Ho Chi Minh City’s Job Market Heats Up: A Appear at Q1 2026 and Beyond
The labor market in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces is showing strong signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2026. Increased recruitment demand, fueled by rebounding exports and expanding production, is creating opportunities, though a skills gap remains a key challenge.
Strong Demand Across Key Sectors
Numerous job fairs and recruitment forums have been organized by employment service centers and universities since the beginning of March. Nearly 1,000 companies, particularly those in industrial and export processing zones, are currently offering over 36,800 positions.
Major employers are actively expanding their workforces. PouYuen Vietnam, a significant employer in the city, is looking to hire more than 4,000 workers across various roles – including textile, footwear, maintenance, and automation – due to a full order book extending through the end of the year. The company is broadening its recruitment criteria to include both unskilled workers and experienced employees over 40.
Infrastructure projects are also driving demand. Deo Ca Group plans to recruit approximately 2,500 people, ranging from unskilled labor to highly qualified professionals. Other companies, including Samho Vietnam, Posmart, Manpower Vietnam, and Nobland Vietnam, are also reporting substantial hiring needs, with salaries ranging from 7.3 to 19 million VND per month.
Expansion in Neighboring Provinces
The positive trend extends beyond Ho Chi Minh City. Hoa Net, a wood processing company in neighboring industrial provinces, intends to hire around 1,500 workers to support its expansion, offering salaries between 10 and 18 million VND, along with bonuses and social benefits.
Q2 2026: Continued Optimism
Experts anticipate the positive momentum will continue into the second quarter of 2026. Demand is expected to be particularly strong for low-skilled workers (nearly 40%), followed by industrial, technical roles, and the service and logistics sectors. Companies are offering competitive compensation packages to attract candidates, with potential earnings reaching 25 million VND for qualified positions.
A ManpowerGroup study indicates that 63% of Vietnamese companies plan to increase their hiring in the second quarter, particularly in construction and real estate, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects.
Addressing the Skills Gap and Improving Access
Despite the favorable outlook, challenges remain. Access to job information for workers is a concern, and efforts are being made to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Programs to connect supply and demand have been strengthened between Ho Chi Minh City and several provinces to facilitate recruitment and expand opportunities.
the labor market in Southern Vietnam remains dynamic, supported by companies adapting to changing conditions and improvements in employment terms, even amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sectors are experiencing the highest demand for workers?
A: Currently, the highest demand is in textiles, footwear, infrastructure, wood processing, and agro-processing.
Q: What is the average salary range for skilled workers?
A: Salaries for skilled workers can range from 10 to 25 million VND per month, depending on the role and company.
Q: Are companies hiring workers with limited qualifications?
A: Yes, some companies, like PouYuen Vietnam, are expanding their recruitment criteria to include unskilled workers.
Q: What percentage of Vietnamese companies plan to increase hiring in Q2 2026?
A: 63% of Vietnamese companies plan to increase their hiring in the second quarter of 2026, according to ManpowerGroup.
Did you know? The number of international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City was approximately 1.35 million in January 2026, contributing to the thriving tourism sector and related job growth.
Pro Tip: Actively utilize job fairs and online recruitment platforms to increase your chances of finding suitable employment opportunities.
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