Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: Vietnam’s IT sector is not just booming—it’s outpacing nearly every other industry in salary growth, particularly for senior roles. But here’s where it gets controversial: while IT department heads are raking in a median monthly salary of VND53.6 million (US$2,040), the highest across all sectors, the demand for AI engineers is skyrocketing, yet they’re nearly impossible to find. Why? Let’s dive in.
According to TopCV’s 2025–2026 labor market report, Vietnam’s IT and software industry is on fire, with hiring and salaries showing no signs of slowing down. The report, based on a survey of over 3,000 employers and workers, reveals that IT and software roles account for 8.64% of hiring demand—second only to business and sales (47.5%) but ahead of marketing, communications, and advertising (8.22%). And this is the part most people miss: IT roles aren’t just in high demand; they’re also leading the pack in median income, outstripping even traditionally lucrative fields like finance.
At the management level, IT department heads and deputy heads earn VND53.6 million per month before tax, compared to VND39–40 million for similar roles in business, marketing, manufacturing, and design. Interestingly, while salary growth in IT has been most pronounced for managers, pay for specialist roles has remained relatively stagnant. Is this a fair trade-off, or are specialists being left behind? Let’s discuss.
The allure of higher pay has drawn workers from other industries, though the majority of IT professionals (77.4%) still come from formal education pathways, holding university degrees. However, a notable 11.3% have switched from other fields, and 9.68% entered IT after short-term training programs. Analysts suggest this shift isn’t just about money—it’s about the perception of IT as a field with strong long-term opportunities, driven by technological advancements and global trends.
Within the IT sector, demand varies wildly by specialization. Roles in artificial intelligence and data science command top salaries but are the hardest to fill. Here’s a thought-provoking question: With AI emerging as a strategic priority for companies, why is there such a massive talent gap? Employers cite a shortage of highly skilled candidates, a limited talent pool, and fierce competition from tech giants as major hurdles. Additionally, 33.6% of employers note that IT candidates often lack critical soft skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and product-oriented thinking.
Senior software engineers are the most sought-after, with 37.97% of employers actively hiring for these roles. They’re followed by data engineers (31.8%), data scientists (30.75%), and specialists in mechatronics, robotics, and automation (15.9%). AI engineers, however, remain the holy grail—highly prized but incredibly hard to find. Could this shortage stifle Vietnam’s tech ambitions, or will the industry adapt?
The report underscores that IT companies aren’t just looking for technical wizards; they want professionals who can collaborate, think critically, and bring diverse skill sets to the table. As Vietnam’s IT sector continues to soar, the real challenge may not be finding talent—it’s nurturing the right mix of skills and mindset. What do you think? Is Vietnam’s IT boom sustainable, or are there cracks in the foundation? Share your thoughts in the comments!
