The average monthly salary increased by 9.3 percent in 2017, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

The data collected from 63 provinces and cities shows that the average salary was 6.6 million VND (290 USD) per month in 2017 compared to 6 million VND (263 USD) per month in 2016. 

The salary increase was higher than the 2017 regional minimum salary increase of 7.3 percent.

Workers of a member limited liability company, in which the State owned 100 percent charter capital, received the highest average monthly salary of 7.9 million VND (347 USD), increasing 4.5 percent compared to the previous year.

Ranked second were joint stock companies which have State capital contributions, with an average monthly salary of 7.3 million VND (320 USD), increasing 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. 

Foreign-invested enterprises witnessed the highest salary increase of 13.5 percent, from 5.9 million VND (260 USD) per month in 2016 to 6.7 million VND (295 USD) per month in 2017.

The average salary offered by private enterprises rose from 5.4 million VND (237 USD) in 2016 to 5.6 million VND (246 USD) in 2017, equivalent to 3.3 percent. 

The socio-economic condition of Vietnam in 2017 presented positive signs, with a gross domestic product growth of 6.81 percent, exceeding the target of 6.7 percent. The average consumer price index in 2017 increased 3.53 percent. These improvements motivated the salary hike. -VNA