Salaries Expected to Increase by 15–25% in 2026
Global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters has officially released its 2026 Salary Survey. The report noted that Vietnam’s labor market in 2025 reached an important milestone under the influence of major macro trends, including the rapid adoption of AI, the renewable energy boom, and the steady growth of foreign direct investment (FDI).
Increasing competition for talent is driving most businesses to raise salaries in order to remain competitive. The Technology, Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy sectors are experiencing strong hiring demand, while AI and Automation are reshaping job structures and skill requirements at an unprecedented pace.
Vietnamese professionals are proactively adapting to this changing environment by taking on more flexible and multifunctional roles that require a strong combination of technical expertise and soft skills. Despite market fluctuations, more than 76% of employees remain confident about career opportunities within their current industries.
This confidence is also reflected in rising salary expectations, with around 35% of employees planning to request salary increases of more than 25% when changing jobs, demonstrating strong confidence in their market value.
Salary growth in 2026 is expected to remain stable at around 15–25%. However, financial compensation is no longer the sole motivating factor. Outstanding salary and benefits packages ranked highest at 64%, followed by inspiring corporate culture (39%) and flexible working arrangements (36%). These three factors are considered the key drivers of employee satisfaction and retention.
The workforce is also demonstrating a future-ready mindset, with 84% believing that AI will positively impact their careers, while 59% have proactively upgraded their skills to adapt to workplace digital transformation.
Demand for Tech-Savvy Talent Is Surging
While AI is transforming the recruitment landscape, businesses recognize that human thinking and empathy remain irreplaceable, particularly in mid-level and senior management roles. Confidence in Vietnam’s economic outlook remains strong, with over 45% of employers planning to expand their workforce by 5–10% in the coming year.
However, reality shows that 80% of businesses still face difficulties in finding qualified candidates.
Mr. Pham Tuan Phuc, CEO of Robert Walters Vietnam, commented:
“The inflow of FDI into Vietnam has intensified competition for talent, and businesses must work harder to attract suitable candidates. To succeed in today’s recruitment market, companies need clearer strategies: prioritizing critical positions and leveraging market data to recruit leaders capable of driving transformation.”
Demand for technology-proficient talent is rising sharply across the Legal, Finance, and Technology sectors. In the legal industry, AI-assisted contract review and risk management have elevated critical thinking (59%), data analysis (59%), and ethical decision-making (44%) into the most sought-after skills.
Similarly, Finance and Technology companies are increasingly searching for professionals skilled in SQL, Power BI, and Python to support automation, financial planning, and data-driven decision-making.
As automation gradually replaces administrative tasks, the role of Human Resources is evolving toward higher-value activities such as workforce analytics, coaching, and leadership development. At the same time, building the next generation of talent has become a strategic priority.
Nearly half of surveyed companies expressed being “very open” to hiring Gen Z employees, valuing their technological agility (56%) and creative thinking (26%). To nurture young talent, more than 50% of employers are investing in mentorship programs to ensure Gen Z employees can grow alongside the organization.
The Competitive Advantage of 2026
In 2026, the key differentiator will belong to companies that effectively combine a purpose-driven employer brand, inclusive culture, and long-term talent acquisition strategies.
Against the backdrop of increasing competition fueled by FDI inflows, Mr. Pham Tuan Phuc shared:
“To maintain a competitive advantage, businesses need to strengthen their employer brand through authentic stories about company culture, mission, and impact — especially in sustainability and innovation. Beyond compensation, non-financial benefits, workplace flexibility, and transparent career progression pathways play a crucial role in retaining talent.”
