Japan part-time hourly wages rise in August 2026

Reports on Japanese part-time and temporary labor markets for August 2026 indicate a general upward trend in average hourly wages.

Mynavi Corporation reported that the national average hourly wage rose to 1,303 yen, a 6 yen increase from the previous month. The food and beverage sector reached a new record high for the fifth time this year. In major metropolitan areas, wages reached 1,338 yen, with sectors such as food and beverage, leisure, beauty, and light work all hitting record levels. Notably, the wage gap between blue-collar roles (factory, warehouse, construction) and office work has widened significantly, reaching a 187 yen difference.

Data from B-style Media shows that the average hourly wage for part-time and casual workers reached 1,263 yen, the second-highest level since September 2020. The food and beverage category saw its second consecutive month of record-high wages. While part-time wages rose, the average hourly wage for temporary staffing (haken) decreased to 1,416 yen, partly due to a reduction in high-paying nursing and medical roles.

These increases are observed ahead of the scheduled minimum wage revisions in October, which are expected to further drive up wage levels across the country.