Is 4.3M JPY a good salary for a new grad in Japan?

While it's the average, 45.9% of graduates feel it's insufficient due to the 348,000 JPY annual increase in living costs caused by inflation.

Why are Japanese new graduates investing so early?

Driven by inflation stress and future financial anxiety, over 52% have already started investing to build assets early.

What is the source of this survey?

It was conducted by FP Partner Inc., a listed financial consulting firm, involving 701 new employees nationwide.

2026 New Graduates' Avg. Annual Income at 4.33M Yen; Over 80% Stressed by Inflation and 'Price Hike Fatigue'

Published May 18, 2026 7:30 PM ・ Updated Jun 2, 2026 1:04 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

FP Partner Inc. released a survey of 701 new employees who started working in April 2026. The results show an average annual income of 4.328 million yen, with over 45% feeling it is insufficient. Amidst rising prices, more than 80% report feeling stressed by inflation, leading to an average annual increase of 348,000 yen in living expenses compared to their student years. Consequently, financial prudence is high, with over 50% already investing and average savings reaching 2.441 million yen.

FP Partner Inc. (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo; President: Tsutomu Kuroki; Securities Code: 7388), operator of the free financial planning consultation service 'Money Doctor,' conducted a 'Survey on the New Life of New Graduates' among 701 men and women who began their careers in April 2026.

### Survey Summary 1. Average annual income (starting salary basis) for new graduates is 4.328 million yen. Over 40% feel this amount is 'low.' 2. The top use for the first salary is 'savings.' One month into their new life, over half report that 'expenses are higher than expected.' 3. Annual living expenses have increased by an average of 348,000 yen compared to one year ago (as students). 4. Over 80% of new graduates feel 'stressed' by rising prices, revealing the reality of 'price hike fatigue.' 5. Average savings/assets for new graduates stand at 2.441 million yen. Over half are already 'investing,' rising to over 70% when including those interested.

### Survey Results #### 1. Average Annual Income at 4.328 Million Yen; 45.9% Feel It Is 'Low' When asked about their first-year salary, the average among 701 respondents nationwide was 4.328 million yen. 15.7% felt it was 'very low' and 30.2% 'somewhat low,' totaling 45.9% who were dissatisfied. Only 9.6% felt it was 'high.'

#### 2. Savings as Top Use; 53.2% Face Higher-than-Expected Expenses The top uses for the first salary were 'savings' (56.9%) and 'living expenses' (48.2%), showing a conservative trend. Furthermore, 53.2% felt their expenditures since starting work were 'more than expected.' Despite this, many chose to spend on 'rewards for themselves' (44.4%) and 'presents for family' (39.9%).

#### 3. Annual Living Expenses Up by 348,000 Yen Year-on-Year Monthly living expenses averaged 193,000 yen as students, rising to 222,000 yen as new graduates. This 29,000 yen monthly increase (348,000 yen annually) highlights the gap between income and rising costs.

#### 4. 84.7% Feel Stress from Inflation 88.3% stated that price hikes have affected their lives, with 84.7% feeling 'stressed' by the situation. Inflation is becoming a daily stress factor for the new workforce.

#### 5. Average Assets at 2.441 Million Yen; 52.1% Already Investing The average amount of savings (including investment assets) is 2.441 million yen. Since starting work in April 2026, 27.4% began new investments, while 24.7% continued existing ones, totaling 52.1% of active investors.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Survey

2026 New Graduates' Avg. Annual Income at 4.33M Yen; Over 80% Stressed by Inflation and 'Price Hike Fatigue'

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