The pharmaceutical industry stands out as the leader, offering an impressive average salary of $2,965 per month.

Photo: Freepik

Vietnam's IT sector is currently undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by global economic challenges and rapid advancements in AI.

For both employers and jobseekers, understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the evolving workforce landscape.

In light of the fresh report which was aired late last month, over the past year, the average salary for IT professionals in Vietnam has increased by 27.9 per cent, primarily attributed to a growing number of experienced professionals entering the market.

Notably, IT professionals skilled in the Go programming language command the highest median salary at $2,090 per month for those with six years of experience, followed closely by Python developers at $1,760 for the same experience level.

Salary trends reveal the changing landscape of Vietnam's IT sector. The pharmaceutical industry has surged ahead, now leading in IT salaries, with the real estate and construction sectors also showing strong figures.

Conversely, industries such as banking and financial services, which previously dominated salary rankings, have seen a decline.

Photo: ITviec

Despite the rising salaries, Vietnam's IT sector faces significant recruitment challenges. The global tech industry has experienced considerable fluctuations, with many companies resorting to lay-offs and reducing job postings.

This trend is mirrored in Vietnam, where numerous IT companies are considering workforce reductions due to fewer new projects and an increasing reliance on AI for productivity enhancements.

Photo: ITviec

This paradox creates a unique situation: while companies are scaling back on hiring, over 40 per cent of IT professionals express intentions to seek new job opportunities within the next year. This contradiction indicates a shift in the labour market, with many professionals on the lookout for better prospects amid uncertainties and competitive pressures.

However, Vietnam's IT market is gradually achieving a better balance between supply and demand. Challenges related to candidate quality and salary expectations are easing.

In 2023, 86.1 per cent of IT companies reported ‘lower-than-expected candidate quality’ as a significant issue, but this figure dropped to 55.8 per cent in the first half of 2024- a reduction of 30.3 per cent. Similarly, the percentage of companies noting ‘too many candidates expecting higher salaries’ decreased from 47.2 per cent to 27.9 per cent.

On the side of IT professionals, expectations for salary increases have also shifted. Anticipated salary growth for new jobs dropped from 31 per cent to 27 per cent, while current job salary expectations fell from 24 per cent to 15 per cent compared to the previous year.

Employers have also observed a decline in salary hike expectations for new hires, with 33.6 per cent in the first half of 2024 compared to 37.5 per cent in 2023.

These trends suggest a growing alignment between IT professionals' expectations and employer needs, although salary dynamics and candidate quality will remain crucial factors to monitor.

AI is significantly reshaping work dynamics across various sectors, including IT. Approximately 68.5 per cent of software development professionals utilise AI for code completion, while more than half of teams in product management and consulting leverage AI for data synthesis and product design.

AI has progressed beyond basic task automation, becoming integral to creative processes and decision-making.

The adoption of AI for productivity enhancement is on the rise, reflecting a growing trend among companies to integrate advanced technologies into their operations.

This rapid evolution is expected to affect numerous jobs globally, particularly in lower-skilled positions, while simultaneously creating new opportunities in AI- a dual-edged sword that presents both challenges and possibilities for IT specialists.

As technology continues to evolve, employers are increasingly in search of skilled professionals.

The top skills in demand include backend and full-stack development, followed by frontend development and software testing. JavaScript remains a favoured programming language, with popular frameworks like React.js and .NET leading the way.

English proficiency has emerged as a critical soft skill, ranking as the most sought-after attribute by employers for the first half of 2025, with 40.3 per cent of companies emphasising its importance.

Additionally, expertise in database management (28.8 per cent), AI/machine learning (22.7 per cent), and cloud computing (19.7 per cent) is also on the rise, underscoring the growing significance of highly on-demand skills in IT, especially cybersecurity skills in an age of increasing digital threats.

Financial security remains a top priority for IT professionals, with competitive salaries, annual raises, and comprehensive insurance packages being vital for employee engagement.

Companies that showcase financial stability and adaptability are better positioned to retain top talent. Furthermore, non-financial factors such as flexible work arrangements, proximity to home, and a supportive workplace environment significantly enhance employee satisfaction and productivity without necessitating substantial financial investments.

Vietnam's IT sector is at a pivotal juncture, influenced by numerous factors that shape its trajectory. By understanding the recruitment landscape, embracing the transformative impact of AI, and emphasising continuous skill development, both companies and professionals can effectively navigate the challenges ahead.

With a strategic approach and a commitment to excellence, Vietnam is well-positioned to secure its status as a leader in the global IT arena.