Is Vietnam the New Offshore Talent Hub for the U.S. Tech Sector?

Admin Team August 14, 2024

The U.S. tech industry is at a pivotal crossroads. Waves of layoffs, record-high developer salaries, and a widening talent gap have made one thing clear: tech companies must think globally—or risk falling behind. For decades, India and the Philippines dominated the offshore conversation. But there’s a new contender quietly rising in the East: Vietnam.

1. A Young, Tech-Savvy Workforce

Vietnam has a population of over 100 million, with a median age of 32.5. Each year, over 50,000 new IT graduates enter the workforce, trained in computer science, software engineering, and AI. Vietnam has become a quiet powerhouse of global-ready digital talent.

2. Payroll Savings of 60–70% (Without Sacrificing Quality)

U.S.-based engineers now command $120K–$180K+ annually. An equally skilled full-stack developer in Vietnam earns $20K–$35K. This isn't just cheap labor; it's a longer runway for startups and the ability to 10x your team without 10x'ing your burn rate.

3. Time Zone Overlap and Agile Collaboration

The 11–14 hour time difference enables a “follow-the-sun” model. East Coast teams get code shipped overnight, while West Coast teams have 3–4 hours of daily overlap for meetings. With async tools, this boosts productivity, not breaks communication.

4. Rising English Proficiency and Cultural Compatibility

Most top tech talent in Vietnam use English daily, are comfortable with U.S. tools, and communicate clearly. Culturally, Vietnamese professionals are known for being respectful, eager to learn, detail-oriented, and loyal, reducing the “job-hopping” seen in other hubs.

5. Government Investment in Tech & Infrastructure

Vietnam’s government has prioritized digital transformation and tech exports. This includes investments in STEM education, modern tech parks, high-speed internet, and pro-business policies for tech outsourcing and remote work. The government sees its digital workforce as a national asset.

6. Easy Hiring via Employer of Record (EOR) Services

One historical barrier for U.S. companies has been the legal headache of hiring abroad. VietAssist solves that with our EOR solution, which allows you to hire Vietnamese remote employees without setting up a legal entity, handling all local payroll, benefits, and compliance. Think of it as “plug-and-play” international hiring.

The Bottom Line: Vietnam Is Ready. Are You?

The combination of high technical talent, low cost, English fluency, and a remote-ready work culture makes Vietnam not just a viable option—but a strategic advantage. Whether you're trying to extend your runway or scale operations, Vietnam offers a powerful alternative.

👉 Want to Explore Vietnam’s Talent Pool? Book a free strategy session.

👉 Book a free consultation with VietAssist