Firms prioritize productivity over headcount growth; pay slips for mid-level and below in many sectors, while digital and AI skills heat up.
Entering 2026, Vietnam's labor market is forecast to diverge sharply: opportunities and pay rise clearly for scarce-skill groups, while many general and mid-level roles face downward pressure. It is a "two-speed" picture both workers and employers need to read carefully.
Four big trends shaping the market
According to 2026 salary and market reports, four trends stand out:
- A flexible workforce: project-based and freelance work is rising in IT, digital marketing, content creation, e-commerce and logistics — but with challenges around income stability and long-term paths.
- Fast reskilling: the skill lifecycle is shortening, forcing continuous updating.
- Shifting labor norms: work models, expectations and evaluation are all moving.
- A shortage of high-quality talent: supply can't keep up with demand for specialized roles.
Pay: broad declines at mid-level and below
The 2026 salary trend shows recommended pay for most senior leadership roles adjusted down 1–5% versus 2025; finance and banking are the exception, where the recommended minimum for CEO roles rises 7–12%. For mid-level and below, declines are common across most sectors. Raises increasingly concentrate on specialized, scarce technical roles rather than across-the-board increases.
Hot spot: technology and AI skills
Demand for roles in AI, Machine Learning, Cloud, data analytics and cybersecurity is climbing fastest — while suitable supply remains limited. Some reference figures for Vietnam's IT sector in 2026:
- Full-stack Developers are the most sought-after, earning roughly 15–47M VND/month depending on ability.
- Fresh IT graduates average around 14.7M VND/month.
- From 2020–2024, IT salaries rose 8–15%/year on average; Fresher/Junior raises have now cooled to just 3–7%.
What tech candidates actually want
High pay isn't everything. Surveys of the IT–Software group show competitive total compensation matters (around 71.5%), but what this group especially values is a clear development path (67.2%) and a culture of professional training (41.9%). For employers, the takeaway: to keep top talent, don't compete on money alone — show them a path up and room to learn.
Hiring: productivity over expansion
Companies focus on roles truly needed for operations, favoring skilled, experienced people who adapt quickly. As a result, opportunities for freshers keep narrowing, while experienced and scarce-skill talent is in high demand.
Takeaways for workers
- Invest in scarce skills (AI/ML, data, Cloud, cybersecurity, automation) to stay in the "fast lane."
- Be ready for flexible work models, but proactively manage benefits and long-term paths.
- Demonstrate productivity and adaptability — what 2026 employers value over headcount.
- For freshers: the door is narrower, so a portfolio of real projects and concrete products helps you stand out.
References
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