AI sector salaries surpass other IT roles by 10-50%, study reveals

According to a survey conducted among 1,500 candidates in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and several provinces, along with 500 companies, AI professionals significantly out-earn their peers. Nearly 44% of companies pay AI workers 10-20% more, while over 18% offer 20-50% more.

The survey, conducted in July and August by VietnamWorks inTECH, part of HR consulting firm Navigos, reveals that more than half of the companies prioritize hiring staff skilled in AI tools, recognizing the increasing demand for AI expertise in today’s technological landscape.

The IT Human Resources and Recruitment Report for the AI wave in 2024-2025 report, based on the survey, highlights that Da Nang’s IT workforce is the most stable, while Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi experience higher layoff rates, at nearly 17.7% and 18.6%, respectively.

Despite this, companies have reduced IT layoffs compared to last year and have increased their workforce, with most reporting a 5-30% rise in IT staff.

Recruitment is primarily focused on software development, commerce, technical manufacturing, and technology consulting, according to the report that was published last week.

However, the IT sector is still feeling the impact of post-pandemic layoffs. Around 60% of respondents reported being laid off last year and have yet to secure new jobs, a rate 1.5 times higher than those who voluntarily left their positions.

Those who voluntarily leave tend to be better prepared, with stronger professional networks, and face fewer challenges. Among this group, 24% found new jobs and 17.5% reported high job satisfaction.

Due to the challenging job market, many IT professionals are willing to take on extra work or multi-task to secure employment. The current job-switching rate is low at 32%, but 65% of surveyed workers are either actively searching for new opportunities or plan to do so within the next 6-12 months, indicating a potential shift in the market.

The top three factors for candidates when considering new roles are competitive salaries, promotion opportunities, and company stability, particularly financial stability.

Although 73% of the IT workforce still operates in traditional office settings, there is a growing trend toward flexible work arrangements. Over 19% of the workforce opts for a hybrid model, combining office and remote work, while nearly 8% work fully remotely.

AI has become an essential tool for IT professionals, with over 80% of respondents using AI to assist with their work and nearly 60% utilizing it daily.

Job boards remain the most common platform for job seekers, but there is an increasing shift towards social media, according to the survey. Approximately 4.4% of candidates and 2.4% of companies use Threads to connect with each other. Product manager and director positions are the most challenging to fill, as companies find that candidates often do not meet the required qualifications.