Ho Chi Minh City Labor Market Shows Resilience and Growth in Early 2026
Ho Chi Minh City’s labor market is demonstrating a continued recovery in the first quarter of 2026, fueled by rising export demands and expanding production. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, businesses are actively recruiting, though a labor supply shortage persists across various sectors.
Recruitment Drives and Demand
Employment service centers and universities in Ho Chi Minh City have been hosting numerous recruitment forums and job fairs since the beginning of March. These events feature nearly 1,000 companies, particularly those located in industrial and free zones, offering over 36,800 positions.
PouYuen Vietnam, a major employer in the city, is seeking to hire more than 4,000 workers in roles spanning textiles, footwear, maintenance, and automation. The company has broadened its recruitment criteria to include workers without formal qualifications and experienced employees over 40 years classic, reflecting a strong order book extending through the year. Monthly incomes range from 10 to 25 million VND for qualified candidates.
The infrastructure sector is also experiencing significant demand. Deo Ca group plans to recruit approximately 2,500 individuals, from unskilled laborers to highly qualified professionals, to support new projects. Other companies, including Samho Vietnam, Posmart, Manpower Vietnam, and Nobland Vietnam, are also announcing substantial hiring needs, with salaries ranging from 7.3 to 19 million dong per month.
Expansion in Neighboring Provinces
The positive trend extends to neighboring industrial provinces. Hoa Net, a wood processing company, intends to hire around 1,500 workers to support its expansion, offering salaries between 10 and 18 million dong, along with bonuses and social benefits.
Sectoral Trends and Outlook
Experts note that the first quarter traditionally sees a peak in recruitment, driven by increased orders in the textile, wood, and agri-food sectors. The outlook for the second quarter of 2026 remains positive, with demand primarily focused on low-skilled workers (nearly 40%), followed by industrial, technical, service, and logistics roles.
Companies are offering competitive salaries to attract candidates, with qualified positions reaching up to 25 million dong per month. A ManpowerGroup study indicates that 63% of Vietnamese companies plan to increase their recruitment in the second quarter, particularly in construction and real estate, spurred by major infrastructure projects.
Addressing Labor Supply Challenges
Despite the favorable prospects, challenges remain in connecting workers with available opportunities. Programs to facilitate communication between employment supply and demand have been strengthened between Ho Chi Minh City and several provinces to improve recruitment and expand opportunities for workers.
the labor market in South Vietnam remains dynamic, supported by business adaptation and improved employment conditions.