For many OFWs, the decision to work abroad is driven by the desire to provide a better life for their families back home. Understanding the earning potential in different professions is crucial for making informed choices and securing a stable future.
In this article, we uncover the salary landscape for housekeepers in Japan, providing valuable insights for OFWs considering this career path. We’ll explore not only the monetary compensation but also the working conditions based on the experiences of an OFW vlogger documenting her experiences.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Insights into Housekeeping Salaries: A Guide for OFWs in Japan
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from the OFW vlogger whose channel name is Emery in Japan. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Many people are drawn to Japan because of its undeniable beauty and cultural richness. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking to explore its vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and natural wonders.
Moving from visiting Japan as a tourist to actually living and working there comes with its own difficulties. Even though Japan is attractive, life for foreign workers can be tough. The living expenses are high, and adapting to a new culture and language can be overwhelming.
Monthly Salary
- Basic salary for housekeepers in Japan starts at around 163,000 yen per month.
- To get a more accurate estimate in Philippine pesos, multiply the base salary by the current exchange rate, which is approximately 0.38 Philippine pesos for every Japanese yen.
- Additional benefits and allowances may also be factored in, affecting the overall earnings.
- The hourly wage for housekeepers is typically around 1074 yen.
- Overtime pay is provided at a rate of 25% higher than the regular hourly wage, significantly boosting overall income.
When it comes to employment, the basic salary for housekeepers in Japan typically starts at around 163,000 yen per month. Converting this to Philippine pesos by multiplying by 0.38, the typical exchange rate, that gives you around 62,000 pesos.
Unfortunately, the exchange rate between yen and other currencies, such as the Philippine peso, has been fluctuating, with the trend often favoring the yen. This means that while the salary may seem substantial in yen, its equivalent value in pesos may be lower than expected.
Breaking it down further, the hourly wage for housekeepers in Japan is typically around 1074 yen. Additionally, if an employee is required to work on their scheduled day off, they are entitled to overtime pay, usually at a rate of 25% higher than their regular hourly wage. This overtime compensation significantly boosts the overall income of workers, making it a crucial component of their salary structure.
Deductions
- Vlogger shares accommodation with about 10 people from different nationalities in a shared house spanning two floors with various rooms.
- Rent is 45,000 yen per month, inclusive of WiFi and toiletries, equivalent to around 17,100 pesos.
- Monthly deductions include income tax of 2,920 yen (approximately 1,109 pesos) and contributions to pension, health, and employment insurance totaling 23,671 yen (about 8,994.98 pesos).
- After deductions, the net pay is 91,409 yen (approximately 34,735.42 pesos).
- Earnings can reach 35,000 to 40,000 pesos monthly with overtime work, but this may lead to fatigue.
The vlogger’s living arrangement in Japan often is a house that is shared with about 10 occupants from various backgrounds, spanning two floors with multiple rooms. Her rent contribution typically amounts to 45,000 yen per month, covering WiFi and toiletries, and that is equivalent to around 17,100 pesos.
After deducting income tax (2920 yen or 1,109 pesos) and contributions to pension, health, and employment insurance (23,671 yen or 8,994.98 pesos), the net pay reduces to 91,409 yen or 34,735.42 pesos monthly.
While overtime work can increase earnings to about 35,000 to 40,000 pesos, it comes with the trade-off of fatigue. Balancing extra income with rest is key.
Expenses
Living in Japan entails various expenses that must be carefully managed to maintain financial stability. Here are some key considerations:
- Cost of Living: Japan is renowned for its high cost of living, and food expenses can be particularly steep. Grocery prices in urban areas can be significantly higher compared to other countries, making it essential for individuals to budget wisely for their meals.
- Financial Support for Family: Many individuals working abroad, including those in Japan, often send remittances to support their families back home. This financial commitment adds to the monthly expenses and requires careful planning to ensure adequate support for loved ones.
- Loan Repayments: Prior to embarking on their journey to Japan, many individuals may have existing loans or financial obligations that need to be settled. Clearing these debts before relocating can help alleviate financial burdens and ensure a smoother transition to life abroad.
Some rumors circulating suggest that housekeepers in Japan earn between 70,000 to 100,000 pesos monthly, but according to a vlogger based in Japan, this portrayal isn’t entirely accurate.
The vlogger candidly acknowledges the challenges of working as a housekeeper in Japan. While grateful for the opportunity to be in Japan and appreciative of the prompt salary payments, the reality of the job is far from glamorous. The salary is modest, falling short of the inflated figures often rumored. Despite the financial constraints, the vlogger expresses gratitude for the consistency in payment and the stability it provides.
Working as a housekeeper in Japan is no walk in the park. The absence of convenient modes of transportation like tricycles or Angkas, coupled with the necessity of relying on buses and walking long distances to reach clients’ homes, adds a layer of physical exertion to the job. The scorching summer heat further compounds the challenges, making the daily commute even more arduous.
Indeed, the vlogger attests that working as a housekeeper in Japan is tough, especially given the demanding nature of the work and the environmental factors at play. However, despite the initial hardships, there’s a sense of adaptation and resilience that develops over time. As one becomes accustomed to the routine and conditions, the difficulties become more manageable, allowing for a sense of familiarity and comfort to settle in.