A Complete List of Jobs That Use English — TOEIC Levels, Salaries, and Career Change Tips

Jobs that use English span a wide range of options, from specialized professions such as interpreting and translation to foreign-affiliated companies, trading firms, IT, and the tourism industry.

This article introduces a list of jobs that use English, organized by the TOEIC level required, and explains the details of each job and its average annual salary.

Use this as a reference to get specific information about what kinds of jobs you can pursue at your current English level, and what you should do when changing careers to advance your career.

3 Benefits of Putting Your English Skills to Work

There are many benefits to putting your English skills to work. Language skills are not merely a communication tool — they have the power to significantly advance your career. Let’s look specifically at why leveraging your English skills works in your favor.

Below, we explain the three most representative benefits.

Benefit 1: Your Career Options Expand Dramatically

English skills greatly expand your career possibilities. This is because not only domestic foreign-affiliated companies and globally operating Japanese companies become options, but working overseas also becomes a realistic choice in the future.

Being proficient in English dramatically increases the number of job openings you can apply for, and creates opportunities to enter industries and job types you had not previously considered. If you want to do work you truly love or find a job with better conditions, English skills become a powerful weapon.

Benefit 2: You Can Expect a Higher Income

English proficiency is recognized as one of many specialist skills, and it is not uncommon for it to directly translate into higher income.

Many companies provide a qualification allowance to employees who hold a TOEIC score above a certain level. In addition, job types where English is essential — such as overseas sales and foreign-affiliated companies — tend to have higher salary levels in general.

English skills also work in your favor when seeking promotion to a higher position or changing jobs to a company where a high income can be expected.

Benefit 3: You Can Build a Global Network

When you work in a job that uses English, you have more opportunities to work with people from diverse backgrounds regardless of nationality. Through business negotiations with overseas clients and projects with multinational teams, a global network naturally forms.

Interacting with business professionals active overseas can also become an opportunity to encounter new perspectives and business opportunities. Such experiences broaden your horizons and become a great asset in your future career.

[By TOEIC Score] 30 Jobs Where English Skills Pay Off — Full List

What specific kinds of jobs allow you to use your English skills in Japan? Here, using TOEIC scores as a guide for the level of English required, we introduce examples of jobs by level in a list format.

Use the specific job examples as a reference to think about your career plan — what kinds of jobs you can pursue at your current English level, and what options open up when you achieve your target score.

Jobs You Can Pursue Starting from TOEIC 600

A TOEIC score of 600 is considered to represent the level at which you understand the basic grammar and vocabulary taught in junior and senior high school and can hold simple everyday conversations.

At this stage, it is best to start with jobs where you use English a little or where communication mainly involves fixed phrases. There are many part-time and short-term jobs that are easy to start even without experience, and this category also includes job types where homemakers and seniors can thrive.

Hotel Front Desk Staff

Hotel front desk staff is a representative customer service job that requires English skills, driven by the increase in foreign tourists visiting Japan. The main duties are wide-ranging, including check-in and check-out procedures, reservation handling, phone correspondence, and local sightseeing guidance.

As there are many opportunities to interact with overseas travelers and the main situations involve using fixed conversational expressions, this is suitable as a first step for those who want to use their English in the tourism industry. The average annual salary is around 3.52 million yen, which is on the lower side, but depending on the hotel, language skills may be reflected in the salary.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Hotel Front Desk Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Tourist Information Staff

This is a job at tourist information centers, commercial facilities, transportation hubs, and similar locations, providing foreign tourists with directions and explanations on how to use facilities.

In popular tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto in particular, people with English skills are highly valued. Since you communicate with many foreign nationals on a daily basis while working domestically, you can sharpen your practical speaking ability.

There are many part-time and temporary job openings, and the average annual salary is approximately 3.50 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Tourist Information Job Salary“

Trade / English-Language Clerical Work

Trade clerical work and English-language clerical work mainly involve preparing documents related to import and export and handling email correspondence with overseas business partners.

As the work often involves handling standardized documents such as invoices and bills of lading, reading and writing skills are prioritized over speaking ability. Accurate clerical processing skills are required, and it is particularly important to acquire knowledge of trade-specific terminology.

Recently, the number of job openings for remote online work has also been increasing. According to Kyujin Box, the average annual salary for trade clerical work is approximately 3.82 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Trade Clerical Work Salary / Hourly Wage“

IT Engineer (Foreign-Affiliated Companies / Offshore Development)

In the IT industry, English skills are required for gathering information on the latest technologies and reading programming language documentation. In particular, at foreign-affiliated companies or in offshore development projects with development bases overseas, there are many opportunities to communicate with overseas engineers via chat and email.

Since scientific expertise and programming skills are the main pillars of the work, even without high conversational ability, having the English skills to read and write technical documents opens up many opportunities.

The average annual salary for IT engineers is approximately 4.77 million yen, and with English skills, it is possible to aim for an even higher salary.

Reference: Kyujin Box “IT Engineer Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Apparel Buyer / MD Assistant

Buyers and merchandiser (MD) assistants in the apparel industry use English for purchasing from overseas brands and production management with overseas factories.

From attending overseas trade shows to negotiating with designers via email, this is a job type where both fashion knowledge and language skills can be utilized. A sense for anticipating trends, combined with communication skills that hold up in business settings, is required, making it suited to those who want to thrive on a global stage.

The average annual salary for MD assistants is approximately 4.68 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “MD Assistant Job Salary“

Airport Ground Staff

Airport ground staff support passengers using aircraft at check-in counters and boarding gates.

As international flights carry many foreign passengers, English skills are indispensable for boarding procedures, transit guidance, and explanations regarding baggage. Procedures are often manualized, making it an environment where practical customer service English is easy to acquire.

The ability to respond calmly to irregular situations such as flight delays and cancellations is also required. The average annual salary is said to be approximately 3.78 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Ground Staff Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Jobs That Require a TOEIC 700 Level

At a TOEIC score of 700, you are considered to have the English proficiency to handle not only everyday conversation but also basic interactions in business settings. From this level onward, opportunities increase to take on jobs as a full-time employee that actively use English, and this score is also recognized in new graduate hiring.

Sales / Marketing at a Foreign-Affiliated Company

At foreign-affiliated companies, English is often the official in-house language, or is required for reporting to supervisors at the parent company.

For sales positions, this involves conducting business negotiations with overseas clients, and for marketing positions, it involves researching overseas markets and participating in global strategy planning — all of which require a high, business-level proficiency in English. Presentation skills to explain your company’s products and services, and negotiation skills, are also important.

The average annual salary at foreign-affiliated companies is approximately 8 million yen, far exceeding Japan’s average salary of 4.78 million yen.

Reference: National Tax Agency “2024 Survey on Private Sector Wage and Salary Statistics“

Overseas Sales

Overseas sales positions at Japanese companies involve directly communicating with local customers and agents in order to expand the company’s products and services into overseas markets.

Main duties are wide-ranging, including email and phone correspondence, business negotiations on-site, and participating in trade shows. The ability to understand the culture and business practices of the counterpart’s country and to build good relationships while conducting business is required.

There are many opportunities for overseas business trips and overseas postings, making it suited to those who want to thrive on a global stage. The average annual salary is approximately 5.08 million yen, and if an incentive system is in place, an even higher salary can be targeted.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Overseas Sales Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Flight Attendant (Cabin Attendant)

For flight attendants, accurate English skills are indispensable for providing services to foreign passengers on international flights and ensuring safety in emergencies. Smooth communication is required in a wide variety of situations, from in-flight announcements to meal service and responding to passengers who fall ill.

In addition to language skills, this is a mentally and physically demanding job that requires a high level of hospitality, the judgment to respond calmly to unexpected situations, and the physical stamina to endure long flights.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average annual salary is approximately 5.96 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Flight Attendant – job tag“

Study Abroad Counselor

Study abroad counselors support people who wish to study abroad with school selection, application procedures, visa applications, and more. Since communication with overseas educational institutions is conducted in English, business communication skills via email and phone are essential.

This job is suited to those who find it rewarding to support clients in achieving their goals and dreams through counseling. There are many situations where your own study abroad experience can be put to use, and a desire to help others is important.

The average annual salary for study abroad counselors is approximately 4.50 million yen.

Reference: Indeed “Study Abroad Counselor Salary in Japan“

Japanese Language Teacher

Japanese language teachers teach Japanese grammar and conversation to learners for whom Japanese is not their native language. There are opportunities to work at Japanese language schools domestically and at educational institutions overseas. When learners are at the beginner level of Japanese, grammar points and other content are often explained in English, and English skills are useful in those situations.

Depending on the nationalities of the learners, there are quite a few situations where English becomes the common language. An understanding of other cultures and a passion for education are required.

For full-time lecturers, data shows an average annual salary of 3.14 million yen.

Reference: Japanese Language Teacher Career “[2025 Edition] A Thorough Survey of Japanese Language Teacher Salaries — 689 Respondents | Full-time, Part-time, and Overseas Cases“

Secretary (Bilingual Secretary)

A bilingual secretary is a secretary who supports foreign executives or departments that use English on a daily basis. Main duties are wide-ranging, including phone and email correspondence, schedule management, preparation of meeting materials, and reception of visitors.

Polite English expressions appropriate for business settings and a high level of business etiquette are required. A hospitality mindset — the ability to be proactive and attentive so that executives can carry out their work smoothly — is also important.

The average annual salary is said to be around 4.50 million yen.

Customs Specialist (Tsukkanshi)

A customs specialist is a trade expert who acts as an agent for customs declaration procedures when importing and exporting cargo. The work requires accurately reading documents written in English, such as bills of lading (B/L) and invoices. High reading ability is therefore indispensable.

To work as a customs specialist, you must pass the customs specialist examination, a national qualification. It is a highly specialized job that combines expert knowledge and language skills, and is an indispensable presence in the trade industry.

The average annual salary is around 4.29 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Customs Specialist Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Jobs Where Your Horizons Expand at a TOEIC 800 Level

A TOEIC score of 800 is considered to represent a high level at which you can use English without difficulty in business settings as a non-native speaker. Reaching this level greatly opens up the path to using English as a tool to excel in a specialized field.

Foreign Correspondent / Journalist

Foreign correspondents and journalists report on overseas incidents, cultures, and social situations on-site, disseminating their work as articles and reports. From conducting interviews with local people and gathering information to writing articles, a high level of English proficiency close to native is required throughout the entire process.

In addition to language skills, a deep understanding of local culture, sharp insight, and the drive and mental fortitude to carry out reporting even in difficult circumstances are indispensable.

While there is no average annual salary data specific to journalists, the average annual salary for news cameramen is said to be 4.53 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “News Cameraman – job tag“

Junior High School / High School English Teacher

Teachers who teach English at junior high schools and high schools need to possess high English proficiency themselves in order to guide students in the four skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) in a well-balanced way. Accurate knowledge of grammar and pronunciation goes without saying, and the ability to develop lessons that draw out students’ motivation to learn is required. Obtaining a teaching license is mandatory, and specialized educational knowledge is necessary.

It is a highly rewarding job, as you are nurturing the next generation of global talent.

Data shows an average annual salary of approximately 7.26 million yen for junior high school teachers and approximately 6.78 million yen for high school teachers.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Junior High School Teacher – job tag“
Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “High School Teacher – job tag“

English Conversation School Instructor

English conversation school instructors teach English to students of all ages — from children to adults — with a wide range of goals. The ability to provide effective lessons tailored to each student’s level and objectives is required.

Not only native speakers, but also many Japanese instructors with high English proficiency and teaching methods are active in this field. Being able to see students’ progress firsthand is one of the great attractions of this job.

The average annual salary for English conversation school instructors is said to be approximately 4.38 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “English Conversation Teacher – job tag“

National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter

National government licensed guide interpreters are professionals who accompany foreign tourists and introduce Japan’s history, culture, and geography in a foreign language, and are also called “civilian diplomats.” In addition to high language skills, deep knowledge of and appreciation for Japanese culture, and the hospitality to entertain travelers, are required. To work in this role, you must obtain the national qualification of “National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter,” which tests not only language ability but also broad knowledge including Japanese history and geography.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average annual salary for guide interpreters is 3.96 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Guide Interpreter – jobtag“

Consultant at a Foreign-Affiliated Firm

Consultants at foreign-affiliated consulting firms are specialists in solving corporate management challenges.

English is used in many phases of a project, from client interviews and market analysis to strategy planning and reporting. In particular, for researching overseas case studies and collaborating with global teams, the ability to accurately discuss and negotiate specialized content in English is indispensable. Logical thinking and advanced communication skills are required.

There is a strong performance-based culture, and there is ample possibility of achieving an annual salary of over 10 million yen even in your 20s.

Finance Specialist

Finance specialists such as analysts and fund managers are active at foreign-affiliated financial institutions and international divisions of Japanese companies. Advanced English proficiency is required in every aspect of the work, including analyzing overseas market trends, negotiating with overseas investors, and creating market reports in English.

It is necessary to maintain both specialized financial knowledge and language skills at a high level, making this a dynamic job where you can work at the forefront of the global economy.

According to a survey by doda, the average annual salary in investment banking is 9.32 million yen, and the average annual salary in asset management (fund manager / dealer) is 8.42 million yen.

Reference: doda “Average Annual Salary Ranking (Average Salary / Lifetime Earnings)“

Patent Engineer / Patent Attorney

Patent engineers and patent attorneys are specialists who protect intellectual property such as inventions as rights. When filing international patent applications, they communicate with overseas patent offices and agents in English, and translate specifications describing technical content.

Advanced reading and writing ability to deeply understand both specialized technology and law, and to express them accurately in English, is indispensable. This is a highly specialized field where language skills can be leveraged.

According to Kyujin Box, the average annual salary for patent attorneys is 6.07 million yen.

Reference: Kyujin Box “Patent Attorney Job Salary / Hourly Wage“

Jobs Requiring the High Specialization of TOEIC 900+

A TOEIC score of 900 or above is proof of the ability to use English at a level comparable to a native speaker. To work in jobs at this level, deep specialized knowledge in a specific field is required in addition to outstanding English proficiency. You are expected to make the most of your language skills and perform at the cutting edge of your respective field.

Interpreter in a Specialized Field

Interpreters are language professionals who mediate communication between people who speak different languages. In particular, fields such as conference interpreting, broadcast interpreting, and court interpreting require advanced specialized knowledge and the outstanding skill to move instantly between two languages.

Unlike translation, which simply substitutes words, the ability to convey not just the speaker’s intent but also nuances of emotion is indispensable, requiring an extremely high level of concentration and mental fortitude.

Translator in Literary / Medical and Other Fields

Translators translate foreign-language texts into Japanese, but there are fields within this work that demand particularly high specialization. In literary translation, the expressive power to translate without losing the artistry and rhythm of the original work is indispensable, while in medical translation, accurate specialized knowledge of medicine and pharmaceuticals is essential.

In addition to deep reading comprehension of the source text, this is a specialized profession that demands advanced writing ability to construct natural and appropriate sentences in the target language.

The average annual salary for general translators is 6.80 million yen, and it is thought that having specialization would enable an even higher salary.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Translator – jobtag“

University Language Faculty Member

Faculty members who teach languages at universities play a role in guiding students in advanced language proficiency and specialized knowledge. Research activities in their area of specialization — linguistics, literature, international relations, and so on — are also an important part of the job.

In many cases, a doctoral degree is required, and building a career in the academic world demands both outstanding language skills and a track record as a researcher. It is a job that contributes to the development of one’s specialized field through education and research.

Due to the high level of specialization, the average annual salary for university faculty is a substantial 10.93 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “University / Junior College Faculty – jobtag“

International Organization Staff Member

Staff members working at international organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF tackle global challenges such as poverty, the environment, and conflict. Since all work is conducted in English, native-level language proficiency is a given, and specialized knowledge in fields such as international law, economics, and development studies is essential. Unlike national civil servants, a strong sense of purpose — collaborating with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and contributing to the international community — is required.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average annual salary for international civil servants is 4.81 million yen.

Reference: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “International Civil Servant – jobtag“

Specialist at a Foreign-Affiliated Investment Bank

Specialists such as M&A advisors and securities analysts at foreign-affiliated investment banks work at the cutting edge of the global financial market. Since they are involved in large-scale transactions such as corporate mergers and acquisitions and fundraising, and communicate with investors around the world, native-level English proficiency is the minimum requirement.

It is an extremely competitive world that demands advanced financial knowledge, analytical ability, and the robust mental and physical strength to withstand a demanding workload.

How Much Do English-Speaking Jobs Pay? A Ranking of High-Income Job Types

In jobs that use English, there is a tendency for salaries to be higher in more specialized positions. Here, we introduce a salary ranking of job types where a high income can be expected by leveraging English skills.

Use this as a reference when thinking about your career path — what skills you need to acquire to increase your income.

1st Place: Finance Specialists at Foreign-Affiliated Firms

Specialists at foreign-affiliated investment banks and asset management companies boast top-class salaries among English-speaking jobs. Because a rigorous performance-based culture is in place and individual performance is directly reflected in compensation, it is not uncommon to reach an annual salary of tens of millions of yen in your 20s.

However, as they deal with global financial markets, competition is extremely fierce, and advanced financial knowledge, analytical ability, and the robust mental fortitude to endure a demanding workload are required.

2nd Place: Overseas Assignees at General Trading Companies

General trading companies are already known for their high salary levels, but becoming an overseas assignee allows for an even higher income. Because in addition to the base salary, overseas assignment allowances, hardship allowances, and housing allowances are provided, annual salaries can sometimes become 1.5 to 2 times higher than when working domestically.

It is a responsible position that leads the local business, and language skills go without saying — cross-cultural adaptability and leadership are also indispensable.

3rd Place: International Lawyers / International Accountants

International lawyers and international accountants are professionals who combine advanced specialized knowledge in law or accounting with English proficiency. They handle global transactions such as international M&A, cross-border deals, and international taxation.

Passing a difficult national qualification examination is required, and due to the high level of specialization, very high remuneration is set. They are expected to be affiliated with major law firms and accounting firms and to perform on a world stage.

4th Place: IT Consultant

IT consultants who support companies in promoting digital transformation and implementing global systems are also a job type where a high income can be expected. In particular, at foreign-affiliated consulting firms, communication in English is essential.

Knowledge of the latest IT technologies and the logical thinking skills to guide clients toward solving their management challenges are required, and the high level of specialization is reflected in compensation.

5th Place: Airline Pilot

Airline pilots work on a stage that spans the skies of the world, and communications with air traffic controllers are conducted entirely in English under the regulations of ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organization). Not only is an extremely high level of English proficiency required, but the job also carries the very heavy responsibility of being entrusted with many lives.

Because rigorous training and a high level of specialization are required, salaries are set at a very high level.

4 Steps to Successfully Change Careers to an English-Speaking Job with No Experience

Changing careers to a job that uses English with no experience is by no means impossible. However, strategic preparation is indispensable for success. Start by objectively assessing your current English level and recognizing the gap between that and the level required for your target job.

Step 1: Objectively Assess Your Current English Level and the Level You Are Aiming For

First, take a qualification examination such as TOEIC or TOEFL to objectively assess your English ability with a concrete score. Knowing precisely where you stand is the first step.

Next, research the level of English required in the job or industry you want to enter, and clarify the gap between that and your current ability. It is important to create a concrete study plan — determining what kind of study is needed and for how long — to bridge that gap.

Step 2: Acquire Specialist Skills That Become Your Weapons in Addition to English

In today’s business world, English is ultimately just one communication tool. It is not uncommon for being able to speak English alone to make differentiation from other candidates difficult. This is where specialized skills that can be combined with English proficiency become important.

For example, knowledge and practical experience in fields such as IT, trade, accounting, and marketing greatly increase your value in the job market. Polish the specialization that becomes your weapon, in line with your own interests and aptitudes.

Step 3: Accumulate Practical Experience in an Environment Where English Is Used

If it is difficult to immediately enter a job type that requires high English proficiency, an effective approach is to first accumulate practical experience in a workplace where there are opportunities to use English.

For example, try starting in a relatively accessible environment, such as an assistant position at a foreign-affiliated company, a call center that handles inquiries from overseas, or a restaurant frequented by many foreign tourists.

Getting accustomed to English as it is actually used in business settings builds confidence and becomes invaluable experience that leads to the next step.

Step 4: Thoroughly Prepare Your English Resume and Practice for Interviews

At foreign-affiliated companies and Japanese companies with global operations, it is common for the submission of an English resume (CV) to be required during the selection process. Since the format and content differ from Japanese resumes, take the time to prepare thoroughly so that you can effectively highlight your work experience and skills.

In addition, since English-language interviews are highly likely to be conducted, repeated practice in smoothly explaining your self-introduction, motivation for applying, and career plans is the key to securing a job offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About English-Speaking Jobs

Here, we have compiled frequently asked questions and their answers for the many people who aspire to English-speaking jobs. We address specific questions about how to get started if you are not confident in your English, qualifications other than TOEIC, opportunities to work overseas, and more.

Use this as a reference to resolve any anxieties or concerns you have when thinking about your career plan.

Summary

Jobs that use English span a wide range, from specialized professions such as interpreting and translation to trading companies, manufacturers, IT, and the tourism industry. The level of English required also varies widely, from those where basic conversational ability is sufficient to those that demand a high level of native-level specialization.

The key to success is to objectively evaluate your current English ability and specialist skills, recognize the gap between them and your target job type, and then systematically build up your skills and experience in a planned manner.

Use the list of job types and career change steps introduced in this article as a reference to draw up a concrete picture of your own career plan.