Average Salary in Vietnam

1. Average Wages

In Vietnam, the average salary is reflective of a developing market economy that has seen significant growth over the past few decades. As of recent statistics, the average salary in Vietnam varies significantly across different regions and sectors. Urban areas, especially big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, generally offer higher wages compared to rural areas.

The average monthly salary in Vietnam can range widely, but as per the latest data, it is often quoted to be between 4 to 5 million Vietnamese Dong (VND) for unskilled workers to approximately 10 million VND for skilled workers or those with professional qualifications. However, these numbers can vary greatly depending on the industry and level of experience. In USD terms, this translates to an average salary in Vietnam of around $170 to $430 per month for unskilled labor and upwards of $430 to more than $1000 for skilled professionals.

It is not uncommon for expatriates and highly qualified local employees to earn significantly above the average monthly salary, particularly in industries such as finance, technology, and international trade. The salary differences are also seen in the private versus public sector, with the former generally offering higher wages to attract and retain talent.

• Average wage for unskilled workers: 4 to 5 million VND/month
• Average wage for skilled workers/professionals: 10 million VND/month or higher
• Higher wages in urban areas and certain industries
• Private sector jobs tend to pay more than public sector ones

These figures give a snapshot of the earning potential within the Vietnamese labor market, showing a dynamic that is influenced by numerous factors including economic growth, foreign investment, the cost of living, and governmental policies.

2. Factors that Influence Salaries

Several factors can significantly impact salary levels in Vietnam, reflecting both economic and socio-political dynamics within the country. These factors include:

• Economic Region: Vietnam’s economy is segmented into key regions which have different levels of economic development. The disparity in economic activity, cost of living, and industrial presence among these areas can influence salary disparities. For example, the Southeast region, including Ho Chi Minh City, and the Red River Delta, home to Hanoi, typically offer higher wages compared to other parts of the country.
• Industrial Sector: Salaries will vary considerably across different sectors. High-value industries such as technology, finance, and telecommunications tend to offer more competitive salaries than traditional sectors like agriculture or manufacturing. Additionally, foreign companies often provide higher wages than domestic firms.
• Educational Background and Skills: As in most countries, individuals with higher education and specialized skill sets tend to receive better compensation. In Vietnam, there’s a growing demand for skills in fields like information technology, digital marketing, and foreign languages, which can drive up wages for professionals in these areas.
• Experience Level: More experienced workers are typically able to command higher salaries. In Vietnam, as with other markets, senior positions come with greater responsibility and therefore higher pay.
• Foreign Investment: The level of foreign direct investment (FDI) can also play a role in salary levels. Sectors with significant FDI often experience a surge in job creation and can afford to provide higher wages to attract skilled workers.
• Supply and Demand: The principles of supply and demand impact salary figures as well. Jobs in high demand but low supply can lead to higher salaries, whereas a glut in the market for certain roles may suppress wage growth.
• Government Policies: Minimum wage laws, taxation, labor laws, and social security benefits directly affect disposable income. Furthermore, specific government incentives aimed at developing certain industries or regions can lead to wage differences.
• Company Size and Capital: Larger companies or those with substantial capital are often willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain the best talent. This is also tied to the profit margins and business models within different companies.
• Cultural and Social Norms: Cultural expectations and social norms, such as the traditional prioritization of seniority or gender roles, can also influence how salaries are structured and negotiated.
• Working Conditions and Job Demands: Jobs that involve high risk or significant physical or emotional demands may offer higher wages to compensate for the challenging working conditions.

Understanding these factors can help both employers and employees navigate the Vietnamese labor market and make informed decisions about career development, wage negotiations, and business strategies.

3. Minimal Wages (monthly and hourly)

In Vietnam, the minimum wage is determined by the government and is subject to change based on economic conditions, cost of living adjustments, and other socio-economic factors. The minimum wage rates in Vietnam are divided into four different regions, each with its own rate, reflecting the disparities in cost of living and economic development among these regions.

• Region I: This includes the urban areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the cost of living is highest. As of the latest updates, the minimum monthly wage for this region is set to approximately 4.42 million VND.
• Region II: This covers other major urban areas with a slightly lower cost of living than Region I. The minimum monthly wage for workers in this area is around 3.92 million VND.
• Region III: This encompasses provincial cities and the districts of industrial zones. The minimum monthly wage set for this region is about 3.43 million VND.
• Region IV: This region includes the remaining rural areas, where the cost of living is the lowest. The minimum monthly wage for Region IV is set at approximately 3.07 million VND.

The minimum wage in Vietnam is usually revised annually, to ensure that it remains relevant to current economic conditions. It should be noted that these rates apply to employees working under normal working conditions and the standard workweek hours. For workers paid on an hourly basis, the minimum wage is calculated accordingly, pro-rated by the legally established number of working hours per month.

For example, the current standard workweek in Vietnam is capped at 48 hours. So, to calculate the minimum hourly wage, one would divide the monthly minimum wage by the total number of working hours in a month (typically 4 weeks x 48 hours). Therefore, the hourly wages in each region would be a fraction of the monthly rate, proportional to the number of working hours.

As an important note, the minimum wage is the lowest legal salary that employers can pay their workers and it does not include other benefits or allowances that employees may be entitled to. Employers who fail to comply with these regulations may face penalties from the government.

4. Gender Wage Gap

The gender wage gap is a pressing issue in many countries worldwide, including Vietnam. Despite progress and initiatives aimed at gender equality, a disparity still exists between the earnings of men and women in the Vietnamese labor market. According to recent studies, women in Vietnam earn on average between 10% to 20% less than men for equivalent work roles. This gap can be wider in certain sectors and more senior roles.

Cultural norms and societal expectations often influence the kinds of jobs that women are able to acquire, which leads to a concentration of women in lower-paying occupations. Additionally, women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid family and household duties, which can impact their career progression and working hours, ultimately affecting their earning potential.

The Vietnamese government, along with several non-governmental organizations, are working towards reducing the gender wage gap through policy changes, educational programs, and advocacy for women’s rights in the workplace.

4. Gender Wage Gap

The issue of the gender wage gap is pertinent in Vietnam, as it is a challenge that reflects broader global patterns of inequality in compensation between men and women. The disparity in salaries that men and women receive for comparable roles and hours worked is a persistent problem that has economic, social, and cultural roots.

In Vietnam, despite significant efforts to promote gender equality, data indicates that women generally earn less than men by a margin that can vary from sector to sector. Studies show that Vietnamese women on average earn approximately 10% to 20% less than their male counterparts. The gap tends to widen in higher-paying professions and senior management roles where the representation of women diminishes further.

Several factors contribute to the gender wage gap in Vietnam:

• Occupational Segregation: Women are often employed in lower-paying industries and professions. Cultural norms influence this segregation, leading to a representation of women in sectors like teaching, textiles, and administrative roles, which typically offer lower salaries compared to sectors dominated by men such as technology, engineering, and management.
• Workforce Participation: Women’s participation in the workforce is often interrupted due to childbearing and childcare responsibilities. As a result, this affects their work experience and opportunities for advancement, potentially leading to a wage gap.
• Educational Disparities: Although educational levels among Vietnamese women have improved significantly, there is still a gap in fields of study that are traditionally male-dominated, which often have higher earning potential.
• Workplace Bias: Biases and stereotypes in hiring, promotion, and pay decisions can also contribute to the wage gap. For example, there may be an unconscious bias that men are more suited for certain high-paying roles or negotiations for salary increases.
• Labour Policies: Differences in labour policies and protections can also contribute to the wage gap. For instance, maternity leave policies can indirectly affect a woman’s career trajectory and earnings over time.

Awareness of these issues has led to initiatives by both government and various non-profits aimed at addressing and reducing the gender wage gap. Actions include legislative reforms, promoting women’s education in high-demand sectors, encouraging female entrepreneurship, and implementing programs that advocate for better work-life balance for both genders.

The Vietnamese government has made strides in creating legal frameworks that promote gender equality. The Labour Code prohibits gender discrimination, including in matters of pay. Additionally, the National Strategy for Gender Equality 2011-2020 sets out specific objectives towards narrowing the gap. Ongoing efforts to educate employers about fair compensation practices and to empower women to negotiate for equitable salaries are essential to making further progress in closing the gender wage gap.

5. Highest Paying Occupations

In Vietnam, as the economy continues to develop and integrate with global markets, certain occupations are commanding higher salaries due to the demand for skilled professionals and the relative scarcity of such talent. The highest paying jobs typically require advanced education, specialized training, or extensive experience. Below is a list of some of the highest paying occupations in Vietnam:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Directors: These top-tier managerial roles in corporate organizations are among the highest paid due to the significant responsibilities they carry in steering company direction and profitability.
• Information Technology Specialists: With the growth of the digital economy, IT professionals, especially those skilled in cybersecurity, software development, and data management, are in high demand.
• Banking and Finance Experts: Positions like investment bankers, financial managers, and risk analysts are highly compensated because of their role in managing capital and financial strategies.
• Doctors and Medical Specialists: The healthcare sector provides lucrative opportunities for medical doctors, surgeons, and specialists, given the critical nature of their work and the extensive training required.
• Lawyers and Legal Consultants: As businesses grow and the legal landscape becomes more complex, proficient lawyers and legal advisors are well-compensated for their services.
• Real Estate Managers: Real estate development has been booming in Vietnam, creating wealth for experienced professionals in property management and real estate sales.
• Engineering Managers: Those with expertise in industrial, mechanical, or electrical engineering, particularly in project management roles, command high salaries due to the technical nature of their work.
• Supply Chain and Logistics Managers: Professionals who can efficiently manage supply chains and logistics for manufacturing firms, especially those that export goods, are rewarded with competitive wages.
• Human Resources Managers: Effective HR managers who can recruit and maintain talent while navigating labor laws are crucial to the success of any large business.
• Marketing Managers and Directors: Marketing experts, especially those with digital marketing proficiency, who can drive sales and brand awareness are essential to companies expanding their market share.

It should be noted that wages for these occupations can vary widely based on factors such as the size of the company, its location, the individual’s experience, and the specific industry. Multinational corporations and foreign-invested companies usually offer higher salaries compared to local entities, in an effort to attract the best talents.

The listed occupations indicate not only where the current highest salaries are seen but also point to the areas of economic activity that are most robust and expanding within Vietnam’s dynamic market landscape.

6. Annual Average Wage Growth

The annual average wage growth in Vietnam reflects the country’s economic trajectory and labor market trends. Over the past years, Vietnam’s economy has shown impressive growth, which has had a positive impact on wages. While exact figures can vary from year to year and between different industries and regions, here is a general overview of the wage growth trends:

• Consistent Growth: Vietnam’s average wages have consistently seen an upward trend. This growth is attributed to continued economic expansion, increases in productivity, and government policies designed to enhance living standards.
• Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The increasing flow of FDI into Vietnam has spurred wage growth, particularly in manufacturing and export-oriented sectors. Competition for skilled workers has led to better compensation packages.
• Minimum Wage Increases: The periodic adjustment of minimum wage levels by the Vietnamese government has also contributed to overall wage growth, especially at the lower end of the wage scale.
• Sectoral Differences: While all sectors have seen wage growth, some, like IT, finance, and real estate, have experienced more significant increases due to higher demand for skilled professionals.
• Variations by Region: Urban areas, particularly Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, tend to have higher wage growth rates compared to rural areas due to the concentration of businesses and higher costs of living.
• Skilled vs. Unskilled Workers: There is a notable wage growth disparity between skilled and unskilled workers, with the former usually enjoying more substantial annual increases thanks to the demand for specialized expertise.
• Inflation Adjustment: Wage growth often goes hand in hand with inflation rates. The Vietnamese government and companies tend to adjust wages to ensure that employees’ purchasing power is maintained.

Recent data indicate that Vietnam’s average wage growth has been outpacing many countries in the Southeast Asian region. However, it is essential to note that this growth may vary annually due to factors such as global economic conditions, domestic economic policies, sector-specific developments, and international trade dynamics.

Employees in Vietnam can generally expect their wages to increase annually, although the extent of this increase is contingent upon a combination of personal performance, company profitability, and industry health. Both public and private sectors make efforts to align wage growth with the country’s overall economic growth to ensure sustainable development and social stability.

7. Compensation Costs (per hours worked)

Compensation costs in Vietnam encompass not only the direct wages or salaries paid to workers but also a host of indirect costs, such as social security contributions, health insurance, unemployment insurance, and other benefits mandated by law. These are critical for understanding the total cost of employment for businesses operating within the country.

• Legal Contributions: Employers are required to contribute to social security, health insurance, and unemployment insurance funds. For example, social insurance contributions by employers amount to approximately 17.5% of an employee’s salary, while employees contribute 8%. Health insurance contributions are about 3% from employers and 1.5% from employees. Unemployment insurance requires contributions of 1% from both employers and employees.
• Additional Benefits: Many companies offer additional benefits as part of their compensation package to attract and retain talent, such as private health insurance, bonuses, transportation allowances, housing subsidies, meal vouchers, and pension plans.
• Cost Variation by Region: Similar to direct wages, compensation costs also vary by region, with urban areas generally having higher costs due to factors like higher minimum wages and living allowances.
• Overtime and Holiday Pay: Compensation for hours worked beyond the standard workweek or on public holidays is often higher than the regular hourly pay, impacting overall compensation costs.
• Training and Development: Investment in employee training and development is another cost factor. Companies fostering continuous learning may have higher upfront costs but potentially benefit from increased productivity and skill enhancement in the long run.

The total hourly compensation cost for an employee in Vietnam would include the hourly wage plus all the associated contributions and benefits divided by the number of hours worked. It’s important for businesses to carefully manage these costs to remain competitive while ensuring they maintain compliance with local labor laws and social standards.

With Vietnam’s integration into the global economy, there has been a noticeable trend towards increasing compensation packages, especially in industries experiencing skills shortages. Nevertheless, compared to many Western nations, the overall compensation costs in Vietnam remain relatively low, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment and manufacturing.

8. Comparison with Other Countries

When considering the average salaries in Vietnam, it’s helpful to place them in the context of the broader Southeast Asian region and other countries at similar levels of economic development. Here is a comparison of Vietnam’s average wages with those of a few selected countries:

Country	Average Monthly Salary (USD)	Minimum Wage (USD)
Vietnam	$170 – $1,000*	$132 – $190**
Thailand	$490 – $733	$258 – $330
Philippines	$298 – $599	$115 – $264
Malaysia	$900 – $1,200	$267
Indonesia	$140 – $183	$130 – $270
China	$800 – $1,500	$150 – $348

*Salary range in Vietnam depends on various factors including occupation, region, and industry.
**Minimum wage in Vietnam varies by region.

The numbers above give a broad perspective of where Vietnam stands in terms of salary when compared to neighboring countries. However, these figures can fluctuate based on the current exchange rate, economic changes, and policy adjustments.

While Vietnam’s average salary may be lower than in countries like Malaysia and China, it is competitive within the region, particularly when considering the rapidly growing economy and increasing foreign direct investments. Moreover, the cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, which can make the actual purchasing power of the average salary more attractive than in some higher-wage countries.

Vietnam continues to compete internationally not just on labor costs but also on the quality and skill level of its workforce. Government initiatives to improve education and vocational training are likely to further enhance the productivity and earning capacity of the Vietnamese labor force in the future.

In summary, comparing salaries among countries can offer a glimpse into the economic status and labor market conditions of each nation. For Vietnam, maintaining a balance between competitive wages for workers and creating an attractive environment for investment will be crucial as it continues to integrate further into the global economy.