Understanding the IT Job Market in Vietnam: Insights from the 2022-2023 Report
The IT job market in Vietnam is buzzing with opportunities, reflecting trends seen globally. According to the latest report titled “Salary & Job Expectation of IT Professionals in Vietnam 2022-2023,” this comprehensive analysis, based on responses from 1,257 IT workers nationwide, aims to debunk some common myths regarding salaries and job responsibilities within the sector.
Growth of IT Employment
As technology continues to intertwine with our daily lives, the demand for Information Technology (IT) jobs is soaring. In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 21% growth in employment in the computer science and IT industry from 2021 to 2031, a rate much higher than the average for all occupations. Vietnam mirrors this trend, showcasing a dynamic expansion in its IT sector, marked by a rising number of companies and job openings. The report, released for the first time by ITviec, provides an in-depth look into the state of IT jobs in this flourishing market.
Salary Insights by Position
What stands out in the report is the stark salary disparities among various IT roles. According to the data, positions in Game Development, Data, and AI/Machine Learning offer the highest salaries compared to their peers with similar work experience. Those specializing in Data and AI/Machine Learning can earn around VND 30,500,000 per month with just three years of experience. In comparison, Front-end Developers and Designers earn significantly less, with monthly salaries of VND 23,000,000 and VND 28,000,000, respectively.
Interestingly, even as IT professionals gain more experience, salaries in some positions remain stagnant when stacked against roles in Data and AI/Machine Learning. For example, a Back-end Developer with four years of experience earns a median salary of VND 30,000,000, while a Full-stack Developer earns VND 29,000,000. Mobile Developers tend to fare slightly better, with five years of experience fetching around VND 33,500,000 monthly.
Trending Programming Languages
The report also highlights the significance of programming languages on earning potential. Mastery of trendy languages such as Python, TypeScript, and Go can position professionals for higher salaries in the range of VND 30 million to VND 40 million per month for those with three to five years of experience. Conversely, foundational skills like HTML/CSS lead to lower earnings, with reported salaries around VND 16 million.
Those proficient in languages like Dart and C# face more challenging salary negotiations, with median earnings of VND 22,500,000 for four years of experience, rising to VND 28,500,000 with five. JavaScript, Bash/Shell, and Ruby are also noted as worthwhile skills for those aiming for better financial prospects.
The Shift to Hybrid Work
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly transformed how employees across all sectors approach work. According to the report, approximately 70.2% of the surveyed IT professionals expressed a preference for job offers that include hybrid working arrangements. While flexibility is appealing, it does not overshadow their primary concerns during job applications.
In interviews, IT professionals prioritize discussions around future leadership styles, company culture, potential for product development, and new challenges. Intriguingly, although salary doesn’t top the list of immediate concerns, many respondents indicated a desire for at least a 20% salary increase to consider new opportunities. The necessity for competitive compensation emerges as a key factor in employee retention.
Factors Influencing Job Resignation
Salary dissatisfaction is a prominent catalyst for IT professionals seeking new opportunities. The report identifies unsatisfactory pay and limited prospects for salary raises as the leading causes of job transitions. Other reasons include a lack of challenging tasks and restricted avenues for promotions. A dynamic work environment is crucial; repetitive or simplistic tasks can lead to disengagement among employees.
In terms of employer preference, IT professionals express a leaning towards companies from Europe, America, or Canada, placing Vietnamese firms slightly behind these foreign competitors and above those from Australia and New Zealand. Job satisfaction is heavily influenced by workplace flexibility, supportive company culture, rapport with colleagues, and manageable workloads, particularly avoiding excessive overtime.
Career Growth and Development Needs
The report sheds light on employees’ desires for skills enhancement. About 60% of respondents emphasized the importance of short-term technical skills development, while those aspiring for management roles view their education as a long-term investment. The focus areas for upskilling primarily include English proficiency and technological acumen. Popular new programming languages among IT professionals include Python, Go, and TypeScript, with interest levels correlating with their potential for increased salaries.
Research Methodology
Conducted by ITviec, a leader in Vietnam’s IT recruitment landscape, the report leverages qualitative insights through in-depth interviews and an online survey that was accessible to IT professionals outside its platform. Notably, the findings exclude freelancers and those outside the IT sector, ensuring a concentrated look at formal employment within this dynamic field.
With these insights, the report equips employers with a better understanding of various IT roles and the corresponding expectations, enabling them to create more effective job offerings tailored to the evolving market landscape.