According to TopCV’s latest annual recruitment report, the Information Technology (IT) sector, particularly in software development, remains the most lucrative career path in Vietnam for the upcoming 2025–2026 period. This finding sets the stage for a vibrant discussion on career opportunities in an economy that is rapidly evolving.
As Vietnam navigates its way into a new economic phase, characterized by a projected GDP growth rate exceeding 8%, the labor market is grappling with a “dual challenge.” Companies are not only facing a shortage of high-skilled professionals but also contending with the transformative influence of artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping entire industries and redefining job requirements.
The sixth edition of TopCV’s annual recruitment report, aptly titled “Hiring Trends 2026: Proactive in an Era of Change,” presents key insights drawn from the responses of over 3,000 hiring managers and employees across various sectors. It also includes a meticulous analysis of nearly 300,000 job postings from the platform, complemented by external reference data.
IT Leads in Salary Rankings
The data unequivocally shows that IT – especially within software – continues to dominate the salary rankings. In a fiercely competitive talent market, organizations are rolling out impressive compensation packages to attract top talent. For instance, the median salary for a Solution Architect with over five years of experience is approximately $2,320 per month, while senior management roles such as Heads or Deputy Heads of IT departments offer median salaries around $2,200. Notably, specialist roles in emerging technologies like AI and Data Engineering also command high monthly incomes, exceeding $1,580, even when devoid of management duties.
In a broader scope, other high-earning sectors include Legal & Audit, which averages around $1,850, and Business Management, with roughly $1,650 at the managerial level. This data illustrates not just a boom in the IT sector, but also highlights the lucrative options available in various industries.
Challenging Recruitment Landscape
Despite the attractive salaries in IT, Business and Sales roles remain the focal point of recruitment, constituting 47.5% of the total market demand. Furthermore, the 2026 hiring outlook indicates a significant shift from quantity to quality. According to TopCV, an impressive 52.2% of businesses are adopting a “same-size, higher-efficiency” recruitment strategy instead of mass hiring, which emphasizes finding the right fit rather than simply filling positions.
Sectors that are witnessing strong hiring demand alongside IT include Marketing/Communications/Advertising at 8.22% and Customer Service at 6.1%. These insights reveal a nuanced recruitment climate where quality hires are paramount.
AI Disruption and Job Vulnerability
As AI continues to integrate into business strategies—now implemented by 40.7% of firms—certain job roles face significant vulnerability. This technology poses a particular risk to sectors such as Customer Service, Marketing/Communications/Advertising, Business/Sales, IT – Software, and Finance/Accounting due to the high percentage of tasks composed of repetitive elements.
TopCV’s report notes, “These industries are most likely to see partial workforce reductions driven by AI,” emphasizing the need for workers to engage in continuous learning and upskilling to remain competitive. Adapting to these changes is crucial, and TopCV advocates for creating a “dual competency framework.” This framework combines robust industry expertise with a solid grasp of AI applications, preparing the workforce for future demands.
Upskilling for the Future
To meet the demands of an evolving job market, 59.1% of organizations are prioritizing in-house AI training programs. These initiatives present opportunities for employees eager to transition into digital talent roles in the new era. Importantly, the report highlights a significant gap in essential soft skills among candidates, particularly in IT; many lack competencies like communication/presentation skills (47.3%), critical thinking (39.7%), and a product mindset (33.6%).
Fostering these skills will empower professionals to emerge as high-quality hires, enabling them to better understand business contexts and their implications on technology. In the IT sector in particular, employers value real-world experience reflected through project portfolios and familiarity with relevant technology stacks, making practical experience as important as formal education.
The intricate dynamics of the labor market in Vietnam signal both a rewarding future for IT and a necessity for adaptation across various sectors. As the landscape evolves, embracing change and focusing on continuous improvement remain vital for any professional aiming to thrive in this fast-paced environment.