The 2025 outlook for Hong Kong’s labour market reflects a complex interplay of economic growth, strategic national developments and rising operating costs.
From 2025 to 2028, the local economy is forecasted to grow modestly at an average of 3.2% annually. This growth is supported by further investments and focus on growth areas like financial services, property, healthcare, and technology.
As a reflection to the job market conditions, results from our dipstick survey with employers revealed similar sentiments, as 54% of respondents will maintain their headcount in 2025 (hiring for replacements only) and 34% are looking to increase headcount as they expand their teams and offices.
high demand for sales and tech talent in hong kong
Hong Kong's top priority following the pandemic is to rebuild business and social confidence to regain its position as a vibrant international hub for finance, maritime activities, and trade.
Recent government initiatives, including the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and streamlined IPO processes, aim to attract more businesses and high-net-worth individuals to the city.
Domestically, projects like the Northern Metropolis and land reclamation near Victoria Harbour guide the creation of new and diverse business opportunities to attract more talent to Hong Kong.
Our survey reveals that revenue-generating roles are in high demand, with 34% of employers indicating a focus on hiring sales and business development talent. Even in marketing, life sciences and legal, we see more roles needing to make a commercial impact, necessitating data analytics, business acumen, and basic financial skills.
Digital transformation continues to change how businesses operate. In addition to revenue-generating roles, employers are looking to hire more technology professionals. Our survey shows that 22% of employers plan to add tech staff, while 16% seek talent to help with digital transformation and AI integration.
navigating talent acquisition: new initiatives and market realities
Employers are increasingly seeking talent equipped with the right technical and soft skills, experience, and adaptability to navigate the evolving business landscape. With the rise of digital transformation and shifting customer behaviours, hiring expectations have increased as in-demand skills change with times.
While new initiatives like the expansion of the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the new Quality Migrant Admission Scheme are designed to attract more talent to Hong Kong, companies continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled professionals due to talent scarcity. The widening skills gap from rapid digital developments and evolving job market trends have also further complicated hiring expectations.
The top challenge for employers in Hong Kong is a shortage of skilled talent, with 62% of respondents highlighting this issue. 46% struggle to meet salary expectations, and 26% face intense competition for skilled workers, particularly those with niche expertise. In response to talent scarcity, 30% of companies plan to increase their salary budgets to hire technical talent in 2025.
Companies focus on hiring talent who can deliver quick results, giving eligible candidates leverage in salary negotiations. Many employers are also facing tighter salary budgets, with 62% of respondents anticipating further financial constraints due to the global economic environment.
This dynamic has created challenges for employers, who must balance their desire for top-tier talent with the reality of a limited talent pool.
DEI and enhanced employee benefits in hong kong
To better meet their hiring objectives, employers are improving their employer branding initiatives. 24% of employers said that they will invest in employer branding to improve their overall recruitment efficiency.
Many companies are enhancing their employee benefits package to include health benefits, flexible work arrangements and career development opportunities - factors that have become increasingly important for talent.
The changing environment also underscores the growing recognition of the need for companies to cultivate a vibrant workforce culture with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the core. In our 2024 Employer Brand Research, “equity” debuted as the 5th most important employee value proposition factor that job seekers in Hong Kong prioritise in an ideal employer.
Companies that prioritise DEI will be better positioned to unlock the full potential of their workforce, enhancing the employee experience, driving innovation, and improving overall organisational performance.
download randstad hong kong’s 2025 job market and salary trends report
Our 2024 Job Market and Salary Trends report cuts through the complexity to deliver actionable insights and expert analyses from our business leaders in Hong Kong. Let us help you navigate today's challenges and create new opportunities to strengthen your workforce for the future, ensuring your business doesn't just adapt — it thrives.
The report examines key talent expectations as well as current industry trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- Accounting and finance
- Banking and financial services
- Business support
- Construction, property and engineering
- Human resources
- Insurance
- Legal
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Luxury and retail
- Supply chain and logistics
- Sales and marketing
- Technology
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