Vietnam's IT industry is on fire, with senior roles commanding impressive salaries and a growing demand for talent. The race to the top is on!
According to TopCV, a leading recruitment firm, IT department heads are raking in a median monthly salary of VND53.6 million (US$2,040), making it the highest-paying industry in the country. But here's where it gets controversial... AI engineers, the hottest commodity in the market, are incredibly hard to find, leaving employers scratching their heads.
TopCV's 2025-2026 labor market report reveals a thriving IT and software sector, with strong hiring and salary trends. The report, based on an extensive survey of over 3,000 employers and workers across industries, shows IT and software as the second-highest in demand, just behind business and sales roles. Marketing, communications, and advertising roles trail closely behind.
Information technology, telecommunications, and internet roles lead the pack in terms of median income. At the management level, IT department heads and deputy heads earn significantly more than their counterparts in other sectors, with a median monthly income of VND53.6 million before tax. This is a stark contrast to similar positions in business, marketing, manufacturing, and design, where salaries range from VND39 to 40 million.
The IT sector's pay advantage is a major draw, attracting workers from various fields. Most IT professionals, however, follow a formal education pathway, with a large majority (77.4%) holding university degrees and 13.4% graduating from colleges. Interestingly, 11.3% switch from other industries, while 9.68% enter the field after short-term training programs lasting less than a year.
Analysts attribute this shift to the perception of IT and software as offering strong long-term opportunities, driven by technological advancements and global trends, in addition to the higher pay. Within the IT sector, demand varies significantly by specialization. Roles related to artificial intelligence and data command higher salaries but are also the most challenging to fill.
AI has emerged as a strategic priority for companies over the past year, as reflected in hiring plans, according to the report. Senior software engineers are the most sought-after, with 37.97% of employers actively seeking them. Data engineers (31.8%), data scientists (30.75%), and specialists in mechatronics, robotics, and automation (15.9%) follow closely.
But here's the catch: AI engineers are the most difficult to find for the IT sector. Employers face a shortage of highly skilled candidates, a limited talent pool, and intense competition from major technology firms. Additionally, 33.6% of employers cite a lack of essential soft skills among IT candidates, including communication, presentation, critical thinking, and product-oriented thinking.
"IT and software companies are on the lookout for professionals who excel technically and possess teamwork skills and a broader skill set," the report emphasizes.
As Vietnam's IT industry continues to thrive, the demand for skilled professionals, particularly in AI, remains high. The question remains: How can employers attract and retain top talent in this competitive landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
