The recent 2026 Salary and Labor Market Report by Navigos Group, a leading recruitment services provider in Vietnam, offers a detailed look into the current state of wages across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis is grounded in surveys involving over 250 domestic and international enterprises and more than 1,600 workers in 16 different industries, providing insights that are not just valuable but crucial for both employers and job seekers.
A glaring takeaway from the report is the pronounced income disparity at the executive level, particularly among C-suite roles. The gross monthly salary of chief executive officers (CEOs) or managing directors often exceeds VND300 million, with instances where it approaches VND500 million. Such figures underscore the significant financial rewards tied to leadership positions within organizations.
High-tech agriculture stands out as the front-runner in compensation, with CEOs earning up to an astonishing VND527 million per month—marking the highest salary recorded in the report. Following closely are the food, beverage, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, with salaries reaching VND461 million. Other lucrative fields include pharmaceuticals and healthcare at around VND430 million, finance, insurance, and securities at VND419 million, and energy and oil and gas at nearly VND400 million.
Additionally, the report highlights that high-tech manufacturing sectors—such as electronics and automation—also report healthy salaries for their executives, with figures often ranging from VND300 million to over VND350 million. These industries require advanced system-management skills, international experience, and strong leadership capabilities, which justify their high compensation packages.
Beyond the corner office, numerous mid- to senior-level management roles are seeing earnings surpassing VND100 million per month. At sizable enterprises, high-level division heads and functional directors frequently earn above market average salaries. In the banking and finance sector, for instance, directors managing corporate banking or information technology divisions can make up to VND386 million per month. Meanwhile, chief financial officers (CFOs) command salaries ranging between VND130 million and VND350 million, depending on their organization’s size and complexity.
In the information technology landscape, the demand for talent is particularly robust. Chief technology officers (CTOs) or heads of engineering can earn as much as VND274 million per month. Notably, specialists in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are attracting offers well above the market average, with salaries for individuals boasting just a few years of experience ranging from VND100 million to VND145 million.
Salary levels are also high in legal, compliance, marketing, production, and engineering roles, especially within industries like energy, technology, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing. This trend underscores a shift in the labor market, where skills associated with high-tech and digital sectors are increasingly valued.
According to Navigos Group, the evolving structure of industries and the emergence of new skill requirements are reshaping income levels significantly. The focus on high-tech industries, coupled with the rise of the digital and green economy, is creating pronounced income disparities across sectors. As experts predict, the demand for high-quality talent in areas such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and AI is set to escalate markedly over the next three to five years, likely leading to even higher compensation rates.
Skills are emerging as the definitive factor in determining salary brackets. The survey indicated that 76.8% of surveyed businesses are willing to offer higher wages to employees with strong technological skills. Furthermore, nearly 40% of employers prioritize adaptability as a key trait. With only about 29.5% of workers holding advanced academic degrees or professional certifications, those who do often find themselves at a distinct advantage when it comes to salary negotiations and career advancements.
The report also highlights a noticeable recovery phase in Vietnam’s labor market as of 2025. Overall wage levels have stabilized and begun to trend upward, as companies strike a balance between controlling costs and retaining talent. Almost 62% of workers experienced salary increases, although most adjustments were modest, typically falling below the 10% mark, reflecting a selective approach to wage growth.
Ho Chi Minh City continues to lead the nation as the most competitive labor market, followed by Hanoi. According to Navigos Group, the differentiation in salaries based on skill sets is expected to become even more pronounced in 2026. Employers are poised to pay a premium for candidates who excel in analytical thinking, technological expertise, and complex problem-solving skills, while overall wage growth remains targeted rather than widespread.