r/JapanWork

To people in Japan: Have skilled trades become financially better than many university professions?

I’m curious about the situation in Japan.

In Algeria, we have noticed an interesting change in the labor market.

As university education has expanded and large numbers of graduates have entered the job market, professions that require a university degree have become highly competitive, while skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, tiling, painting, and others have become very expensive and often surprisingly well-paid.

For example, a construction worker or skilled tradesperson can earn more than an engineer or an architect. I am speaking specifically from the perspective of an engineer because I am an architect myself: I currently have four years of experience in architecture, yet my income is roughly equivalent to what a shop assistant or a construction helper who has never studied in his life might earn.

This made me wonder:

Is the same thing happening in Japan?

Are skilled tradespeople such as construction workers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, or mechanics earning good incomes compared with university graduates?

And from your personal experience:

What type of worker seems to have the best combination of income, reasonable working hours, job security, and quality of life in Japan?

I would especially appreciate hearing from Japanese people about their own experiences.

What is your experience?

Moving to Japan through SSW program

Have Skilled Trades Become Better Paid Than Many University Careers in Your Country?