Labor demand in Hanoi surges ahead of Tet as investment and wages strengthen

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s labor market is gaining momentum in the weeks leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), as higher and more competitive incomes provide stronger incentives for workers during the year-end peak.

A positive business environment and resilient economic performance have strengthened confidence in the labor market in recent months, according to the Hanoi Employment Service Center.

In 2025, the city disbursed VND94.2 trillion (US$3.6 billion) for public investment projects, up nearly 30% year-on-year, while attracting better-than-expected foreign direct investment of $4.3 billion.

Hanoi also recorded about 32,400 newly established businesses last year, with registered capital rising 12% from a year earlier.

According to the center’s Deputy Director Vu Quang Thanh, a survey covering nearly 4,600 job openings from 907 companies showed recruitment demand concentrated in wholesale and retail, manufacturing and processing and construction, driven by rising consumer demand.

The center forecasts that the labor market in January 2026 will maintain its positive momentum, as many businesses continue hiring to secure manpower for production and business activities throughout the year.

Recruitment demand is expected to increase by 6% in wholesale and retail, about 5% in manufacturing and processing, 5% in construction and 4% in transport and logistics.

Other sectors recording strong hiring demand include mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic services, refrigeration, textiles and garments.

In terms of qualifications, employers mainly seek general laborers and technical workers without formal certificates, accounting for the largest share at 44% of total demand. University graduates and above follow at 21% for professional and specialist positions.

Wage structures reflect these requirements. Monthly salaries of VND5 million-VND10 million ($190-$380) account for the largest segment at 62%, while the VND10 million-VND20 million ($380-$760) range makes up 36%.

Vu Phuong Nga, Head of Human Resources at Foreign Service Company, said the firm plans to recruit 30 laundry and delivery workers in early 2026, with average monthly income of about VND17 million ($647).

Marketing and sales staff receive a base salary plus commissions, lifting monthly income to VND20 million-VND30 million ($760-$1,140), she said.

Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company 18.3 plans to hire 5-10 assembly and welding workers, along with specialists such as site supervisors, structural engineers, architects and quantity surveyors.

Duong Ngoc Lien, Deputy Head of the company’s Administration and Organization, said many positions remain unfilled as civil and industrial projects enter peak construction phases.

At Viettel Post Hanoi Branch, demand is high for both full-time and part-time couriers. Vu Thi Thuy from the recruitment department said the branch needs 300 couriers, 30 drivers and 20-30 customer service and operations staff.

Couriers earn between VND15 million ($570) and VND30 million ($1,140) per month, with some reaching VND40 million ($1,520) by handling high delivery volumes.

To address labor shortages, many employers accept candidates without skills for general labor positions and provide internal training after recruitment.

Lien said workers need only basic skills for assembly and welding roles. Those without prior experience receive professional training. Initial wages may be modest, but income rises quickly for employees who adapt well.

Alongside training, employers view social welfare benefits such as holiday bonuses and health checkups as a core strategy to create attractive workplaces and retain workers over the long term.

Continuing job creation in 2026

Hanoi aims to create jobs for 171,000 workers in 2026 and targets an urban unemployment rate below 3%, a trained labor rate of 75.8% and a certified labor rate of 55.5%. Annual labor productivity growth is set at 7%-7.5%.

To achieve these goals, the city will provide timely information on labor market trends, industry demand and recruitment needs.

Authorities will also promote vocational training programs, employment support policies, unemployment insurance and social security measures.

Training priorities will focus on high-demand skills linked to digital transformation and green growth, including information technology, foreign languages, soft skills, digital work competencies and emerging occupations.

Hanoi will diversify training formats through online learning, enterprise-based programs and blended models combining theory and practice to increase the share of well-trained, highly skilled workers and meet the needs of high-tech industries, the digital economy and the green economy.

Training institutions will modernize curricula and teaching methods, with a stronger emphasis on enterprise-linked training. The city will promote close partnerships between businesses and vocational institutions to deliver demand-driven programs.

The city will continue organizing in-person and online job fairs, themed recruitment events and stronger labor supply-demand connections with neighboring provinces, tailored to specific industries and workforce groups.

Authorities will also promote high-tech and organic agriculture linked to consumption markets to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Notably, Hanoi will implement comprehensive policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, encourage startups and innovation and develop competitive firms capable of integrating into domestic and global value chains.

Digital transformation remains a central priority through the operation of the Hanoi job portal at congvieclam.hanoi.gov.vn. The Hanoi Employment Service Center will strengthen IT backgrounds to improve labor matching, ensure stable portal operations and keep data updated.

Communication efforts will target workers, businesses, students and job seekers to enhance interaction and user experience, aiming to build a transparent, efficient and dynamic digital employment ecosystem.

The center will also coordinate closely with ward and commune authorities and training institutions to support job placement, organize local job fairs and deliver timely labor market information.

Do Chi Hung, Chairman of the O Dien Commune People’s Committee, said the post-pandemic economy has pushed the labor market into a period of rapid change as science, technology and automation reshape skill demand.

According to him, workers increasingly prioritize stable employment, good income and clear career pathways. Many businesses struggle to find suitable workers because recruitment information does not reach the workforce at the right time.

Hung said the lack of transparent and timely information between labor supply and demand remains the biggest barrier to faster recruitment.

Establishing effective labor market information hubs is therefore essential to help workers access job opportunities and career guidance while enabling businesses to reach qualified talent, he added.

Hung emphasized that the program plays a key role in ensuring local social security by serving as a real-time information hub for both workers and employers.

The consultation point must be connected directly to the Hanoi Employment Service Center’s data system, allowing residents to search for jobs both in person and online, the local official said.