Hong Kong Economy and Job Market 2025: Key Trends and Insights

Economic Overview

• Growth Amid Uncertainty: Hong Kong’s economy is projected to grow by 2% to 3% in 2025, supported by continued expansion in exports, investments in financial services, technology, and healthcare sectors12.
• Unemployment Trends: The unemployment rate has risen to 3.5%, the highest in 30 months, with further increases expected due to structural and economic challenges. These include automation, AI adoption, and an influx of fresh graduates intensifying job competition31.
• Transformation, Not Contraction: While some traditional roles are disappearing, new opportunities are emerging in expanding industries such as technology, healthcare, and logistics. The job market is shifting rather than shrinking3.

Job Market Dynamics

Hiring and Workforce Trends

• Cautious Optimism: Over half of employers plan to maintain headcount, while about a third aim to expand, especially in sales, business development, and technology roles2.
• Talent Scarcity: 62% of employers report a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in revenue-generating and technology positions. This has led to competitive salary increments for job switchers, especially in tech (18-20% increases)2.
• Contracting Workforce: There is a growing trend toward contract roles, particularly in technology and accounting, though most job seekers still prefer permanent positions for stability42.
• Job Security: Employees now prioritize job stability over salary, with many actively seeking new opportunities or upskilling to remain competitive. Transparency about company health and direction is increasingly valued5.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Pressures: Economic uncertainty and cost optimization have made significant pay raises harder to secure. However, 58% of employers plan to increase salary offers for hard-to-fill roles in 202562.
• Benefits and Flexibility: Employee satisfaction with benefits remains low, and workplace flexibility is a major demand. Many companies are tightening in-office requirements, sometimes clashing with employee preferences for flexibility6.

Sector-Specific Shifts

• Technology and Automation: Automation and AI are reshaping the workforce, especially in repetitive roles. Demand is rising for professionals skilled in big data, fintech, and AI, with double-digit growth projected in these areas by 203037.
• Healthcare and Elderly Care: Hong Kong’s aging population is driving demand for healthcare and elderly-care professionals.
• Green Finance and ESG: There is growing emphasis on green finance and ESG expertise, with Hong Kong aiming to become a sustainable finance hub. Talent shortages persist in these specialized areas7.
• Traditional Sectors: Accounting and insurance face challenges from offshoring and declining local talent supply, prompting a focus on career development and flexible work arrangements to retain staff7.

Workforce Expectations and HR Priorities

• DEI Initiatives: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly important, with “equity” now a top value proposition for employees2.
• Leadership and Skills Development: Companies are investing in leadership pipelines and robust skills programs to ensure business continuity and adaptability2.
• Strategic HR: HR roles are evolving from administrative to strategic, focusing on aligning workforce trends with business goals and embracing digital transformation2.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Rising Competition: The influx of fresh graduates and tightening of hiring budgets are intensifying competition for jobs, especially in entry-level and traditional sectors31.
• Future-Proofing Careers: Job seekers are encouraged to balance technical skills with creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving to thrive in the evolving market3.
• Government Initiatives: Efforts such as the Northern Metropolis project and talent attraction schemes are expected to support long-term economic growth and workforce resilience2.

Summary:
Hong Kong’s 2025 job market is marked by transformation, with new opportunities in technology, healthcare, and green finance offsetting challenges in traditional sectors. Employers and employees alike are adapting to a landscape defined by talent scarcity, cautious optimism, and a growing emphasis on stability, flexibility, and inclusivity312.

1. https://www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/situation/development/index.htm
2. https://www.nahc.io/blog-posts/hong-kong-talent-market-outlook-what-hr-professionals-need-to-know
3. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/614898
4. https://www.atlassearch.com.hk/how-to-get-a-job-in-2025-navigating-hong-kong-s-job-market
5. https://www.roberthalf.com/hk/en/insights/salary-guide/market-outlook
6. https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/half-of-hong-kong-professionals-set-to-job-hunt-in-2025
7. https://alphaslabint.com/en/summary-of-talent-trends-and-job-market-outlook-in-hong-kong-for-2025/
8. https://kpmg.com/cn/en/home/insights/2025/03/hong-kong-employment-outlook-2025.html
9. https://www.hays.com.hk/unveiling-the-top-ten-talent-trends-for-2025-in-hong-kong-sar
10. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314826/25-hong-kong-employers-plan-cut-staff-next-quarter-survey