Spot-work market data for July 2026 showed a job openings-to-applicants ratio of 5.48x, a 12.0% month-on-month increase in the number of jobs, and an average hourly wage of ¥1,266. Year-on-year trends are also presented.
According to the Spot-Work Market Data Report (July 2026 edition), the spot-work job openings-to-applicants ratio was 5.48x, up 1.63 percentage points year on year. It fell 0.06 percentage points month on month but remained above the year-earlier level for the 26th consecutive month.
The number of jobs increased 12.0% month on month. Convenience store staff increased 54.6%, warehouse and light-duty work increased 32.0%, and transport and drivers increased 5.7%, with all 3 main occupations exceeding the previous month. Year on year, however, trends varied by occupation, and the total was below the year-earlier level.
The average hourly wage for spot work was ¥1,266, up ¥15 month on month and down ¥52 year on year. By region, all areas were below the year-earlier level, with the decline particularly pronounced in the Kansai region.