Vietnam's labour market shows positive trends in early 2026
In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's labor market showed positive trends with the workforce aged 15 and older reaching 53.7 million people, up nearly 700,000 from the same period in 2025. Employment rose to 52.6 million, while unemployment and underemployment rates remained low at 2.22% and 1.65%. Average monthly wages increased by 8.7% to approximately 9 million VND. There is a marked shift of labor from agriculture towards industry, construction, and services — sectors with higher productivity. Core digital economy jobs increased to 1.5 million, reflecting expanding opportunities from digital transformation. However, informal employment still dominates at 62%, and youth unemployment remains relatively high, highlighting the need for skill development and formal job creation.
Key facts
- Workforce increased to 53.7 million, employment rose to 52.6 million
- Wages grew by 8.7% amid low unemployment and underemployment rates
- Shift from agriculture to industry and services with digital economy job growth
Why it matters
These labour market improvements suggest stronger economic stability and expanding opportunities for digital and industrial sector jobs, relevant for overseas Vietnamese considering return or investment. However, challenges like high informal employment and youth unemployment underline ongoing needs for skills development and formal job creation.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by Nhân Dân - Người Việt ở nước ngoài, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to Nhân Dân - Người Việt ở nước ngoài.
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