Have you ever wondered why tech giants are racing to hire software engineers in Vietnam? You’ve probably heard the stories of Silicon Valley companies setting up engineering outposts in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, hoping to tap into the growing pool of tech talent.

The truth is, Vietnam has some of the best software engineers in the world, and at a fraction of the cost compared to the US.

In this article, we’ll explore why Vietnam’s tech talent is in such high demand. We’ll analyze how Vietnamese engineers stack up against their peers globally, look at real-world examples of their success in major tech companies, and examine why hiring them is a no-brainer for any firm looking to gain an edge through engineering excellence.

By the end, you’ll understand why tech giants have been flocking to Vietnam and why its tech scene is poised to become a global powerhouse. The secret is out—Vietnam’s software engineers are world-class.

The Rising Demand for Tech Talent in Vietnam

For starters, Vietnam has a young, educated population. Over 60% of the country's citizens are under 35 years old. And with strong emphasis on STEM education, Vietnam produces high-quality engineers, programmers and IT professionals.

On top of that, the cost of living in Vietnam is low. Salaries for software engineers are competitive with the global market and Asian market, so companies get more bang for their buck. An experienced engineer in Vietnam costs around 60-70% less than one in the US.

With a youthful, tech-savvy workforce, relatively low costs, and interest from global tech leaders, Vietnam has become a magnet for software engineering talent. The future looks bright for Vietnam's tech sector. No wonder companies are racing to find their next star employee in this emerging market.

What Makes Vietnamese Software Engineers Stand Out?

When you're hiring software engineers, talent is everything. And tech giants have discovered Vietnam is brimming with it. What makes Vietnamese engineers so sought after?

1. Technical Skills and Education

Vietnam's tech-focused universities produce thousands of engineers each year with degrees in computer science, software engineering, and information technology. Students learn skills that are directly relevant for software engineering roles like programming, web development, and data analysis.

2. Strong Work Ethic

Vietnamese engineers are known for a dedication to getting the job done. They work long hours, pay close attention to detail, and see projects through to completion. This diligence and determination mean they can achieve a high volume of work and meet tight deadlines.

3. Adaptability

Vietnam's tech talent has proven adept at learning new skills and adapting to different working styles. They've worked with companies from around the world, using various frameworks, programming languages, and methodologies. This adaptability allows them to get up to speed quickly on new projects.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

With the average software engineer in Vietnam earning a fraction of salaries in the U.S. and other tech hubs, outsourcing work to Vietnam offers huge cost savings. You get high quality work for a budget-friendly price. If you would like to estimate the cost, feel free to refer to our user-verified salary data, which are backed up by Offer Letters and/or Payslips or download our most recent Tech Salary Report 2023.

It's no wonder global companies like Intel, Panasonic, Samsung, and LG have flocked to Vietnam to build software engineering teams. For technical talent, work ethic, and value, Vietnam is tough to beat.

Comparison With Tech Talents in Other Countries

Compared to other tech hubs in Asia and Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers high quality software engineering talent at a lower cost.

India

While India produces many talented engineers, the best engineers often end up working for major tech companies in the US or UK. Those that remain in India charge high salaries, even for junior roles.

In contrast, top tech companies in Vietnam are able to attract and retain high-quality engineering talent for lower pay.

China

In China, there is high demand for software engineers from major tech companies like Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. As a result, salaries for software engineers in China are increasing rapidly.

According to Glassdoor, the average software engineer salary in Beijing or Shanghai is around $40,000 USD per year. In Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, the average is closer to $20,000 USD.

Philippines

The Philippines has a large pool of English-speaking engineers and call center workers. However, the tech ecosystem is still developing. Fewer large tech companies are based in the Philippines, and software engineering education is not as advanced as in other countries.

While Filipino engineers can be hired for a low cost, additional investment in training and mentorship is often required.

Vietnam offers tech companies the ability to tap into a growing pool of highly-skilled, competitively-priced software engineering talent in Asia. For startups and tech companies around the world looking to build remote engineering teams or offshore development centers in Asia, Vietnam should be at the top of the list.

Key Takeaways for Hiring Software Engineers in Vietnam

As you’ve read about, the 4 main reasons why tech giants are racing to hire Software Engineers in Vietnam are Technical Skills, Work Ethic, Adaptability, and Cost Effectiveness.

However, when it comes to hiring software engineers in Vietnam, there are several key points that companies should pay attention to.

Here are the compiled list of some important considerations:

1. Quality of Talent: Vietnamese tech professionals have been making a name for themselves in Southeast Asia and beyond. They are building expertise in emerging technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Companies should prioritize assessing the quality of talent available in Vietnam, as there are numerous success stories of Vietnamese tech professionals leading the way.
2. Affordability: Compared to tech talent in other countries, hiring software engineers in Vietnam can be a cost-effective option. The competitive pricing combined with the high quality of talent makes Vietnam an attractive destination for companies looking to build remote engineering teams or offshore development centers in Asia.
3. Cultural Fit: Understanding the cultural nuances and work environment in Vietnam is crucial for successful hiring. Vietnamese professionals value teamwork, loyalty, and respect. Companies should prioritize cultural fit when assessing candidates, ensuring that they align with the company's values and can seamlessly integrate into the team.
4. Language Skills: Communication is key when working with remote teams or offshore development centers. While English proficiency is generally high among Vietnamese software engineers, it is important to assess the language skills of potential hires to ensure effective collaboration and understanding.
5. Government Regulations: Companies should familiarize themselves with the local labor laws and regulations in Vietnam. Understanding the legal framework for employment, contracts, and intellectual property rights is essential for a smooth hiring process and long-term business operations.
6. Supporting Infrastructure: Vietnam's tech industry is rapidly growing, and companies should consider the supporting infrastructure available in terms of internet connectivity, technological advancements, and access to resources. This ensures that software engineers have the necessary tools and environment to thrive in their roles.
7. Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing diversity and inclusion in the hiring process is important for fostering innovation and creativity. Companies should actively seek diverse talent and create an inclusive work environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.

This might seem like a long list to consider. If you would like to research more on this matter, check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiring Tech Talents and Software Engineers in Vietnam. You can find all the resources, tips and tricks there. Also feel free to reach out to us if you need anything help!

In conclusion, hiring software engineers in Vietnam offers numerous advantages for tech companies. With a growing pool of highly-skilled talent, competitive pricing, and a thriving tech ecosystem, Vietnam should be a top consideration for companies looking to expand their engineering teams or establish offshore development centers in Asia.

How Recruiting Firms Like NodeFlair Are Connecting Companies With Top Vietnamese Engineers

Finding qualified tech talents can be challenging. Hiring software engineers in a high-demand market like Vietnam is even more difficult, especially considering the need to become familiar with the local market, culture, and legal system.

However, we are here to assist you through the process. Recruiting firms based in Vietnam have local knowledge and connections to help companies navigate the job market.

For example, NodeFlair specializes in hiring software engineers and developers in Vietnam. We maintain a curated network of vetted candidates and use data-driven recruiting techniques to match them with the right companies.

NodeFlair and similar recruiting firms can help in several ways:

1. Source high-quality candidates. We use our local network and recruiting expertise to find candidates with the skills and experience companies need.
2. Handle logistics. NodeFlair manages the entire hiring process in Vietnam, from sourcing candidates to facilitating interviews to handling compensation and job offers. This simplifies the process for companies and ensures compliance with local regulations.
3. Assess soft skills. Recruiting firms evaluate candidates beyond just their technical skills. That means NodeFlair assesses qualities like communication, critical thinking, and learning ability that are important for success but harder to gauge remotely.
4. Negotiate compensation. As a recruiting firm, NodeFlair have in-depth knowledge of salary ranges and norms in Vietnam. They can negotiate fair compensation for candidates on the company’s behalf. This helps companies make competitive job offers to attract top talent.

In summary, recruiting firms based in Vietnam are uniquely positioned to help companies hire software engineers and other tech professionals.

As one of the best tech recruiting firms in Vietnam, NodeFlair have the local expertise and connections to source high-quality candidates, simplify the hiring process, thoroughly evaluate candidates, and negotiate fair compensation.

For companies looking to tap into Vietnam’s growing pool of tech talent, partnering with an established recruiting firm is key to success.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The tech world is waking up to the wealth of talent in Vietnam. While Silicon Valley isn’t going anywhere, Vietnam is poised to become a major hub for engineering excellence. The combination of technical skills, work ethic, and affordability is proving irresistible to tech companies looking to gain a competitive edge.

The next time you’re using an app, website or device, there’s a good chance some of the code that powers it was written by a Vietnamese software engineer. Vietnam’s tech talent has arrived, and the future is bright. Instead of looking overseas, tech companies may find their next star hire is right in their backyard in Vietnam.