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RecruitAverage Salary in Vietnam
Curious about salaries in Vietnam? This guide breaks down the average wages, compares professions, highlights minimum wage figures, and explores how Vietnam’s earnings measure up internationally.
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Vietnam’s talented workforce and cost-effective labor make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers looking to form remote partnerships in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Vietnam?” This information will help them prepare a fair hiring offer.
The average monthly salary in Vietnam is 17,300,000 Vietnam Dong (VND), about USD 666. However, salaries vary by experience, education, location, profession, and industry. You must also consider how wages in the country compare to earnings worldwide.
This guide will explore all aspects of Vietnamese salaries, providing comprehensive insight.
What is the Average Salary in Vietnam?
The average salary in Vietnam is 8,500,000 VND, about $327. Wages are low in the country due to the low cost of living and a large, informal work sector. There is also a significant focus on manufacturing, a low-paying industry.
Median Income
Vietnam’s median monthly income is 14,900,000 VND, about $573. Half the workers earn higher salaries; the other half earn less. The average salary is substantially higher when comparing average vs. median salary, suggesting wage inequality in the country.
Salary Range
The salary range spans from the country’s lowest to the highest wages. Low earners make about 4,360,000 VND, about $167, while high earners make closer to 67,900,000 VND, about $2615.
Salary Comparisons in Vietnam
The following sections reveal how salaries in Vietnam vary based on education, experience, location, position, and industry.
Salary by Position
This salary comparison chart demonstrates how salaries in Vietnam vary by position.
| Position | Average Monthly Salary (VND) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 20,864,500 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 20,487,100 |
| Call Center Director | 19,061,700 |
| IT Director | 18,988,600 |
| Lead Developer | 17,467,100 |
| IT Architect | 16,484,300 |
| Head of Product Development | 15,370,600 |
| Finance Manager | 15,352,300 |
| IC Design Engineer | 14,428,600 |
| iOS Developer | 14,115,200 |
| Banking Cashier | 3,905,590 |
| Fabric Cutter | 3,898,430 |
| Clothing Technologist | 3,881,440 |
| General Laborer | 3,858,020 |
| Packer | 3,801,660 |
| Seamstress | 3,629,650 |
| Porter | 3,506,690 |
| Medical Records Clerk | 3,496,440 |
| Tailor | 3,496,360 |
Average Wage in Vietnam Based on Education
Education generally impacts wage determination in Vietnam. Statistics show that those with a college or university degree earn more than those with a basic degree. However, an individual’s characteristics can also help them attain a better position, and wages increase over time.
Research also reveals that, although university and college degrees increase earnings, salaries show less fluctuation with increased years of schooling at lower education levels.
Another study shows that increased earnings for higher education are more prevalent in wealthy households, contributing to income inequality in the country.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience impacts salaries as follows:
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (VND) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 6–8 million |
| Mid-level | 10–20 million |
| Senior-level | 30 million or more |
Salary Comparison by Location
Location also affects wages, with workers in urban areas earning more than rural workers due to higher living costs and proximity to bigger companies offering high-paying job opportunities. In Vietnam, workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City earn around 12-15 VND a month, while workers in other areas earn lower wages, equaling 10-12 million VND or less. Salaries are exceptionally high in Ho Chi Minh as employers hope to attract and retain skilled talent.
Minimum wage is also set differently across regions and is highest in region I (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City). Region IV has the lowest salaries.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Vietnam?
The minimum wage in Vietnam varies by region as follows:
| Region | Minimum Monthly Wage (VND) | Approx. USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Region I | 4,960,000 | $191 |
| Region II | 4,680,000 | $180 |
| Region III | 4,160,000 | $160 |
| Region IV | 3,640,000 | $140 |
There is also a standard minimum wage of 2,340,000 VND ($90), which applies to state-owned enterprises and social contributions.
Average Salary in Vietnam vs. the Rest of the World
The following charts compare salaries in Vietnam to those in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries to provide more insight.
Vietnam vs. Developed Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Vietnam Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 379,434 Yen (approx. $2,635) | – 288% |
| United Kingdom | 3,000 Euros (approx. $3,116) | – 363% |
| Norway | 50,790 Kroner (approx. $4,700) | – 601% |
| Germany | 4,300 Euros (approx. $4,467) | – 571% |
| Austria | 3,500 Euros (approx. $3,636) | – 437% |
Vietnam vs. Developing Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Vietnam Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 4000 RON (approx. $835) | – 25% |
| Russia | 73,709 Rubles (approx. $700) | – 4% |
| Albania | 1500 Euros (approx. $1550) | – 131% |
| Kazakhstan | 342,082 Tenge (approx. $645) | 3% |
| Ukraine | 18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500) | 34% |
Vietnam vs. Undeveloped Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Vietnam Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 30,000 Afghanis (approx. $419) | 59% |
| Philippines | 18,423 PHP (approx. $875) | – 31% |
| Cambodia | 1,000,027 Riel (approx. $250) | 164% |
| Egypt | 13,244 EGP (approx. $263) | 153% |
| Pakistan | 45,000 PKR (approx. $150) | 340% |
Vietnam is a developing country with a lower-middle income status. Although it has made significant strides in its economy, it faces hurdles like corruption and a slow-developing infrastructure as it moves to a market economy. Low-paying sectors like manufacturing and agriculture also dominate the country.
Despite internal struggles, Vietnam shows promise in its outsourcing industries. It is popular for remote partnerships due to its skilled workforce and cost-effective labor. The government supports foreign investment by developing its IT and BPO industries.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Vietnam?
Employers outsourcing to Vietnam will see the most benefits when focusing on the following industries.
IT Services
Vietnam’s IT industry is experiencing rapid growth. Areas of focus include AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. The government supports the industry with various initiatives, including the National Digital Transformation.
A software engineer in the country earns around 20,864,500 VND, about $803, while their American counterparts can earn $20,000 monthly or more. This gives employers who outsource plenty of bargaining power.
BPO
Vietnam’s BPO industry is developing rapidly due to cost-effective labor, a skilled, multi-lingual workforce, and government support. Areas of focus include IT, customer service, and finance. Many SMEs in the market offer specialized services like gaming, animation, and e-commerce.
Manufacturing
The country’s manufacturing industry is a key player in the global economy. Major sectors include electronics, textiles, and garments. Vietnam continually adopts sustainable practices and updates technology to offer businesses a strategic advantage.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s cost-effective average salaries make it an ideal outsourcing destination. Employers who develop remote partnerships in the area can benefit from reduced expenses and quality products and services while helping the country overcome economic issues, resulting in positive outcomes for all involved parties.
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