Year-End Bonuses & 2026 Salary Forecast in Vietnam

This article is written in English for readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese translations are available on our website. 

Bonus Season: What Vietnam’s Workforce Can Expect

As 2025 draws to a close, salary discussions are dominating office corridors across Vietnam.
From factories in Binh Duong to tech hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, companies are reviewing their bonus policies and pay adjustments ahead of 2026.

According to AON Southeast Asia Salary Report 2025, Vietnam’s average salary increase for 2025 stood at 5.8 percent, ranking among the highest in the region — just behind India (9.0%) and Indonesia (6.1%).

For 2026, forecasts suggest a moderate but steady rise of 6.0 percent, driven by inflation control and strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

Meanwhile, Statista’s 2025 Labour Market Outlook indicates that Vietnam’s bonus payouts are expected to range from 0.8 to 1.5 months of base salary, depending on industry performance and profitability.

Salary Outlook 2026: Which Sectors Will Pay More

Vietnam’s economy remains resilient despite global headwinds, with GDP projected to grow by 6.2 percent in 2026 (World Bank Forecast).

This growth continues to be powered by manufacturing, IT, logistics, and green energy sectors — all showing stronger salary momentum next year.

Sector	Average Salary Increase (2026 forecast)	Bonus Range	Key Drivers
Manufacturing & Engineering	6.2%	1–1.5 months	Rising FDI, high export demand
Information Technology	7.0%	1–2 months	Software outsourcing & AI adoption
E-commerce & Digital Marketing	6.5%	0.8–1.2 months	Strong domestic consumption
Banking & Finance	5.5%	1–2.5 months	Stable growth, fintech expansion
Consumer Goods & FMCG	5.8%	1–1.8 months	Retail recovery post-pandemic
Logistics & Supply Chain	6.0%	0.8–1.3 months	E-commerce and export logistics
Renewable & Green Energy	6.8%	1–2 months	ESG investment and carbon targets

💡 Reeracoen’s internal placement data shows strong salary competition in engineering, AI, and logistics, where candidate shortages are driving faster increments and retention bonuses.

What’s Driving Salary Adjustments in 2026

Controlled Inflation and Currency Stability

Vietnam’s inflation rate is projected to stay around 3.5–4.0 percent in 2026, creating room for real wage growth without major policy shocks (GSO Vietnam 2025).

Demand for Skilled Professionals

According to Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, 68 percent of Vietnamese professionals are actively open to new opportunities — forcing companies to offer competitive packages to retain talent.

Shift Toward ESG & AI-Driven Roles

Companies are paying premiums (10–25% higher) for candidates skilled in AI implementation, ESG compliance, and digital transformation, especially across MNCs in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

HR Planning Before Lunar New Year

Many firms announce bonus frameworks between December and January, ahead of Tết Nguyên Đán 2026 (Lunar New Year on 17–23 February) to retain staff before the traditional post-Tet job-switching wave.

How Bonuses Are Structured Across Vietnam

Bonus culture in Vietnam varies by company size and sector:

• Multinationals: 1–2.5 months of base pay, often linked to KPIs and regional performance.

• Local SMEs: Typically half to one month of pay, with added gifts or vouchers for Tết.

• State-owned enterprises: Fixed structure averaging 0.5–1 month.

AON’s data shows that 73% of companies in Vietnam now tie bonuses to both individual and company performance, aligning with global compensation trends.

What Vietnamese Professionals Expect

Workers are more informed — and more vocal — than ever before.

The Reeracoen APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025 found that:

• 74 percent of Vietnamese professionals rank “fair pay and transparency” as their top priority in 2026.

• 59 percent prefer structured feedback and performance reviews before bonus evaluations.

• 41 percent plan to switch jobs in 2026 if career progression or salary stagnates.

The new mindset is clear: salary is no longer just a financial metric, but a reflection of recognition and respect.

📘 Related Reading: [Beyond Pay: What Vietnamese Professionals Want in 2026]

For Employers: Balancing Pay with Purpose

While competitive pay is vital, sustainable retention will depend on balancing compensation with culture.

Reeracoen recommends that employers:

• Benchmark salaries regularly against industry peers.

• Provide transparent bonus policies and growth roadmaps.

• Offer non-monetary benefits such as wellness programmes or upskilling allowances.

As Mercer Vietnam 2025 notes, companies investing in holistic employee well-being experience 30 percent lower turnover even with average pay levels.

📘 Related Reading: [Cracking Retention in Vietnam 2026 – Onboarding Matters]

For Employees: How to Evaluate Your 2026 Offer

Before accepting or rejecting a job offer this season, consider:

• Is the salary aligned with market averages for your role?

• Are bonuses based on clear, measurable KPIs?

• Does the company invest in your development and stability?

Reeracoen Vietnam’s consultants advise professionals to use verified salary data and stay objective — especially when comparing cross-industry offers.

📘 Related Reading: [Vietnam Hiring Trends 2026 – Sectors to Watch as FDI Rises]

🔍 FAQ: Salary & Bonus Trends in Vietnam

Q1. What is the average salary increase in Vietnam for 2026?

Approximately 6.0% overall, varying by sector and skill demand.

Q2. When are bonuses typically announced?

Between December and January, ahead of Tết, though some MNCs align with fiscal calendars.

Q3. Are bonuses taxable in Vietnam?

Yes. Bonuses are subject to personal income tax as part of annual compensation.

Q4. Which sectors offer the highest bonuses?

Technology, finance, and manufacturing remain top performers, especially export-oriented firms.

Q5. How do Vietnam’s salary trends compare to ASEAN neighbours?

Vietnam’s 6.0% forecast outpaces Singapore (4.0%) and Thailand (4.5%), maintaining strong competitiveness in the region.

✅ Final Author Credit

• By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager, Reeracoen Vietnam) <VN – Change to Anna>

• Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

📚 References

• AON Southeast Asia Salary Report 2025

• Statista Labour Market Outlook Vietnam 2025–2026

• Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025

• Mercer Vietnam Compensation & Benefits Survey 2025

• General Statistics Office (GSO) Vietnam 2025 Data

• World Bank Vietnam Economic Outlook 2026

🔗 Related Articles:

• [Vietnam Hiring Trends 2026 – Sectors to Watch as FDI Rises]

• [Cracking Retention in Vietnam 2026 – Onboarding Matters]

• [Beyond Pay: What Vietnamese Professionals Want in 2026]

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