​In 2023, Vietnamese workers experienced a notable increase in average monthly income, rising by 6.9% to approximately VND7.1 million (around $291.82). This growth represents an increase of VND459,000 compared to 2022. Male workers earned an average of VND8.1 million per month, while female workers earned VND6 million.

Illustrative image 

Gender disparities in income were evident, with male workers earning an average of 8.1 million VND per month, while female workers earned about 6 million VND. ​

The fourth quarter of 2023 saw a further increase in workers' income, reaching 7.3 million VND per month, an increment of 180,000 VND compared to the third quarter. This 2.5% quarter-on-quarter growth was nearly double the 1.4% observed in the same period of 2022, a time when the nation was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. The income growth in late 2023 was largely attributed to businesses accelerating production in response to rising orders, thereby enhancing workers' earnings. ​

Regionally, all economic zones reported income growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. Notably, the Red River Delta region experienced the highest quarterly growth at 3.5%, culminating in an 8.2% year-on-year increase. Conversely, the Southeast region recorded the lowest growth at approximately 2.3%. Despite this slower growth rate, the Southeast region saw a decline in unemployment rates, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, where the rate decreased to 2.91% as businesses expanded operations and increased hiring. 

The overall improvement in workers' incomes and employment rates in 2023 reflects Vietnam's robust economic recovery and growth, signaling positive trends for the nation's labor market in the post-pandemic era.