These Pokemon Characters Would Earn a Solid Salary IRL

Trainers, put down your Pokedex, because this is important. This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of Pokemon, a game treasured by Millennials all over the world. Whether you’re brand-new to the game, a first-generation player, or just someone who used to collect Pokemon cards, you can appreciate the importance of all the unique characters in the Pokemon story. But just like in real life, these characters have to earn a living if they’re going to make it in Pallet Town – or anywhere else in the Pokemon universe. So join me as I break down how much money our friends would be making in the real-world economy.

(Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

Nurse Joy – $58k/year

If you’ve ever had a Pokemon die in a battle, and I know you have, you’re pretty familiar with the lovely and always helpful Nurse Joy. Located all over the Pokemon universe, Nurse Joy is responsible for mending your Pokemon back to shape. In the Pokemon world, we assume Nurse Joy worked off of the smiles of healthy Pokemon. But in the real world, healing people instead of Pokemon, she would earn an average salary of around $58,000 a year.

Professor Oak – $89k/year

Located in Pallet Town, professor Samuel Oak earns a living as a Pokemon Professor where he focuses on the connections between Pokemon and human relationships. As a professor, Professor Oak earns around $89,000 a year. Not only is he responsible for teaching about Pokemon, his duties extend to providing young trainers with their first Pokemon, and ensuring they are prepared for battle. Professor Oak is renowned in his industry and an idol to many trainers and researchers.

Officer Jenny – $48k/year

With Team Rocket up to no good – and at all hours of the day – it’s important to have some security around the Pokemon universe. Enter Officer Jenny and her accompanying Growlithe and Arcanine. Although Officer Jenny puts on a sweet facade, this woman means business when it comes to protecting innocent Pokemon and their trainers. If Officer Jenny worked in today’s economy, she would earn around $48,000 per year.

Researcher Gary Oak – $76k/year

Grandson of Professor Oak and old-time rival of Ash Ketchum, Gary has a lot to live up to. His resume achievements include defeating 10 gym leaders in the Kanto region and also getting to the fourth round in the Pokemon league. It wasn’t until after he lost a Pokemon battle with Ash that he decided to stop being a Pokemon trainer and follow in in his grandfather’s footsteps. As a research scientist, Gary would be earning near $76,000 a year.

Tell Us What You Think!

Is there a Pokemon character with a career that we missed? Comment below or join the discussion on Twitter!