Nintendo Ranks Among Top-Paying Companies in Western Japan for FY2024 Despite Slight Dip in Average Salary

Nintendo Maintains Top Salaries in Western Japan for FY2024, Report Reveals A recent report from Diamond Online, a respected Japanese business publication, has positioned Nintendo among the leading companies in Western Japan when it comes to employee compensation.

For the fiscal year 2024, Nintendo offered an average annual salary of 9,627,000 yen (approximately £51,000 or $62,000), making it the second highest-paying company in the region and the only entertainment-focused firm to make it into the prestigious top five. The data, which excludes companies with fewer than 20 employees and omits firms based in Osaka, highlights Nintendo's strong standing within the competitive Kansai business landscape.

Despite a minor 2.3% decrease in average salary compared to the previous year, as detailed by Diamond Online, Nintendo continues to set a high bar for workplace compensation within the video game industry and beyond. Diamond Online attributes this slight reduction in pay to the company’s drop in net sales and operating profit during fiscal year 2023.

However, both metrics reportedly saw an upturn in the subsequent year, suggesting salary figures may rise again during the next evaluation.

A representative analysis from the journal explained that such compensation trends are often closely mirrored by a company’s financial performance, reinforcing Nintendo’s resilience in adapting to industry shifts. For context, semiconductor manufacturer Screen Holdings took the top spot on the list, with an average annual employee salary of 10,248,000 yen (about £54,000 or $66,000).

Still, Nintendo’s unique status as a major entertainment company distinguishes it from peers in other sectors. Nintendo's enduring reputation as an industry leader extends beyond its robust financial results to the competitive wages it offers its workforce.

The Kyoto-based developer and publisher, known for blockbuster franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing, has consistently maintained a significant presence on the regional employment landscape.

Its position is further cemented by ongoing initiatives, such as the much-anticipated development of new hardware—often speculated as the "Nintendo Switch 2"—and the expansion of Super Nintendo World, with a new location set to open in Orlando. As the Japanese gaming giant heads into a pivotal 2025, marked by industry innovation and continued growth, observers will be watching closely to see how employee compensation at Nintendo evolves in step with its business achievements. The detailed rankings provide valuable insight into employment trends within Japan’s bustling video game industry and affirm Nintendo’s role as a desirable employer for top-tier talent seeking both creative fulfillment and competitive remuneration.

Nintendo Japan Diamond Online