Salary in 2026 expected to increase 15-25%
Global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters has just officially released its 2026 Salary Survey. The report states that the Vietnamese job market in 2025 has reached an important milestone under the impact of macro trends: rapid AI application speed, the boom of renewable energy and sustainable growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.
Increasing competition for talent is forcing most businesses to increase salaries to stay competitive. The Technology, Manufacturing and Renewable Energy sectors are seeing strong demand for talent, while AI and Automation are reshaping jobs and skill requirements at an unprecedented pace.
Vietnamese employees are proactively adapting to the changing landscape by taking on flexible and multi-functional roles that require a seamless blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. Despite market fluctuations, more than 76% of employees remain confident in their career opportunities in their field. This confidence also translates into higher income expectations: about 35% of employees plan to request a salary increase of more than 25% when changing jobs, demonstrating a strong belief in their value in the labor market.
Salary increases in 2026 are expected to remain stable at 15-25%, with financial factors being important but no longer the sole driver. Excellent compensation and benefits lead the way at 64%, followed by an inspiring corporate culture (39%) and flexible working arrangements (36%) - these are the three key factors that determine employee satisfaction and engagement. The workforce is also showing a future-ready mindset, with 84% believing AI will have a positive impact on their careers and 59% already proactively upgrading their skills to adapt to digital transformation in the workplace.
The demand for tech-savvy personnel is skyrocketing.
While AI is changing the recruitment landscape, businesses are finding that human thinking and empathy remain indispensable, especially in mid- and senior-level positions. Confidence in Vietnam’s economic prospects is strong, with more than 45% of employers planning to expand their workforce by 5-10% in the coming year. However, the reality is that 80% of businesses still have difficulty finding qualified candidates.
Mr. Pham Tuan Phuc, Managing Director of Robert Walters Vietnam, commented: “FDI capital flowing into Vietnam has increased human resource competition, and businesses need to make more efforts to attract suitable candidates. To succeed in the current recruitment market, businesses need to have a clearer strategy: prioritizing key positions and leveraging market data to recruit leaders capable of leading transformation.”
The demand for tech-savvy talent is skyrocketing across the Legal, Finance, and Technology sectors. In the Legal sector, AI-assisted contract review and risk management has propelled critical thinking (59%), data analytics (59%), and ethical decision-making (44%) to the top of the most sought-after skills. Similarly, Finance and Technology are increasingly looking for talent proficient in SQL, Power BI, and Python to support automation, financial planning, and data-driven decision-making.
As automation replaces administrative tasks, the role of HR is shifting to higher values such as human resource analytics, coaching, and leadership development. At the same time, building the next generation of human resources is becoming a strategic focus. Nearly half of companies expressed a “very open” attitude towards recruiting Gen Z, valuing the generation’s technological acumen (56%) and creative thinking (26%). To nurture young talent, more than 50% of employers are investing in mentorship programs, ensuring Gen Z stays with the organization.
In 2026, the difference will belong to businesses that know how to effectively combine a purpose-driven employer brand, an inclusive culture, and a long-term talent acquisition plan. In the context of FDI capital increasing competitive pressure, Mr. Pham Tuan Phuc shared: "To maintain a competitive advantage, businesses need to strengthen their brands with authentic stories about corporate culture, mission, and influence, especially in terms of sustainability and innovation. Besides salary and bonuses, non-financial benefits, flexibility, and a transparent career path play a key role in retaining talent."
Source: https://vtv.vn/thi-truong-tuyen-dung-viet-nam-2026-luong-tang-nhu-cau-nhan-su-linh-vuc-ai-tang-manh-100251127112325897.htm
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