The Ha Noi Employment Service Center's august 2026 labor market report forecasts a significant increase in recruitment within the construction and infrastructure sectors. The rapid progress of key transport and infrastructure projects, including Ring Road 4 - Capital Region (with parallel road construction), Ring Road 2.5, and Red River bridge systems such as Hong Ha, Me So, Thuong Cat, and Tu Lien, alongside major urban development projects, is driving a wave of labor competition within the construction industry.

To attract and retain workers, many contractors are improving their compensation packages. Construction engineers and supervisory positions can earn 15-35 million VND per month. Skilled technical workers and professional machinery operators typically receive 10 to 20 million VND, depending on their expertise.

Previously, the august job market saw a temporary contraction in the industrial and construction sectors' recruitment share, which stood at 26%, while the service and retail sectors accounted for over 60%. This shift was short-lived, attributed to the rapid expansion of the service industry.

In reality, the scale of recruitment and salary levels in the construction industry have not declined. There is even a strong demand for on-site construction and technical personnel. The center noted, "The demand for construction workers has not cooled down; instead, it has intensified into fierce competition for highly skilled artisans."

Construction workers at the Tu Lien bridge project across the Red River, march 2026. *Photo: Pham Chieu*

Actual recruitment at the end of august job fair revealed 34 businesses registered nearly 1,400 job vacancies. General laborers still accounted for the largest share of demand at 76%, followed by intermediate-level technical workers at 15%, and university or college graduates at 9%.

Monthly incomes of 15 million VND or more are offered for specialized roles such as: management officers, engineers, technicians, site commanders, and project supervisors. Incomes of 10-15 million VND are for drivers, machinery operators, technical staff, and positions requiring experience or vocational certifications. Amounts of 7-10 million VND are concentrated in positions for construction workers, mechanics, production staff, and direct laborers. Under 7 million VND is for seasonal workers, production support, janitorial staff, and cleaners.

However, these figures represent only the basic salaries offered by recruiting businesses. In practice, 708 vacancies, or over 50% of positions, have negotiable salaries determined during the interview process. Actual earnings will depend on the worker's skills, experience, and job role.

Vu Quang Thanh, Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Employment Service Center, anticipates that recruitment demand will continue to rise and persist until the end of the year. However, workers in this sector primarily operate in teams tied to specific projects, meaning recruitment is not solely conducted through official channels. Businesses also rely on networks of team leaders and contractors to find workers, often expanding their search to rural areas and villages.

"Amidst the labor shortage and increasing competition, contractors seeking to recruit personnel must not only raise income levels but also offer better living and working conditions, along with allowances, aiming for long-term recruitment in certain roles within this sector," he stated.

The job market in september is expected to remain vibrant, though with growing pressure for quality shifts. Construction and infrastructure will continue to see increased competition to attract workers for key projects. Meanwhile, wholesale, retail, and F&B sectors will maintain high recruitment rates to support the start of the academic year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and end-of-year shopping promotions. The digital marketing and communications segment continues to attract young workers.

By Hong Chieu