- 89% of employers forecast a pay rise to employees in 2025, 74% of them are likely to give 1-5% salary increase to their employees.
- 52% of surveyed employers plan to increase their permanent headcount in 2025.
- 49% of employers find hiring manager and senior manager level talent the most challenging.
- 36% of professionals do not plan to change jobs in 2025.
- 35% of professionals feel confident in job opportunities within their field.
Amid economic uncertainty driven by an anticipated global slowdown and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) projects a modest GDP growth of 3.15% for 2025. The subdued macroeconomic conditions are expected to impact the local job market, fostering a cautious perspective of job market among employers and professionals.
According to the latest insights from Robert Walters, the world’s most trusted talent solutions firm, only 35% of professionals in Taiwan express confidence in the job market. This sentiment is further reflected in data showing that just 46% of professionals plan to actively explore new employment opportunities within the next six months.
Despite the conservative outlook, Taiwan’s job market continues to grapple with a pressing challenge—talent shortages. A striking 71% of employers report difficulties in filling key positions, particularly at the manager and senior manager levels.
Approximately 52% of surveyed employers plan to increase their permanent headcount in 2025. Job movers with in-demand skill sets are likely to receive pay increments of 5-20%, while the average pay rise for employees is expected to be 1-5%. Employers are encouraged to implement strategic workforce planning and leverage innovative recruitment practices to meet their talent needs in 2025. These findings are part of the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey 2025, an authoritative analysis and benchmark of salary trends.
Read on to find out more about Taiwan’s hiring market in 2025.
Taiwan prioritises efficiency amid uncertainty, driving demand for strategic roles
In the face of global recessionary pressures and local market challenges, organisations in Taiwan are prioritising efficiency and cost controlling strategies. This approach has driven a cautious approach in talent management, with companies increasingly opting to reallocate internal talent over engaging in external hiring. Consequently, organisational structures are becoming flatter, and operational roles are often shifted to regional hubs or outsourced. Local hiring efforts are now primarily focused on strategic positions that align closely with market-specific demands. Reflecting these trends, only 32% of non-technology professionals in Taiwan’s commerce sector express optimism about job opportunities in their field—lower than the national average.
Despite this cautious sentiment, demand for senior and strategic roles continues to be strong. According to the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025, just 45% of non-technology professionals are actively seeking new employment opportunities over the next six months. However, those with in-demand skill sets who decide to transition can anticipate substantial salary increments ranging from 15% to 20%. Meanwhile, 91% of employers in the commerce market plan to offer salary increases in 2025, with 77% of these increases expected to range between 1-5%. These figures underscore the importance of niche expertise and leadership capabilities in driving growth within the commerce sector.
71% of employers in Taiwan struggle to fill key roles, sparking a shift in hiring strategies
In 2025, the talent shortage in Taiwan remains a pressing concern, with 71% of employers reporting significant difficulties in filling key positions. The top three challenges in sourcing staff are a “lack of applications/supply of candidates” (62%), “high salary and benefit expectations” (51%), and “intense competition for candidates” (51%). In response to these hiring challenges, 92% of employers indicate plans to adapt their strategies by enhancing learning and development (L&D) programs, expanding entry criteria, and engaging specialist recruitment firms to create a more inclusive hiring framework.
This talent gap is also driving new trends in the job market. Cross-industry movements and a growing demand for returning overseas candidates are on the rise. John Winter, Country Manager of Robert Walters Taiwan, emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in employer approaches:
It is taking a much longer time to fill key roles. To attract top talent, organisations need to 'sell' their benefits, flexibility arrangements, career development, and support framework to prospective candidates and current employees alike.
AI boom fuels demand for high skilled tech-talent, eyeing ups 20% salary boost
Taiwan is set to maintain its global leadership in the technology sector in 2025, driven by groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Chip manufacturers are capitalising on the surging demand for AI-related components. These innovations are also reshaping the IT landscape and creating a surge in demand for skilled professionals. Backend engineers with expertise in large system design, AI engineers, and cybersecurity specialists remain among the most sought-after talent.
As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption automates basic-level roles, the demand for senior and highly skilled professionals in Taiwan's technology sector remains strong. According to the Robert Walters 2025 Salary Survey, 76% of employers in the tech industry face significant challenges in filling key positions. Despite this demand, only 45% of professionals plan to actively seek new roles in the next six months, and just 39% express confidence in the job market.
The shortage of qualified talent poses a critical challenge for the sector, with job movers possessing in-demand skills potentially commanding salary increments of up to 20%. This disparity underscores a broader shift in workforce priorities, where job security has become paramount amid global economic uncertainties and the rapid evolution of technology. Taiwan’s professionals increasingly favour established corporations over risk-prone startups and place heightened importance on work-life balance.
Taiwan’s technology sector also faces rising environmental challenges, particularly in water scarcity, which threatens its supply chain, including the vital semiconductor industry. In response, industry leaders are investing in water recycling and conservation technologies to safeguard production and mitigate risks. The emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles is becoming integral to corporate strategies, driving demand for sustainability experts to build resilient and eco-friendly supply chains.
Cautious optimism for 2025 Taiwan job market: hiring demand for strategic role and skilled professionals remains strong
In 2025, 52% of employers in Taiwan plan to increase their permanent headcount, while 33% anticipate maintaining current levels, signaling cautious optimism for hiring growth in the first half of the year. Despite recent challenges, the outlook reflects a steady recovery in the job market.
Salaries are expected to remain stable, with adjustments for inflation. According to recent findings, 89% of employers plan to offer salary increases in 2025, with 74% of those increases projected to range between 1-5%. However, for senior professionals and those in strategic roles, the competitive talent market presents an opportunity for significant salary increments. John Winter, Country Manager of Robert Walters Taiwan, highlighted the trends:
In 2025, salaries are expected to be stable with inflation accounted for. Job movers with in-demand skill sets are likely to receive salary increases of up to 20%.
Find out more
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