Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: Vietnam’s IT sector is not just booming—it’s outpacing nearly every other industry in salary growth, especially 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 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 on fire, with hiring and salaries showing no signs of slowing down in 2025–2026. But what’s driving this surge, and why are some roles harder to fill than others? Let’s dive in.
TopCV’s latest 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. Only business and sales roles outpace them at 47.5%, while marketing, communications, and advertising trail behind at 8.22%. And this is the part most people miss: IT isn’t just about coding—it’s about leading the charge in median income across all sectors. Department heads and deputy heads in IT earn VND53.6 million monthly before tax, compared to VND39–40 million for similar roles in business, marketing, manufacturing, and design.
Salary growth in IT has been most dramatic at the management level, though specialist roles have seen relatively stagnant pay. Interestingly, the sector’s high salaries are pulling in professionals from other fields. While 77.4% of IT workers hold university degrees and 13.4% come from colleges, 11.3% have switched from entirely different industries, and 9.68% entered after short-term training programs. Analysts argue this shift isn’t just about the money—it’s about the long-term opportunities fueled by technological advancements and global trends.
Within IT, demand varies wildly by specialization. AI and data-related roles command top salaries but are the hardest to fill. Here’s the kicker: AI has become a strategic priority for companies, yet employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. Senior software engineers are the most sought-after, with 37.97% of employers hunting for them, followed by data engineers (31.8%), data scientists (30.75%), and mechatronics specialists (15.9%). AI engineers, however, are the rarest find, with employers citing a shallow talent pool and fierce competition from tech giants as major hurdles.
But it’s not just technical skills that are lacking. A staggering 33.6% of employers say IT candidates fall short on soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and product-oriented thinking. As the report puts it, ‘IT and software companies are looking for professionals who are not only technically strong but also capable of teamwork and broader skill sets.’
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: With AI becoming a cornerstone of innovation, how can Vietnam bridge the talent gap while ensuring its workforce is equipped with both technical and soft skills? Is the current education system enough, or do we need a radical shift in training programs? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
