March 20, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam : Adecco Vietnam officially releases the Salary Guide 2026, providing insights into salary trends, workforce priorities, and the evolving labour market. Now in its 13th edition, the report serves as a practical reference for businesses and professionals navigating a dynamic talent landscape.
2025 in review: Resilient growth, selective hiring
Vietnam’s economy demonstrated solid momentum in 2025, with GDP growth of 8.02%, driven by services and industrial sectors. Exports grew by 17%, while business activity remained active despite ongoing market adjustmentsi.
In this context, hiring activity stayed cautious but stable. Organisations prioritised efficiency and critical roles, focusing on experienced professionals who can deliver immediate impact. Leaner team structures became more common, while competition for skilled talent, especially in digital, technical, and leadership roles, remained strong.
Talent market trends for 2026
Based on research distributed to over 10,000 professionals in Vietnam, primarily mid- to senior-level, the report highlights a shift toward more sustainable, people-centric workplace priorities.
Mental health and wellbeing has emerged as the top megatrend influencing work life, followed by economic and business uncertainty. This reflects growing awareness of burnout risks and the need for resilience, prompting organisations to place greater emphasis on employee support and workforce stability.
In 2025, salary growth remained moderate, with 33% reporting no change and only 18% seeing increases above 10%, mainly in IT and digital roles. However, expectations for 2026 are more optimistic, with 38% anticipating increases above 10%, highlighting the continued importance of compensation in attracting and retaining talent.
At the same time, professionals are becoming more cautious in their career decisions. While 62% are open to new opportunities, a notable 37% prefer stability. Workplace relationships continue to be a key retention factor, with strong satisfaction levels toward colleagues (72%) and line managers (60%).
Although AI was not ranked among the top megatrends this year, its adoption in daily work continues to grow. Employees are increasingly using AI to streamline tasks and support decision-making, with 73% confident their employers will support the development of AI-related skills, reflecting a strong commitment to upskilling and continuous learning.
Outlook for 2026: Sustained growth with evolving talent needs
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s GDP is forecasted to grow by around 9% in 2026ii, supported by continued foreign investment, infrastructure development, and expansion across key industries. As businesses adapt to technological advancements and shifting global supply chains, demand for highly skilled, adaptable talent is expected to remain steady.
Organisations will need to strike a balance between operational efficiency and long-term workforce development, while professionals who invest in digital capabilities, cross-functional skills, and continuous learning will be best positioned to capture emerging opportunities.
With 15 years of operations in Vietnam, Adecco remains committed to supporting clients and candidates with actionable insights to navigate the evolving labour market.
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i
National Statistics Office
ii
Vietnam Investment Review