Japan marks first rise in real wages in 5 years

Japan’s labor ministry says average monthly wages adjusted for inflation rose in 2016, the first increase in 5 years. The data is the preliminary result of a nationwide survey. The ministry says the average monthly wage, including bonuses and overtime pay, was about 315 thousand yen, roughly 2,800 dollars. That’s up 0.7 percent in real terms from the previous year. Lower consumer prices pushed the adjusted figure higher. Electric and gas utilities paid the highest wages, followed by the IT sector and the finance and insurance industries. Full-time workers earned an average of about 3,660 dollars per month. Part-timers brought home about 870 dollars. The ministry says last year, regular workers enjoyed both pay hikes and bigger bonuses. Source: NHK Image: Bank Image Share this:TweetEmail