Vietnam’s 2026 salaries set to surge, AI professionals seen gaining up to 25%: survey

The 2026 salary survey released by Robert Walters indicated that the rapid adoption of AI, the boom in renewable energy, and stable inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) are placing heavy pressure on the recruitment market.

Demand is strongest for highly skilled talent in technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy as automation and AI reshape job structures and skill requirements at unprecedented speed.

According to the survey, competition for talent is becoming increasingly intense, prompting most businesses to adjust salaries upward to stay competitive.

Despite market uncertainty, more than 76 percent of employees remain confident about job opportunities in their sectors.

That confidence is translating into strong income expectations.

About 35 percent of employees plan to seek pay increases of more than 25 percent when changing jobs, reflecting growing belief in their market value.

However, salary is no longer the sole factor determining employee loyalty.

Only 64 percent of workers now prioritize pay, bonuses, and benefits, while 39 percent place greater emphasis on corporate culture and 36 percent value workplace flexibility.

The workforce is also showing readiness for future disruption. The survey found that 84 percent of employees believe AI will have a positive impact on their careers, while 59 percent have already taken steps to upgrade their skills to adapt to digital transformation in the workplace.

Robert Walters forecasts that in 2026, salaries for roles in AI, data, and fintech will rise by 15-25 percent.

Software developer salaries are expected to increase by 5-15 percent, depending on company size.

Demand for talent in these areas is accelerating as Vietnam’s manufacturing and engineering sectors continue to expand.

Growth is being driven largely by renewable energy projects under the national Power Development Plan VIII, sustainability initiatives, and the rising trend of automation.

At the same time, the shifting of manufacturing operations by global corporations into Vietnam is creating fresh opportunities for highly skilled professionals.

The firm predicts that companies across supply chains and technical sectors will increasingly need flexible planners capable of managing disruption risks through data analytics and digital process optimization.

Legal professionals with strong technology knowledge, critical thinking, and data analysis skills are also expected to see sharply rising market value.

The AI boom is also transforming human resources departments.

Human resources functions are shifting away from traditional administrative roles toward workforce analytics, coaching, and leadership development.

Although the overall economic outlook remains positive, with 45 percent of companies planning to expand their workforce by 5-10 percent, recruitment difficulties remain severe.

Up to 80 percent of employers report major challenges in hiring, forcing businesses to revise compensation packages, benefits, and retention strategies under mounting competition for talent.

Pham Tuan Phuc, country manager of Robert Walters Vietnam, said rising FDI inflows are intensifying competition for human resources, meaning companies must work harder to attract suitable candidates.

“To succeed in today’s recruitment market, businesses need clearer strategies, prioritizing key positions and leveraging market data to recruit leaders capable of driving transformation,” Phuc said.

The Robert Walters expert emphasized that to retain talent in 2026, companies must go beyond competitive pay.

They also need strong corporate culture, clear career advancement pathways, and flexible working environments to meet the changing expectations of modern professionals.