The Hanoi Employment Service Center's report on the August 2026 labor market revealed that nearly 43,000 individuals sought employment, primarily general laborers and office staff, while businesses needed approximately 38,000 workers. Job seekers are increasingly looking for new opportunities to boost their income, coinciding with businesses restarting production and operations, creating numerous vacancies, particularly for general laborers and office staff.

A survey by the center of over 5,000 applicant profiles showed that 47% of job seekers are concentrated in the 35-54 age group. This significant proportion highlights a strong demand for job changes among middle-aged workers. This trend often arises from corporate restructuring or individuals seeking promotions to management, more stable work environments, and better benefits.

The 25-34 age group constitutes nearly 37%, representing a core, dynamic workforce with 3-10 years of experience. This group often changes jobs to significantly increase income and advance personal careers. In contrast, the younger 15-24 age group makes up 14%, primarily new graduates or young individuals seeking internships or part-time work. Individuals aged 55 and above account for over 2%, typically senior experts, consultants, or those working part-time to remain active.

Workers receive job counseling at the Hanoi Employment Service Center. Photo: Hong Chieu.

The labor market shows a clear polarization, focusing on two main groups: those with university degrees or higher, and those without formal training. The supply of formally qualified labor is substantial, at about 36%, ready to meet the demands of developing service, technology, and management sectors. The untrained group follows, comprising 28%, typically seeking jobs that do not require degrees and often exhibiting high job turnover or being seasonal workers looking for new employment.

A survey revealed that nearly 49% of workers desire salaries in the 10-20 million VND range. This is the expected level for professionals, such as university graduates or experienced individuals. The 5-10 million VND range accounts for 43%, primarily for general labor, new graduates, administrative positions, or basic services. Salaries above 20 million VND represent 8%, concentrated among management personnel or senior experts. The most active recruitment market operates within the 5-20 million VND salary bracket. Businesses aiming to attract a large number of applicants need to position their minimum salary within this range to ensure competitiveness.

From the business perspective, recruitment demand is concentrated in the wholesale, retail, and service sectors, at approximately 60%; manufacturing, processing, and construction account for 26%. Demand aligns with supply, as businesses primarily seek managers and mid-to-high-level specialists to optimize operational efficiency. Personnel with college degrees or higher comprise over half of the recruitment demand, filling core technical and management positions. The demand for low-skilled, untrained groups has decreased to about 19%.

The Hanoi Employment Service Center forecasts that the market will remain dynamic, but the pressure for qualitative shifts is increasing. The wholesale, retail, and F&B sectors will maintain high recruitment rates to serve the start of the academic year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and year-end shopping promotions. The marketing and digital media segment continues to attract young workers. Construction and infrastructure will see increased competition, drawing labor for key projects.

In August, the city created jobs for nearly 20,000 workers. The center processed unemployment benefits for nearly 8,500 applications, disbursing nearly 325 billion VND. It also provided job search counseling for over 1,600 individuals and supported vocational training for 108 people.

Hong Chieu