Vietnam Labor Costs in 2025: Minimum Wage, Living Expenses, and Worker Priorities
Vietnam’s minimum wage in 2025 has risen again, and to understand what these numbers truly mean, it’s helpful to look at the real cost of living and the values of Vietnamese factory workers. Below is a simple, clear explanation of how wages, living costs, and workplace expectations all fit together.
Cost of Living Basics in Vietnam
To understand the 2025 minimum wage better, it helps to look at the real cost of living in Vietnam. Here are some common daily expenses:
- Vietnamese coffee: about 14,000 VND
- Basic haircut: around 80,000 VND
- Public bus ticket: about 12,000 VND
- Bowl of phở: around 40,000 VND
- Renting a simple single room: about 2,500,000 VND per month
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Vietnam Minimum Wage 2025
The government sets different minimum wage levels depending on the region’s economic development. These rates apply to employees working under labor contracts.
- Region I: Major cities (HCMC, Hanoi, and top industrial zones)
- Region II: Large cities & developed districts
- Region III: Medium-sized cities & towns
- Region IV: Rural or less-developed areas
Quick Explanation of Regions:
- Region I: 4,960,000 VND per month
- Region II: 4,410,000 VND per month
- Region III: 3,860,000 VND per month
- Region IV: 3,450,000 VND per month
These wage levels apply to workers on labor contracts across Vietnam, including those in garment factories. The minimum wage is meant to ensure a basic standard of living, but it is still considered low compared to the real needs of most workers, especially those living away from home.
Why Our Factory Pays Above Minimum Wage
In 2025, the official minimum monthly wage in Vietnam ranges from 3,450,000 VND to 4,960,000 VND, depending on the region. At our factory, the average salary is higher than the 2025 minimum wage, and we do this to attract workers and keep them long-term. Paying above the minimum is necessary because skilled sewing workers have many job options, especially in active garment zones.
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Why Overtime Matters to Vietnamese Workers
Overtime (OT) plays a very important role in Vietnam’s garment industry. While Western employers often focus on reducing working hours, Vietnamese workers see OT differently.
If a factory does not offer overtime, many workers will leave and choose another workplace that does. Their goal is simple: earn as much as possible every month. This mindset comes from financial responsibility — many workers send money home to support their families, pay for education, or save for the future. For them, more hours mean a better living standard. OT is not viewed as a burden; instead, it is an opportunity. Understanding this helps buyers and partners see the cultural and economic reality behind Vietnam’s garment workforce.
Conclusion / Final Word
Vietnam’s 2025 minimum wage gives a basic framework, but it does not fully reflect the real cost of living or the expectations of workers. Employers need to pay above the minimum to maintain stability, and overtime is a key income source for most sewing workers. These factors shape how factories operate and how workers choose where to work. For partners looking to source from Vietnam, understanding these human elements makes collaboration smoother, more realistic, and more sustainable.
