Sogo Shikaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takuya Sato), which operates the "Sogo Shikaku Gakuin" school for construction and real estate-related qualifications, conducted a survey on the "Impact of Work Style Reform in the Construction Industry on Qualified Individuals and the Labor Conditions and Treatment Sought by Qualified Individuals" targeting Class 1 and Class 2 architects.

With the number of workers in the construction industry tending to decrease and an aging workforce, work style reform due to the "2024 Problem" has become an urgent issue. The effects of overtime regulations and revised construction periods are bringing about changes in work density and pressure not only for design positions but also for all practical personnel holding architectural qualifications, including construction management and sales.

Our "Survey on the Status of Architect Qualification Acquisition and Income" conducted in 2025 targeting individuals who acquired architectural qualifications revealed the actual situation regarding work styles, income, and learning methods.

Click here for the 2025 survey data.

This, the third survey, delved deeper into whether the current working environment is commensurate with the workload carried by Class 1 and Class 2 architects, and what kind of ease of work and deciding factors for転職 (ten-shoku - job change) are truly sought by Class 1 and Class 2 architects.

Survey Overview: "Impact of Work Style Reform in the Construction Industry on Qualified Individuals and the Labor Conditions and Treatment Sought by Qualified Individuals" Survey

[Survey Period] May 21 (Thu) - May 22 (Fri), 2026

[Survey Method] Internet survey via PRIZMA

[Number of Respondents] 1,017 people

[Target Audience] Monitors who responded as Class 1 or Class 2 architects at the time of the survey.

[Survey Source] Sogo Shikaku Co., Ltd. (https://www.shikaku.co.jp/)

[Monitor Provider] Sakurisa

<Survey Results Highlights>

▶ Those earning over ¥7 million increased by 12.5 points in 2 years, reaching approximately 40% (38.3%)

▶ While over 70% (72.7%) are satisfied with their income after obtaining qualifications, the top reason for dissatisfaction with their current job is "heavy workload" (32.5%)

▶ Approximately 60% (57.5%) feel an improvement in their workplace environment due to work style reform.

▶ The No. 1 condition that respondents do not want to compromise on when changing jobs is "salary" (32.7%)

▶ When choosing a new workplace, over 80% (81.9%) prioritize improvement in the work environment, and over 40% (43.0%) are registered with or consulting job-seeking agents/scout services.

What is the income distribution for Class 1 and Class 2 architects after obtaining their qualifications?

First, when asked about "the current workplace of Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualification holders," "general contractors (23.1%)" handling large-scale projects were the most common, followed by "house manufacturers (20.2%)" and "local builders (18.4%)" in the housing sector. The results suggest that Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualifications are needed across a wide range of company sizes and business types.

Class 1 and Class 2 architects are active in a wide range of industries, but what is their income level?

Next, when asked about "current annual income," the following results were obtained.

38.3% of respondents earn over ¥7 million annually, and among them, 7.0% reported earning over ¥10 million.

Comparing the proportion of those earning "over ¥7 million" with previous surveys, it was 25.8% in 2024, 34.0% in 2025, and 38.3% this year, showing an increase of 12.5 percentage points (approximately 1.5 times) in two years. This trend indicates that the income of Class 1 and Class 2 architects is on an upward trend.

Click here for the 2024 survey data.

Click here for the 2025 survey data.

One factor that tends to lead to an increase in income is "qualification allowance." How much is actually paid?

When asked about "the increase in monthly income due to qualification allowance," "less than ¥15,000 to ¥20,000 (23.7%)" and "less than ¥20,000 to ¥25,000 (21.1%)" were the top responses.

"Less than ¥15,000 to ¥25,000 per month" accounted for nearly half of the total respondents. This translates to an annual income increase of several hundred thousand yen, suggesting that obtaining qualifications directly leads to improved compensation. For companies, it also serves as an effective incentive to secure and retain excellent Class 1 and Class 2 architects.

How do Class 1 and Class 2 architects feel about the changes in income due to obtaining qualifications?

When asked about "satisfaction with annual income compared to before obtaining architect qualifications," over 70% responded "satisfied" ("very satisfied" (22.5%), "somewhat satisfied" (50.2%)).

This indicates that many people have a positive evaluation of the changes in income due to obtaining qualifications. On the other hand, over one in four respondents answered "dissatisfied" ("not very satisfied" (20.6%), "not at all satisfied" (6.7%)), indicating that a certain number of people are not satisfied with the current situation.

Impact of Work Style Reform. The key to architect recruitment and retention may not only be salary but also "workload optimization."

While satisfaction with income is high, what changes are occurring in the working environment?

When asked about "changes in one's work and workplace environment due to work style reform in the construction industry," the following results were obtained.

"Greatly improved" (15.7%)

"Slightly improved" (41.8%)

"No change" (33.9%)

"Slightly worsened" (7.1%)

"Greatly worsened" (1.5%)

It was shown that approximately 60% feel an improvement in their workplace environment due to the work style reform being promoted across the industry. However, over 40% of respondents indicated "no change," "slightly worsened," or "greatly worsened," suggesting that the entire industry has not yet fully experienced the changes brought about by work style reform.

What are the areas for improvement regarding the workplace environment?

When asked about "elements that are felt to have dissatisfaction or room for improvement in the current workplace environment and working conditions," "heavy workload (32.5%)" was the most common, followed by "long working hours and few holidays/vacations (32.4%)" and "salary (base salary, qualification allowance, etc.) (31.9%)."

Despite the progress in work style reform, the reality of heavy individual workloads and long working hours remains evident. Furthermore, dissatisfaction with salary followed closely, suggesting that a certain segment of the workforce questions the balance between the weight of their responsibilities and their compensation.

Towards an ideal environment using architect qualifications as leverage. Non-negotiable conditions for job changes and the latest career trends for Class 1 and Class 2 architects.

While dissatisfaction with workload and compensation has become apparent, what conditions are most prioritized when seeking a new environment?

The following questions were asked to company employees holding Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualifications, excluding managers, executives, and freelancers.

When asked about "conditions that cannot be compromised on when considering a job change," "salary (base salary, qualification allowance, etc.) (32.7%)" was the most common, followed by "appropriate workload and scope of responsibility (30.4%)" and "fair evaluation system and career path (30.1%)."

The fact that "salary" was the most frequently cited non-negotiable condition suggests that appropriate salary levels commensurate with one's qualifications and specialized skills are highly valued. Additionally, "appropriate workload" and "evaluation system" were nearly tied at 30%, indicating a desire for workplaces that offer fair recognition for responsibilities and workload, not just higher income.

So, when actually looking for a new job, what strengths are emphasized?

When asked "What can be used as leverage when considering a job change?", "industry experience and knowledge (46.9%)" was the most common, followed by "work achievements (44.6%)" and "architect qualifications (42.9%)."

This indicates that many people view "practical experience" and "achievements" cultivated in the field as their own strengths. Furthermore, over 40% cited "architect qualifications," suggesting that national qualifications, which objectively prove individual specialized skills, are a powerful appeal in the job market.

For individuals possessing both practical skills and qualifications, how much does a company's commitment to improving its work environment influence their decision when choosing a new workplace?

When asked "Does improvement in the work environment (office environment improvements, work style revisions, etc.) significantly influence the choice of a new workplace?", over 80% responded that it is a "deciding factor" ("very important deciding factor" (29.2%), "somewhat important deciding factor" (52.7%)).

It is clear that many people prioritize a company's commitment to improving its work environment. Initiatives to create a comfortable working environment for employees are considered essential conditions for securing talented individuals.

What methods are currently being used to aim for employment in an ideal workplace?

When asked "What actions are you currently taking to seek better working conditions and treatment?", "registering with and consulting job-seeking agents and scout services (43.0%)" was the most common, followed by "gathering information on job search sites and recruitment media (27.0%)" and "consulting or asking for referrals from friends and acquaintances (25.0%)."

Over 40% are utilizing "job-seeking agents" and "scout services" that offer professional support, indicating an effort to efficiently find companies that match their desired conditions. Additionally, there are those who "gather information on job search sites" independently and those who "ask friends and acquaintances" for referrals, showing a diverse range of approaches to seeking better working conditions and improved compensation.

[Summary] Labor Conditions and Career Strategies for Class 1 and Class 2 Architects

▶ Regarding architect income

This survey revealed that while many Class 1 and Class 2 architects feel a certain level of satisfaction with income increases through qualification acquisition, they face various challenges in their daily work.

Workplaces are diverse, including general contractors, house manufacturers, and local builders, and approximately 40% (38.3%) earn over ¥7 million annually. According to the National Tax Agency's "2023 Survey of Actual Status of Private Sector Salaries," the proportion of salary earners with an annual income of ¥7 million or more is 15.9%. From this figure, it can be inferred that Class 1 and Class 2 architects tend to earn higher incomes.

In reality, the range of "¥15,000 to ¥25,000 per month" for qualification allowances accounts for over 70%, and many express a certain level of satisfaction with their income after obtaining architect qualifications. On the other hand, over one in four respondents indicated "dissatisfaction," showing that a portion of individuals are not satisfied with the current situation.

▶ Regarding work style reform in the construction industry

While approximately 60% feel the positive effects of work style reform on their workplace environment, over 40% do not, indicating that its penetration throughout the industry is still ongoing.

Complaints about "heavy workload and long working hours" continue to be raised from the field, highlighting a reality where individuals question the balance between their significant responsibilities and their compensation.

▶ Regarding job changes for architects

Company employees holding Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualifications consider "salary," "appropriate workload," and "evaluation system" as non-negotiable conditions when considering a job change, suggesting they seek workplaces that offer fair recognition for their responsibilities and workload, not just higher income.

In this regard, it is shown that many view not only their "practical experience" and "achievements" cultivated in the field but also their "architect qualifications" as national qualifications that objectively prove their skills, as their strengths.

Furthermore, approximately 80% of company employees holding Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualifications consider "improvement in the work environment (office environment improvements, work style revisions, etc.)" as a crucial deciding factor when choosing a new workplace, indicating that the quality of the work environment itself, not just compensation, is central to workplace selection.

In fact, over 40% utilize "job-seeking agents and scout services" that offer professional support, demonstrating an effort to efficiently find companies that match their desired conditions.

Additionally, there are those who "gather information on job search sites" independently and those who "ask friends and acquaintances" for referrals, showing a diverse range of approaches to seeking better working conditions and improved compensation.

For those aiming for career advancement in the construction industry or seeking to further enhance their market value, obtaining architect qualifications is a viable option. To achieve one's ideal work style and remain a long-term essential asset in the industry, consider obtaining professional qualifications such as Class 1 and Class 2 architect qualifications.

No. 1 School for Pass Rates: Sogo Shikaku Gakuin

Sogo Shikaku Gakuin is a school brand operated by Sogo Shikaku Co., Ltd. It boasts an overwhelming track record as a school for construction and real estate-related qualifications, with particular strength in preparing for challenging national architect examinations.

Courses at Sogo Shikaku Gakuin are structured based on "overwhelmingly high analytical capabilities." To cope with the increasingly difficult examinations in recent years, we thoroughly analyze various factors such as social conditions, examination trends, and the latest technologies, and continuously improve our lecture systems, course curricula, and teaching materials. As a result, in the Class 1 architect design and drawing examination over the past decade (Heisei 28 - Reiwa 7), 52.6% of successful candidates (out of a total of 35,869 nationwide candidates, 18,878 were Sogo Shikaku Gakuin students) and 59.2% of those who passed both the written and design/drawing exams in one year (out of a total of 14,345 nationwide straight-pass candidates, 8,493 were Sogo Shikaku Gakuin students) were our students, achieving the "No. 1" pass rate in Japan (as of December 24, Reiwa 7).

* The display of our academy's No. 1 status is based on the "Survey Report on the Actual Status of No. 1 Claims" by the Japan Fair Trade Commission. * Sogo Shikaku Gakuin's pass rate does not include students who only took mock exams, purchasers of study materials, providers of free services, or past students. * The number of nationwide straight-pass candidates and nationwide pass candidates are based on announcements by the Foundation for Architectural Education and Information. * Straight-pass candidates for written and design exams are those who passed the Class 1 architect written examination and passed the Class 1 architect design and drawing examination in the same year. <As of December 24, Reiwa 7>

▼ Click here for details on "Sogo Shikaku Gakuin's Pass Rate Achievements"

https://www.shikaku.co.jp/about/achievements/

[Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Image Character: Michiko Tanaka]

[Profile] Michiko Tanaka (Tanaka Michiko)

Born August 24, 1989, from Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Affiliated with Oscar Promotion.

Represented Japan at Miss World 2013 and was selected for the Top 30 in the world finals. Appeared in dramas such as "Ooku" (CX), "Reikai Tantei: Joshigawa Hisui," "invert Joshigawa Hisui Tōsu Shū," "Dr. Chocolate" (NTV/Hulu), "Kao ni Doro wo Nuru," "Roppongi Class" (EX), and movies such as "Gokudōfu Tatsu" (The Way of the Househusband). Also appeared in "Kaitai Kingdom" (NHK General), "Shiawase Kibun no Furansugo" (NHKE Tele), "Shinbi no Kyojintachi" (TX), and "Tsukuri Hito" (BS TV Tokyo, provided by Sogo Shikaku), among others. She has also demonstrated her talent in watercolor painting on "Pleba!" (MBS/TBS), expanding her activities in various fields. Despite her extremely busy schedule, she passed the Class 1 architect examination, one of the most difficult national qualifications, in 2022.

[Features of Sogo Shikaku Gakuin's High-Achieving Architect Courses]

Face-to-Face Instruction "Person-to-Person"

Because it is a difficult exam, effective and efficient learning is possible, such as "being able to ask questions immediately when they arise" and "lectures tailored to the students' level of understanding."

Professional Instructors at the Core of Lectures

With the goal of "all students passing," they accurately resolve the concerns of each student and provide a clear path to success for every individual.

Thorough Support for Each Student Until They Pass

Primarily through academic staff, comprehensive support is provided, including monitoring learning progress, confirming attendance, offering study advice, and boosting motivation.

Original Study Materials Condensed with Know-How for Passing

Thorough analysis of the latest exam trends and past question patterns is conducted, with annual revisions. Furthermore, reflecting the voices of tens of thousands of students, overwhelming clarity is achieved.

Learning Cycle for Solidifying Knowledge

Dedicated materials are prepared for each stage of preparation, lecture, and review to ensure knowledge is firmly retained and can be used to score points.

Drawing Instruction Achieving Japan's No. 1 Pass Rate

Step-by-step instruction is provided for drawing procedures, and instructors circulate around the classroom to check students' hands during the drawing process. Improvements are advised on the spot, and detailed corrections are a key feature.

[Courses Offered]

Architecture

・Class 1 Architect ・Class 2 Architect ・Class 1 Structural Engineer ・Class 1 Building Equipment Engineer ・Building Equipment Engineer

Construction Management

・Class 1 Construction Management Engineer ・Class 2 Construction Management Engineer ・Class 1 Civil Engineering Management Engineer ・Class 2 Civil Engineering Management Engineer ・Class 1 Piping Construction Management Engineer

Real Estate

・Real Estate Transaction Agent ・Rental Property Management Business Manager

Interior

・Interior Coordinator

▼ Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Official Website

▼ Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Official X

▼ Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Official Instagram

▼ Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Official LINE

▼ Sogo Shikaku Gakuin Official YouTube Channel

[Company Profile] (As of June 1, 2026)

[Location] Sogo Shikaku Co., Ltd. Shinjuku Nomura Building 22F, 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo [TEL] 03-3340-2810 (Main)

[Location] Chubu Shikaku Co., Ltd. Chubu Shikaku Building, 1-2-22 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture [TEL] 052-202-1795 (Main)

[Representative] Takuya Sato [Established] January 1987

[Number of Employees] 684 [Capital] Sogo Shikaku: 100 million yen [Sales] 13.5 billion yen (Fiscal Year Ending September 2025)

[Business Activities] Operation of training courses for various national qualifications, seminars, publication of study materials, legal training, human resources business

[URL] https://www.shikaku.co.jp

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果