In 2024, Vietnam’s growing economy continues to attract both local talent and foreign companies. Understanding the salary structure is crucial for both employers and employees. Whether you’re considering relocating to Vietnam or looking to hire in the country, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the average monthly salary in Vietnam, current wage trends, and what to expect in the upcoming year.
With Vietnam’s strong economic growth and competitive labor force, this article provides an in-depth look at salaries, regional variations, and factors influencing pay. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the salary landscape in Vietnam, whether you’re a business leader, a job seeker, or simply curious about the country’s employment trends.
What Is the Average Monthly Salary in Vietnam in 2024?
As of 2024, the average monthly salary in Vietnam continues to rise in response to the country’s growing economy. According to reports, the average salary in Vietnam hovers around 10 million VND (approximately $420 USD) per month. This represents a steady increase compared to previous years, reflecting Vietnam’s ongoing economic development and increased investment from multinational companies.
However, it’s important to note that salary levels can vary widely depending on the industry and location. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) typically offer higher salaries compared to rural areas, thanks to the higher cost of living and demand for skilled workers in urban centers. In contrast, salaries in rural regions and smaller cities remain significantly lower, often reflecting local living costs and industry needs.
How Does the Minimum Wage in Vietnam Compare to Other Countries?
In 2024, the minimum wage in Vietnam is set by region and ranges from 4.68 million VND to 5.64 million VND per month, depending on the location. Vietnam’s wage system is divided into several regions:
- Region I: Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Region II: Smaller cities and industrial zones
- Region III & IV: Rural areas and smaller provinces
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam’s minimum wage remains competitive, particularly for labor-intensive industries like manufacturing and textiles. This competitive wage structure makes Vietnam an attractive destination for foreign companies looking to invest in the country.
While the minimum wage in Vietnam provides a baseline for many workers, skilled professionals and those in higher-paying industries such as software development and healthcare often earn significantly more.
What Are the Salary Differences Between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
Salaries in Vietnam’s two largest cities—Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—tend to be higher than in the rest of the country. For example, the average salary in Hanoi is approximately 12-14 million VND, while Ho Chi Minh City offers slightly higher wages, averaging 13-15 million VND.
The wage gap between these cities and more rural areas can be attributed to the higher cost of living, increased demand for skilled professionals, and the concentration of foreign companies in these urban centers. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City is known as a business hub, with a significant number of multinational corporations offering higher wages to attract top talent.
Additionally, certain sectors, such as technology, finance, and real estate, see higher salary levels in both cities, as these industries are crucial to Vietnam’s economy and are concentrated in urban centers.
How Much Do Vietnamese Employees Earn in Different Industries?
Salaries in Vietnam vary significantly across industries. Key sectors like software development, manufacturing, and healthcare tend to offer higher wages compared to traditional industries such as agriculture or retail. Here’s a breakdown of average salaries by sector:
- Technology and Software Development: Professionals in these fields earn some of the highest wages, ranging from 20 million VND to 40 million VND per month for senior roles. This is due to the high demand for skilled labor and the presence of foreign investors in Vietnam’s growing tech industry.
- Healthcare: Doctors and specialists in urban hospitals can earn between 15 million VND and 30 million VND, with public sector employees typically earning less than those in the private sector.
- Manufacturing: Factory workers and lower-skilled positions often earn between 6 million VND and 10 million VND per month, with salary levels rising based on experience and location.
The rise of technology and professional services has played a significant role in shaping salary trends, with many Vietnamese workers transitioning to higher-paying industries.
1. Software Development
Vietnam’s software development sector is rapidly growing, driven by a strong focus on technology and innovation. This industry offers competitive salaries, particularly for roles requiring advanced technical skills and experience.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Mobile App Developers | VND 20-30 million | $860-$1,290 |
DevOps Engineers | VND 25-35 million | $1,075-$1,505 |
QA Testers | VND 15-25 million | $645-$1,075 |
Full Stack Developers | VND 22-32 million | $945-$1,375 |
Front-End Developers | VND 18-28 million | $775-$1,205 |
Back-End Developers | VND 20-30 million | $860-$1,290 |
2. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a dynamic and evolving field in Vietnam. With the rise of online businesses and social media, demand for digital marketing professionals has increased, offering attractive salary packages.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Email Marketers | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
SEO Specialists | VND 22-32 million | $945-$1,375 |
Social Media Managers | VND 15-22 million | $645-$945 |
Paid Ads Specialists (PPC) | VND 18-25 million | $775-$1,075 |
Content Strategists | VND 15-22 million | $645-$945 |
Digital Marketing Managers | VND 20-30 million | $860-$1,290 |
Marketing Analysts | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
Influencer Marketing Managers | VND 16-24 million | $690-$1,030 |
Conversion Rate Optimization Specialists | VND 18-25 million | $775-$1,075 |
E-commerce Managers | VND 20-28 million | $860-$1,205 |
3. Customer Service
Customer service roles are essential in various industries, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. Salaries for these roles vary based on experience and specific job responsibilities.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Call Center Agents | VND 8-12 million | $345-$515 |
Technical Support Reps | VND 10-15 million | $430-$645 |
Customer Support Specialists | VND 9-14 million | $385-$600 |
Customer Service Managers | VND 20-28 million | $860-$1,205 |
Customer Service Trainers | VND 14-20 million | $600-$860 |
Customer Experience Managers | VND 22-30 million | $945-$1,290 |
4. IT Support
The IT support sector is crucial for maintaining the technological infrastructure of businesses. Professionals in this field are in high demand, particularly those with specialized skills in network and system administration.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Help Desk Technicians | VND 11-16 million | $475-$690 |
System Administrators | VND 18-25 million | $775-$1,075 |
IT Support Specialists | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
Technical Support Engineers | VND 14-20 million | $600-$860 |
IT Managers | VND 25-35 million | $1,075-$1,505 |
IT Coordinators | VND 13-19 million | $560-$820 |
Network Engineers | VND 16-24 million | $690-$1,030 |
IT Security Specialists | VND 20-28 million | $860-$1,205 |
5. Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in managing an organization’s workforce. Salaries in this field vary based on the level of responsibility and the size of the company.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
HR Managers | VND 25-35 million | $1,075-$1,505 |
Recruiters | VND 15-22 million | $645-$945 |
HR Assistants | VND 10-14 million | $430-$600 |
6. Graphic Design
Graphic designers are essential in creating visual content for various media. The demand for creative professionals in Vietnam is growing, leading to competitive salaries in this field.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
UX/UI Designers | VND 18-25 million | $775-$1,075 |
Web Designers | VND 15-22 million | $645-$945 |
Print Designers | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
7. Content Writing
Content writers produce engaging and informative content for various platforms. Salaries for content writers in Vietnam depend on experience and specialization.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Copywriters | VND 10-15 million | $430-$645 |
Technical Writers | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
Blog Writers | VND 8-12 million | $345-$515 |
8. Accounting and Finance
The accounting and finance sector is critical for business operations, ensuring financial stability and compliance. This sector offers a range of salaries based on the complexity of the roles and experience.
Role | Average Salary (VND/month) | Average Salary (USD/month) |
Junior Accountants | VND 10-15 million | $430-$645 |
Senior Accountants | VND 20-28 million | $860-$1,205 |
Auditors | VND 18-25 million | $775-$1,075 |
Financial Consultants | VND 25-35 million | $1,075-$1,505 |
Payroll Coordinators | VND 12-18 million | $515-$775 |
Payroll Managers | VND 20-28 million | $860-$1,205 |
What Factors Affect Salary Levels in Vietnam?
Several factors influence salary levels in Vietnam, including:
- Location: Salaries in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are higher due to the increased cost of living and demand for skilled labor.
- Industry: Certain industries, such as technology and healthcare, offer higher salaries than traditional sectors like agriculture or retail.
- Experience and Skills: As in any country, more experienced and skilled workers command higher wages. Professionals with technical expertise or leadership roles often earn significantly more than entry-level employees.
Additionally, inflation rates and economic growth in Vietnam are driving up salaries across many sectors, particularly in cities with growing foreign investment.
How Do Salaries in Urban Areas Differ from Rural Areas?
There is a significant salary gap between urban and rural areas in Vietnam. In cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, wages are higher due to the presence of multinational corporations, higher demand for skilled labor, and the overall cost of living. In contrast, rural areas and smaller provinces tend to have lower wages, often averaging around 5 million VND per month.
This wage disparity reflects the differing economic activities and job opportunities available. Urban centers attract more investment in high-paying industries like technology, while rural areas are more dependent on agriculture and manufacturing, which typically offer lower wages.
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What Are the Monthly Salary Expectations for Paid Workers and Employees in Vietnam?
The average monthly salary for paid workers in Vietnam varies by industry, experience level, and region. For example:
- Entry-Level Jobs: New graduates and entry-level employees can expect salaries ranging from 6 million VND to 8 million VND per month in most industries.
- Mid-Level Roles: Workers with several years of experience typically earn between 10 million VND and 20 million VND, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Senior Management and Specialized Roles: Salaries for senior managers and specialized professionals, such as IT specialists or medical doctors, can exceed 30 million VND per month.
While wages in Vietnam are generally lower than in Western countries, the cost of living is also significantly lower, making these salaries competitive within the region.
How Do Public and Private Sector Salaries Compare in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, there is a notable difference between public and private sector salaries. Workers in the public sector—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and government employees—tend to earn lower salaries than those in the private sector. For example, a public school teacher in Vietnam may earn around 6 million VND to 8 million VND per month, while a private sector employee in finance or technology could earn 15 million VND or more.
The private sector, driven by foreign investors and multinational corporations, offers higher wages, particularly in industries like technology, finance, and engineering. Additionally, private sector employees often receive more additional benefits, such as performance bonuses, Tet bonuses, and health insurance.
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What Additional Benefits Do Employees in Vietnam Receive?
In addition to base salaries, many workers in Vietnam receive additional benefits such as:
- Social Insurance: All employers must contribute to employees’ social insurance, which covers retirement, healthcare, and unemployment benefits.
- Public Holidays: Vietnamese employees are entitled to 10-12 public holidays per year, including the Lunar New Year (Tet), which is the most important holiday in Vietnam.
- Bonuses: Many companies in Vietnam offer Tet bonuses and performance-based bonuses, especially in the private sector. These bonuses can range from one to several months’ salary, depending on the company’s performance.
These benefits are crucial in attracting and retaining talent, especially in competitive industries like technology and finance.
How to Attract Top Talent in Vietnam in 2024?
Attracting top talent in Vietnam requires offering competitive salaries, additional benefits, and a positive work environment. Companies looking to hire skilled Vietnamese workers should consider:
- Competitive Salaries: Offering wages that are above the industry average can help attract the best candidates.
- Bonuses and Incentives: Performance-based bonuses, Tet bonuses, and additional benefits such as health insurance are attractive to Vietnamese employees.
- Professional Development: Providing opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement can help retain top talent.
With Vietnam’s economy continuing to grow, companies that offer attractive compensation packages and invest in their workforce will be well-positioned to compete for the best talent.
Key Points to Remember:
- The average salary in Vietnam for 2024 is around 10 million VND, with higher salaries in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- The minimum wage varies by region, from 4.68 million VND to 5.64 million VND.
- Industries such as software development and healthcare offer higher wages compared to agriculture or retail.
- Salaries in urban areas are significantly higher than those in rural areas.
- Public sector salaries are generally lower than in the private sector, where additional benefits and bonuses are more common.
Understanding salary trends in Vietnam is crucial for both employers and employees to navigate the evolving labor market in 2024.
