Labor shortage presents an opportunity! High-paying jobs and strategies for increasing your annual income.

年収 Small Talk

Introduction

「The number of workers in Japan is decreasing."—This phrase, which we often hear on the news, is actually directly related to our daily lives. As the birthrate declines and the population ages, the demand for skilled trades such as construction, electrical equipment maintenance, and scaffolding work is rapidly increasing. Moreover, there are more and more cases where annual incomes are reaching record highs. To answer the question, "How can you aim for a high salary?", this article will introduce a concrete path with the latest data.

The reality of "high salaries" brought about by labor shortages – will an annual income of over 10 million yen become commonplace?

The examples discussed covered a wide range of professions, from electrical equipment maintenance technicians and scaffolding workers to sales and management positions in the construction industry. What is particularly noteworthy is that even in industries that were traditionally known for low wages, the shortage of manpower has led to rising rates, resulting in an increasing number of cases where annual incomes exceed 10 million yen.

  • Electrical equipment maintenance technician:With the right qualifications, an annual income of over 20 million yen is possible. Practical experience and qualifications are directly reflected in your salary.
  • Scaffolding worker (steelworker):Monthly salary of 700,000 to 800,000 yen, with an annual salary of over 10 million yen depending on experience. High-paying projects are increasing.
  • Construction industry sales and management positions:Even in small and medium-sized enterprises with annual sales of 400 million yen, sales representatives can earn 6 to 8 million yen annually, while managers can earn 9 to 12 million yen.

Three keys to achieving high salaries: qualifications, price negotiation, and value creation.

Simply "working hard" won't increase your annual income. By following these steps, anyone can ride the wave of "labor shortages."

  1. Qualification acquisition and skill visualization
    • Be sure to obtain industry-standard qualifications such as the Class 3 Electrical Engineer license and Scaffolding Technician certification. After obtaining them, list them on your resume and social media to use as leverage in negotiations.
    • Qualifications not only serve as a basis for "increasing unit prices," but also improve customer trust.
  2. Price negotiation and project selection
    • As labor shortages worsen, general contractors are more likely to outsource work to "highly capable subcontractors." Offering a quote that is "market rate + 20%" and demonstrating your track record will increase your chances of securing a contract.
    • Large-scale, long-term projects (e.g., power grid renovation) have high unit costs and directly lead to higher annual income.
  3. Providing value-added services
    • In electrical equipment maintenance, they propose "preventive maintenance plans" and "IoT monitoring services" to generate additional revenue.
    • In scaffolding construction, we provide safety training and support for obtaining qualifications as a package, improving customer satisfaction and repeat business rates.

Points to Note – Risk Avoidance and Sustainable Career Development

Even if you can pursue a high salary, be careful not to fall into the following pitfalls.

  • Excessive overtime is unacceptable:If long working hours become the norm due to labor shortages, health risks increase. Proper management of working hours is essential.
  • Preventing skill obsolescence:Because this industry is characterized by rapid technological innovation, you should invest time in training and certifications at least once a year to update your skills.
  • Transparency in the working environment:Companies with vague salary structures offer no room for negotiation. Review the contract and employment regulations beforehand, and refuse any terms you don't agree with.

*The above is a summary based on examples and general industry practices published in "Labor Shortage 2.pdf". Individual company circumstances may vary, so please be sure to check the latest information when actually considering changing jobs or taking on a side hustle.

In the style of the Asahi Shimbun's editorial column: High salaries present an opportunity to ride the wave of "labor shortages."

In Japan, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, labor shortages are no longer a distant future concern. Skilled trades such as electrical equipment maintenance and scaffolding work already offer annual incomes exceeding 10 million yen, based on three pillars: obtaining qualifications, negotiating rates, and providing added value. In other words, "labor shortages" are not merely a cause for concern, but rather a "course to high wages" if the right course is taken.

However, risks such as long working hours and skills becoming obsolete must be avoided. Seriously confronting the question, "How do I measure my own value, and in what market should I compete?" is the only path to sustainable high income.

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