What Is the Average Salary for Japanese Chefs?

When interviewing a Japanese chef, the hiring team often finds it difficult to come up with the offer of the salary. You do not want to make an offer that is too low and declined or that is too high and causes a financial burden. It goes without saying that salary varies according to each restaurant and position, but it is better to understand the standard pay range before making an offer so that you can raise the chance of reaching an agreement.

1. Average Salary of Chefs in Japan

To begin with, let’s talk about the average salary of chefs in Japan. According to the data issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2018, chefs’ salary is about 3.42 million JPY on average (approx. 31,090 USD). As the average salary for Japanese workers is 4.33 million JPY (39,090 USD), the restaurant business tends to pay less than other industries.

We frequently receive a question about the average salary for the chefs of Japanese cuisine, including sushi chefs, based on their positions. Young chefs usually get paid around 2.5 to 3.5 million JPY (22,727 to 31,818 USD), while sous chefs earn around 3.5 to 5 million JPY (31,818 to 45,454 USD) and executive chefs earn around 4 to 6 million JPY (36,363 to 54,545 USD). Yet at high-end restaurants, the executive chef can earn more than 6 million JPY(54,545USD).

Above numbers are gross income, and 75 to 80% of it is net income after various deductions and withholdings are made, such as tax, insurance premiums, and pension contributions.

2. Average Salary of Japanese Chefs Abroad

“Japanese chefs specializing in Japanese cuisine get paid more overseas.”

This is a well-known fact in the restaurant business in Japan. It depends on which country you work in and what role you play, but the same qualifications can be evaluated more highly overseas and it is likely that chefs can make more than the average salary paid in Japan (3.42 million JPY or 31,090 USD).

The following chart shows the range of the annual salary for Japanese chefs in the United States, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. All the numbers are shown in USD for comparison.

Country/Region Young Chefs Head Chefs, Sous Chefs
The United States 30,000 – 60,000USD 50,000 – 100,000USD
UK 30,000 – 50,000USD 50,000 – 80,000USD
Singapore 4,5000 – 60,000USD 50,000 – 100,000USD
Hong Kong 30,000 – 50,000USD 50,000 – 100,000USD

Japanese restaurants are rapidly increasing all over the world, including the four countries and regions above (from 24,000 restaurants in 2006 to 156,000 in 2019). As a result, Japanese chefs are being wanted everywhere and tend to get paid more. Japanese chefs planning to change their jobs overseas understand this situation very well.

3. Salary to Propose in the Job Offer

“If I change my job, I want to find a place with a salary that reflects my value.”

We believe this is a true sentiment of those who are changing their jobs in general. The hiring staff at restaurants often tell us they do not have any idea how much salary to offer. We recommend that you start by checking the candidate’s current annual salary (before and after tax). Then, you can consider if it is possible to offer a better salary. To avoid a potential misunderstanding, you should clarify the amount of the salary both before and after tax.

If the candidate can expect tips as an additional income source, you should explain about it as well. Since Japan does not have the custom of tipping, some candidates may find it appealing to work in the country with the system.

If you cannot offer a higher salary than what the candidate is being paid, you can emphasize other benefits. It is said 30 to 40% of the income is spent on rent in Japan, so you can appeal to candidates by providing assistance with rent or free accommodations maintained by the company. Furthermore, make sure you explain that working hours are shorter than the Japanese restaurant business, which is notorious for its long hours, and that employees can take regular time off. 

It is possible to recruit a Japanese chef even though you cannot pay a higher salary. All you need to do is understand not only the applicant’s current salary but also his or her working environment as a whole and offer a condition that would solve any concern or frustration. 

There are many Japanese chefs who are skilled but do not feel they are appreciated well enough because of their salary or working conditions. They hope to change their jobs if they can find a better environment. Please consider what you can offer, either a better salary or other benefits.

4. What If I Have a Problem in Hiring?

“I do not know what my restaurant should feature to attract Japanese chefs.”

“I have an idea of the chefs I am looking for, but I do not know how to find them.”

“We tried to recruit on our own before without success, so we want to find a truly skillful chef this time.”

“Since no staff member speak Japanese, we want to entrust the whole task of hiring Japanese chefs to someone else.”

If you have a problem in recruiting quality Japanese chefs, feel free to contact us Washoku Agent!

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