Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced that it will be raising starting salaries for freshly graduated hires in Japan, effective April 1, 2026. According to The Nikkei, this is a record high increase, with monthly salaries rising by around $350 to $430 depending on qualifications.
Following the revisions, new graduates with bachelor’s degrees joining Sony as full-time employees will be paid 425,000 yen (which converts to about $2,726 USD), while master’s degree holders will earn 460,000 yen per month (~$2,952 USD). Salaries for doctoral degree holders will start at 480,000 yen or about $3,081 USD. These figures account for base pay and 45 hours of fixed overtime.
Commenting on the decision, SIE’s human resources rep Asako Kurita stated, “The purpose of these revisions is to encourage talented people to choose SIE as the place to start their careers and to support them as they take on new challenges and grow within a global organization.”
It’s worth nothing that April is typically the month during which most Japanese companies welcome their biggest batch of new hires. The “hiring season” that precedes it is highly competitive, with companies vying for skilled candidates. This has especially been a trend in the game industry as of recent, with major companies like Sega and Capcom likewise announcing starting salary increases to attract talent. Last year, Konami raised salaries for the fourth consecutive year.
In addition to revising its compensation system, SIE also stated that it has established systems to support employees and their long-time growth, including hybrid work and other means that help with balancing work and childcare or elderly care.
Related: Sony and Bandai Namco abolish employee bonuses in favor of raising average salaries
