in Japan?
It depends on the prefecture. Currently, Tokyo's minimum wage is ¥1,226 per hour, while Osaka's is ¥1,177 per hour.
Can I earn ¥100,000 per month from a part-time job?
Yes, it is possible depending on your hourly wage and working hours. For example, at ¥1,226 per hour, working 20 hours per week would result in approximately ¥98,080 in gross income based on a four-week calculation.
Can international students work more than 28 hours per week?
Generally, no. Students with the appropriate permission can generally work up to 28 hours per week. During designated long school vacation periods, they can generally work up to 8 hours per day, subject to the applicable conditions.
Do international students need permission to work part-time?
Yes. If a student wants to engage in paid work outside the activities permitted under their Student status of residence, the appropriate permission is generally required.
Is the part-time wage higher in Tokyo or Osaka?
Based on the current minimum wage, Tokyo is higher at ¥1,226 per hour compared with Osaka at ¥1,177 per hour. However, living expenses should also be considered when comparing the two cities.
Has Japan's 2026 minimum wage already become ¥1,176?
Not as a single nationwide rate. ¥1,176 refers to the expected national weighted-average minimum wage if the prefectures implement the recommended increases for fiscal year 2026. Each prefecture has to determine its own final rate.
Summary
Part-time job salaries in Japan vary depending on the prefecture, type of job, shift, and number of hours worked.
Based on the current minimum wage rates in 2026, Tokyo's minimum wage is ¥1,226 per hour, while Osaka's is ¥1,177 per hour.
At the same time, Japan has issued recommendations for further minimum wage increases for fiscal year 2026. If the recommended increases are implemented, the national weighted-average minimum wage is expected to reach ¥1,176 per hour.
For international students, however, understanding the work-permission requirements and working-hour restrictions is more important than simply knowing how much a job pays.
Before starting a part-time job, make sure you understand your:
Work permission + 28-hour weekly limit + restrictions on permitted job types
If you are a Myanmar national looking for work in Japan, iorUp Platform allows you to search for part-time jobs, full-time jobs, and Specified Skilled Worker opportunities and find positions that match your needs.
