Software Engineer / DeveloperSalary in Vietnam 2026
Local market rates and expat packages, work permit requirements, and top employers for software engineer / developer roles in Vietnam.
Salary Ranges
Indicative estimates only. These salary ranges are based on publicly available job postings and industry surveys. Individual salaries vary significantly based on experience, employer size, and negotiation. For authoritative Vietnam salary data, see the Vietnam General Statistics Office (gso.gov.vn).
Local Market Rate
Vietnamese national salary
Estimated range (VND/month)
15M–50M
₫ per month (indicative)
Full range: ₫15,000,000 – ₫50,000,000 / month
Expat Package
Foreign national salary in USD
Estimated range (USD/month)
$2,500–$6,000
USD per month (indicative)
Packages often include health insurance, housing allowance, and annual flights home.
Indicative market estimates for 2024–2026 based on publicly available job postings and industry surveys. Ranges vary by experience, company size, and location. Not a substitute for direct employer negotiation or official labour market statistics.
About This Role in Vietnam
Vietnam is Southeast Asia's fastest-growing tech hub, with 500,000+ IT workers and a large outsourcing sector. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the primary tech employment centers. Salaries are competitive by Southeast Asian standards but significantly below Western levels.
Typical Employers
FPT Software, Axon Active, TMA Solutions, Samsung R&D, NashTech
Experience Required
2-5 years
Work Permit Requirements
Work Permit for Software Engineer / Developer
Most senior software engineers qualify for a work permit as a specialist. A degree in CS/IT plus 3 years experience is the standard requirement.
Calculate your take-home pay in Vietnam
Use our Vietnam PIT calculator to see your net salary after income tax and social insurance deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a software engineer earn in Vietnam?
Local Vietnamese software engineers typically earn 15–50 million VND per month (roughly $600–$2,000 USD), depending on experience and stack. Expat packages range from $2,500–$6,000/month USD, often including housing allowance and health insurance.
Do I need a work permit as a software engineer in Vietnam?
Yes, foreign nationals need a work permit to work legally in Vietnam. Software engineers typically qualify as 'specialists' — you'll need a relevant degree (CS, IT, Engineering) and at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Your employer applies on your behalf.
Is there demand for software engineer jobs in Vietnam?
Vietnam's tech sector is growing rapidly. There is strong demand for experienced backend, frontend, and full-stack developers, particularly those with skills in Java, Python, Node.js, React, and mobile development. HCMC and Hanoi have the deepest job markets.
What do software engineers earn in USD in Vietnam?
Foreign software engineers on expat packages earn $2,500–$6,000/month USD, with senior roles at product companies and multinationals at the top of this range. Fully remote roles for Western companies with Vietnam-based engineers can pay $3,000–$8,000/month.
Need a work permit for this role?
Our team handles the full work permit application — from document preparation to submission and follow-up with Vietnamese authorities.