Here’s a bold statement: Vietnam’s IT sector is not just booming—it’s reshaping the country’s economic landscape, and senior IT roles are leading the charge with skyrocketing salaries. But here’s where it gets controversial: while IT department heads are earning a median monthly salary of VND53.6 million (US$2,040)—the highest across all industries—AI engineers are becoming the unicorns of the job market, nearly impossible to find. According to recruitment firm TopCV, the IT and software sector is showing no signs of slowing down, with hiring and salaries continuing to surge in 2025–2026. But why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future of work in Vietnam?
TopCV’s labor market report, based on a survey of over 3,000 employers and workers, reveals that IT and software roles are the second most in-demand, accounting for 8.64% of hiring needs—trailing only business and sales roles (47.5%) but outpacing marketing, communications, and advertising (8.22%). And this is the part most people miss: the median income for IT, telecommunications, and internet roles is the highest across all sectors, with department heads and deputy heads earning VND53.6 million monthly before tax—significantly more than their counterparts in business, marketing, manufacturing, and design (VND39–40 million).
Salary growth in IT has been most pronounced at the management level, while specialist roles have seen relatively stagnant pay. Here’s the twist: despite the sector’s reliance on formally educated professionals (77.4% hold university degrees), a notable 11.3% of IT workers have switched from other industries, and 9.68% entered the field through short-term training programs. This shift isn’t just about higher pay—analysts argue it reflects the perception of IT as a field brimming with long-term opportunities, driven by technological advancements and global trends.
Within the IT sector, demand varies wildly by specialization. AI and data-related roles command top salaries but are the hardest to fill. Bold claim: AI has become a strategic priority for companies, yet employers are struggling to find highly skilled candidates, citing a limited talent pool and fierce competition from tech giants. For instance, senior software engineers are in highest demand (37.97% of employers), followed by data engineers (31.8%) and data scientists (30.75%). AI engineers, however, are the most elusive, with employers highlighting skill shortages and intense competition as major hurdles.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is the IT sector’s rapid growth sustainable, or are we headed for a talent crunch? While technical skills are in high demand, 33.6% of employers report that IT candidates lack essential soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and product-oriented thinking. The report emphasizes that companies are seeking professionals who are not only technically proficient but also capable of teamwork and adaptability.
As Vietnam’s IT sector continues to evolve, one thing is clear: it’s a field of opportunity, but it’s also a battleground for talent. What do you think? Are we doing enough to prepare the workforce for the demands of the future? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
