How much are HK marketers making in 2026?

Across Hong Kong's job market, demand patterns are evolving in response to regulatory shifts and technological advancement. According to Robert Walters' 2026 Hiring Market Outlook, competition for AI talent remains fierce, with companies actively vying for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI product specialists.

On the commercial front, technology hiring is expanding beyond traditional IT roles into areas such as e-commerce platforms, CRM analytics, and digital marketing—reflecting a broader pivot toward data-driven growth strategies.

However, talent shortages continue to pose challenges. ManpowerGroup's latest survey indicates that 66% of local employers expect recruitment difficulties, a 15-percentage-point drop from the previous year and the lowest level since 2015. While signs of easing are evident, shortages persist at an elevated level.

Hiring sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Over 30% of employers anticipate increasing their workforce in the first quarter of 2026, while 29% expect to reduce headcount and 37% forecast no change—revealing a positive but conservative hiring pace.

Morgan McKinley's latest report reinforces that skill shortages remain a defining feature of the market, particularly at the mid-level, where expertise in digital, customer relationship management (CRM), and environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria is in high demand. These gaps are most pronounced in fintech, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and cybersecurity sales, where competition for proven performers is especially intense.

Permanent hiring has become more selective, with organisations increasingly turning to contract and contract-to-permanent options to maintain flexibility. Mid-level hiring has held steady, while senior-level appointments have tightened—impacted by an 8% year-on-year decline in luxury retail sales and muted activity in the banking sector. Over half of employers have kept headcount flat, directing investment primarily toward revenue-generating and digitally aligned roles.

In response to these trends, Morgan McKinley has released the Hong Kong Salary Guide 2026, offering a comprehensive overview of expected earnings for professionals in the marketing and communications sectors in Hong Kong for the coming year.

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