Continuing the trend from 2024, there are job opportunities in the software, IT and digital transformation sector amidst an upswing in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and more in 2025. However, according to Yuan Hsiao, Manager at Robert Walters Taiwan, candidates were more fixated on job security, even if a stable position offers lower salaries.

This preference is particularly pronounced in software. Professional turned away from startups, which often struggled with poor performance, layoffs or even closures, and opted instead for stable, well-established corporations.

The growing popularity of AI has also driven up demand for talent, but the market faces a shortage of qualified professional. Engineers with the relevant skills had great bargaining power in salary negotiations, while those without were expected to learn AI productivity tools like ChatGPT.

Headcounts rose within IT and digital transformation as more local companies embraced digital transformation. Cloud adoption is also projected to go up, which is already corresponding to an increased demand for cloud-experienced professionals. Amy Lin, Manager at Robert Walters Taiwan, found that companies prioritised data-driven decision making and cybersecurity in hiring, and while technical skills were important, they also valued soft skills like communication and business acumen.

In the IT sector especially, companies have shown to be more willing to nurture young, promising talent from the ground up.

Read on to find out more about the job market and hiring trends for Software, IT and Digital Transformation professionals in Taiwan in 2025.

AI, hybrid cloud and cybersecurity set the tone for hiring

Within software, demand will be highest for professionals with AI expertise in 2025. Businesses are also more likely to take on younger, trainable talent over senior professionals. Now that most companies no longer provide remote work, this work model will be highly appealing and beneficial for attracting top talent.

Meanwhile, in IT and digital transformation, a surge in demand for product manager (PM) and technical program manager (TPM) roles as businesses seek help to advance their transformation efforts. Demand will also be strong for IT professionals with hybrid cloud experience and cybersecurity talent. Companies looking to recruit experienced cybersecurity engineers will need to offer more competitive salaries and benefits.
 

Most in-demand positions and skills

• Backend engineers with large system design experience
• AI engineer
• Security engineer

Backend engineers with large system design experience have been highly sought after in the market, and this demand will persist going into 2025. Yuan explains,  

There is bullish market momentum in cryptocurrency now, so it’s likely that many new development positions will emerge within this industry.

AI engineers, particularly those with proven project experience, will be extremely valuable as the technology sees greater adoption across a range of services and systems. However, there is a limited pool of qualified talent, so employers may need to consider younger professionals who focused on AI during their graduate studies, or software engineers with overseas experience.

Security engineers are also high in demand. As companies integrate emerging technologies like AI, blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT), and progress further on their digital transformation journey, they face greater security risks. More regulations around cybersecurity have also come into place. These factors contribute to hiring volumes for experts who can identify vulnerabilities and implement strong defenses.

The most in-demand skills and domains of expertise in the year ahead include software development, AI engineering, data engineering, cybersecurity, solution architecture and compliance.
 

Provide flexibility, reduce hierarchies

Professionals today are more cautious when evaluating a potential job opportunity, and they are more conscious about whether the hiring company is profitable or successful at securing funding. Amy finds that younger employees tend to favour flat organisational structures and hybrid and flexible work arrangements.

The advice for companies looking to attract and retain talent is to consider these preferences. On top of structuring flexibility into work schedules, employers should adopt a more people-centric management approach as employees are more invested when they feel close to the company’s leadership and decision makers. Yuan adds,

When searching for managerial talent, consider candidates who demonstrate strong leadership potential, even if they may lack formal management experience. It may be worthwhile providing them with the training to meet the expectation of the position.
 

The salary increments for job movers

In 2025, salaries are expected to increase by an average of 5% for professionals staying in the same organisation. Job movers can expect increments to fall between 5 – 15% when moving into a new position.
 

Find out more

Request access to our 2025 Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and to find out more about key hiring trends in Taiwan.