Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Employment in Vietnam - statistics & facts
Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in Asia, with a population exceeding 100 million as of 2023. This large population base has played a crucial role in shaping the country's socio-economic dynamics. While the proportion of elderly citizens has been gradually increasing due to improved healthcare and longer life expectancy, Vietnam still maintains a demographic advantage with a relatively young population. This youthful workforce is a key driver of the country’s economic development, providing the labor power necessary to support sustained growth. The abundance of working-age individuals has enabled Vietnam to capitalize on labor-intensive industries, creating a foundation for further industrial expansion and economic development.
Vietnam has emerged as a competitive manufacturing hub, attracting multinational companies seeking lower production costs and a skilled yet affordable labor force. Manufacturing now represents the second-largest employment sector after agriculture, with significant growth in textiles, electronics, and assembly industries. These jobs generally offer higher average monthly salaries compared to agricultural positions, improving living standards and contributing to the rise of the middle class. Parallelly, the service sector—including finance, education, tourism, and information technology—is expanding, offering more employment opportunities and absorbing a growing share of the workforce.
Employment shift in Vietnam
Historically, agriculture was the dominant sector in Vietnam’s economy and continues to be the largest employer, particularly in rural areas. Farming, fishing, and forestry have long been the backbone of employment for a significant portion of the population. However, in recent decades, the country has undergone a structural transformation, with employment gradually shifting toward the industry and service sectors. This shift reflects Vietnam’s transition from a traditionally agrarian economy to one that is increasingly industrialized and urbanized.Vietnam has emerged as a competitive manufacturing hub, attracting multinational companies seeking lower production costs and a skilled yet affordable labor force. Manufacturing now represents the second-largest employment sector after agriculture, with significant growth in textiles, electronics, and assembly industries. These jobs generally offer higher average monthly salaries compared to agricultural positions, improving living standards and contributing to the rise of the middle class. Parallelly, the service sector—including finance, education, tourism, and information technology—is expanding, offering more employment opportunities and absorbing a growing share of the workforce.
Looking ahead
Vietnam's employment market is experiencing steady and encouraging growth, driven by government initiatives in infrastructure development, education reform, vocational training, and digital transformation. These strategic efforts are designed to modernize the economy and equip the workforce for an increasingly knowledge-based industrial landscape. At the same time, the growing demand for skilled labor highlights Vietnam’s broader ambition to attract more foreign direct investment and strengthen its position in global supply chains. Reinforcing this trajectory, the country has seen a rise in labor productivity in recent years—a trend that enhances its global competitiveness and further solidifies its reputation as an attractive destination for investment and innovation.
