Average salary in Vietnam: How it compares to Australian minimum wage floors
The legal minimum wage in Australia is $26.44 per hour, but the average salary in Vietnam is not covered by this reference; only Australian pay floors are provided.
Understanding the average salary in Vietnam and Australian pay floors
When you search for the average salary in Vietnam, you are likely comparing earnings across countries. This site focuses on Australian minimum wage rates and pay floors. While we cannot provide a specific figure for Vietnam, we can explain how Australian pay floors work so you can make an informed comparison.
The legal minimum wage in Australia
The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. This is the legal floor for award‑free and agreement‑free national‑system employees.
However, not every worker receives this rate. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may be paid less. For example, award‑free juniors under 16 receive 36.8% of the adult rate ($9.73 per hour). Introductory rates for the first six months under a modern award are $25.74 per hour. Always check the applicable award or agreement.
Separating the legal minimum from other pay concepts
It is important to distinguish the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries.
- Legal minimum: The national minimum wage or the minimum set by a modern award or enterprise agreement. This is the lowest lawful pay.
- Survey average: The ABS reports average weekly earnings. In May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, while all employees averaged $1,579.20 per week. These are not minimums; they reflect what employers actually pay.
- Award rate: A modern award sets minimum pay and conditions for a specific industry or occupation. The award rate is often higher than the national minimum. For example, the lowest ongoing classification under a modern award cannot fall below the national minimum, but many award rates are higher.
- Negotiated salary: An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a rate above the legal minimum. There is no upper limit.
When comparing an average salary in Vietnam to Australian pay, you need to decide which Australian figure is relevant. If you are an employer in Australia, the legal minimum is your starting point. If you are an employee, your actual pay may be higher.
Superannuation is on top
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the employee’s wage; it is an additional payment into a super fund. When comparing salaries across countries, remember that Australian wages often include this compulsory retirement saving. For example, a $26.44 hourly wage costs the employer an extra $3.17 per hour in super.
How to check which pay floor applies
If you are an employer or employee in Australia, start by determining whether a modern award covers the job. Use the Which minimum wage applies tool to find the correct award. Then check the Rate tables for the specific classification. If no award applies, the national minimum wage is the floor. An enterprise agreement can override the award or national minimum, but only if it passes the better‑off‑overall test.
What about the average salary in Vietnam?
This reference does not contain a figure for the average salary in Vietnam. To compare, you would need a reliable source such as the General Statistics Office of Vietnam or an international organisation. Once you have that figure, you can compare it to the Australian legal minimum or average earnings. Remember that cost of living, purchasing power, and social security systems differ greatly between countries.
FAQs
See the FAQs below for common questions about the national minimum wage, comparisons, and awards.
Final note
The information on this site is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination, tax advice, or legal advice. Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified professional for your specific situation. For more details on how figures are calculated, see the How the figures work page.
Questions people ask next
What is the national minimum wage in Australia from 1 July 2026?
The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. These rates apply to award‑free and agreement‑free national‑system employees. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may receive lower rates.
How does the average salary in Vietnam compare to the Australian minimum wage?
This site does not hold a figure for the average salary in Vietnam. The reference used here contains only Australian pay floors. To compare, you would need a reliable source for Vietnamese earnings. As a baseline, the Australian national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, and the ABS reports average full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings by employers.
Do modern awards or enterprise agreements affect the minimum wage I must pay?
Yes. A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum wage. If you are covered by an award, the award minimum applies. Enterprise agreements may also set higher rates. The national minimum wage is a backstop; it is the legal floor for award‑free and agreement‑free employees. Always check the applicable award or agreement first.
Related guides
- Average Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor and What the Figures Really Mean
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (adult, award-free), while the ABS average total earnings for all employees is $1,579.20 per week – a survey average, not a legal floor.
- What is the Average Salary in Australia? Understanding Minimum Wages and Earnings
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026, while the ABS reports average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week as of May 2026.
- Average Australian Salary vs Minimum Wage: Which Pay Floor Applies?
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, but most employees are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets higher rates.
- Average Salary in Australia: How It Compares to the National Minimum Wage
The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), while the ABS average total earnings for all employees is $1,579.20 per week (before tax, excluding super).