Average Salary in Vietnam (2025)

Average Salary in Vietnam

Understanding the average salary in Vietnam (2025) is essential for job seekers, expats, and businesses planning to enter Southeast Asia’s growing economy. Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, attracting global investors and multinational companies. While wages are lower compared to Western countries, the cost of living is also significantly cheaper, creating new opportunities for both local professionals and foreign workers.

In this guide, we’ll explore salary data, minimum wage, industry-specific earnings, salary trends 2025, and cost of living vs salary in Vietnam.


Average Salary in Vietnam: An Overview

In 2025, the average salary in Vietnam is around ₫10,500,000 VND per month (approximately $420 USD/month). However, salaries vary widely based on industry, location, and experience.

  • Median Salary: ₫9,500,000 VND/month (~$380 USD)
  • Top 10% Earners: Above ₫25,000,000 VND/month (~$1,000 USD)
  • Entry-Level Workers: ₫5,000,000 – ₫7,000,000 VND/month (~$200–$280 USD)

Compared to global standards, wages in Vietnam are lower, but the affordable cost of living makes the country attractive for digital nomads, freelancers, and foreign companies outsourcing work.


Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown in Vietnam (2025)

Different industries in Vietnam offer very different pay scales:

  • Technology & IT: ₫20,000,000 – ₫35,000,000/month ($800 – $1,400 USD)
  • Healthcare (Doctors & Nurses): ₫12,000,000 – ₫30,000,000/month ($480 – $1,200 USD)
  • Engineering: ₫15,000,000 – ₫28,000,000/month ($600 – $1,120 USD)
  • Finance & Banking: ₫18,000,000 – ₫32,000,000/month ($720 – $1,280 USD)
  • Education (Teachers): ₫8,000,000 – ₫18,000,000/month ($320 – $720 USD)
  • Hospitality & Retail: ₫6,000,000 – ₫12,000,000/month ($240 – $480 USD)

👉 The IT and finance sectors show the fastest wage growth due to foreign investment and outsourcing demand.


Minimum Wage in Vietnam (2025)

Vietnam sets its minimum wage based on regions. In 2025, the rates are:

  • Region I (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City): ₫4,680,000 VND/month (~$187 USD)
  • Region II (urban areas near big cities): ₫4,160,000 VND/month (~$166 USD)
  • Region III (smaller cities & towns): ₫3,640,000 VND/month (~$145 USD)
  • Region IV (rural areas): ₫3,250,000 VND/month (~$130 USD)

This wage structure reflects the cost of living differences across Vietnam.


Cost of Living vs Salary in Vietnam

The average wage in Vietnam must be considered alongside living costs. Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Asia for both locals and foreigners.

  • Rent in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: $250 – $500/month for a modern apartment
  • Food & Groceries: $150 – $250/month
  • Transport: $30 – $50/month
  • Lifestyle & Leisure: $100 – $200/month

👉 For locals, salaries can be just enough for essential needs. For expats and remote workers, however, earning a foreign income while living in Vietnam offers a high quality of life at a much lower cost.


The salary trends 2025 indicate:

  • IT & Tech salaries are increasing rapidly due to Vietnam’s role as an outsourcing hub.
  • Healthcare professionals are in high demand, pushing wages upward.
  • Hospitality & tourism salaries are recovering after global travel disruptions.
  • Retail and manufacturing wages remain steady but low compared to skilled sectors.

How Vietnam Salaries Compare Globally

When compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Germany, Vietnam’s salaries are much lower. However, when measured against the cost of living, Vietnam offers one of the best affordability ratios in Asia.

  • USA average salary (2025): ~$63,000/year
  • UK average salary (2025): ~$45,000/year
  • Vietnam average salary (2025): ~$5,000/year

Conclusion

In summary, the average salary in Vietnam (2025) is around ₫10,500,000/month (~$420 USD). Salaries remain low compared to Western countries but align well with Vietnam’s affordable cost of living.

For local workers, wages are gradually improving as industries modernize. For expats and digital nomads, Vietnam offers a unique balance of low costs and high lifestyle value, especially for those earning international salaries.

Understanding the average wage in Vietnam, minimum wage, salary trends, and cost of living vs salary is crucial for anyone planning to work, invest, or relocate to Vietnam.

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