Nintendo Ranks Third in Average Employee Income Among Japanese Gaming Companies in 2024

Nintendo has secured the third spot in a new ranking of Japanese gaming companies by average yearly employee income, according to a recent report from Japanese software developer SalesNow.

The data, drawn from June 2024 to June 2025, highlights how Nintendo continues to maintain a competitive edge not just in game development and hardware innovation—but also in compensation among its Japanese industry peers. The report reveals that Nintendo’s average annual salary is ¥9,626,857, equivalent to approximately $65,000 USD.

For comparison, the leading company on the list was Sony Group Corporation, offering an average yearly compensation of roughly ¥11,132,231 ($75,000 USD).

Bandai Namco Holdings followed closely, providing employees an average of ¥10,950,000 ($74,000 USD) annually.

These figures stand out within Japan’s broader employment landscape, where average annual wages are significantly lower, underlining the competitive salaries in the country’s thriving game development sector. While $65,000 USD may seem modest compared to compensation standards in the United States, it is important to consider the context of Japan’s cost of living.

While some everyday expenses such as groceries can be higher in Japan, the overall cost of living remains lower, making these salaries relatively generous for local industry employees. SalesNow’s ranking includes several prominent game publishers and developers recognized by fans worldwide.

Sega Sammy Holdings comes in fourth, with an average yearly pay of ¥8,791,596 ($59,000 USD), while other influential companies such as Capcom, Koei Tecmo Holdings, and Konami Group Corporation are also featured among the top 20.

Notably, all companies included in the ranking offer annual salaries that surpass Japan’s national average wage, indicating the sector’s robust financial health and its emphasis on attracting skilled talent. The full top five for 2024 by average employee income among Japanese gaming companies is as follows: 1.

Sony Group Corporation – ¥11,132,231 ($75,000 USD) 2.

Bandai Namco Holdings – ¥10,950,000 ($74,000 USD) 3.

Nintendo – ¥9,626,857 ($65,000 USD) 4.

Sega Sammy Holdings – ¥8,791,596 ($59,000 USD) 5.

Akatsuki – ¥8,557,000 ($57,000 USD) Nintendo’s sustained financial strength is further evidenced by ongoing successes such as strong hardware sales for the Nintendo Switch and critical acclaim for recent first-party releases.

The company’s ability to offer high compensation reinforces its status as a desirable workplace among global game developers. Industry observers note that generous salaries among Japan’s top gaming firms reflect both fierce competition for top talent and the wider success of the country’s gaming industry on the global stage.

As Nintendo continues to expand its reach through innovative hardware, high-profile game launches, and broadening entertainment initiatives, its ranking among Japan’s leading employers is expected to bolster its reputation in the years ahead.

Nintendo Bandai Namco Sony Namco Bandai SalesNow Sega Sammy Holdings Akatsuki DeNA Capcom Koei Tecmo Holdings GungHo Online Entertainment Bank of Innovation Crooz Nexon Drecom Konami Group Corporation Digital Hearts Holdings Colopl Imagineer KLab MyNet FuRyu