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Sony boosts rookie pay to reward tech talent

Company scraps Japanese-style egalitarian salaries in battle for AI expertise

Sony, a perennially popular choice for job-seeking students, is now vying with foreign tech giants and higher-paying trading houses for top prospects. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)

TOKYO -- Sony will increase salaries by up to 20% for new recruits with high-tech skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, moving away from the traditional Japanese emphasis on seniority to better compete in a battle for talent that crosses industries and international borders.

Traditionally, new graduates hired by Sony all receive the same entry-level salary, then are assigned a pay grade after more than a year based on their role. Starting this year, grades can be set for standout hires in as little as three months, resulting in annual salaries as much as 20% higher than colleagues'.

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