Full Breakdown
Hong Kong Graduates Face Gloomy Job Market in 2025
2/2/2026, 1:17:42 PM
Decline in Job Opportunities
University graduates in Hong Kong are confronting the most challenging employment landscape since 2021, with a staggering 55 percent drop in available jobs for 2025. According to data from the Joint Institution Job Information System, which is managed by the city's eight public universities, the number of entry-level job vacancies plummeted to 30,798, down from 68,728 in 2024. This figure represents the lowest level in the past five years, even falling below the 63,543 jobs available during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. The decline in job availability has been part of a broader downward trend, with a 22 percent decrease noted from 2023, when over 87,600 full-time graduate positions were accessible.
Stagnation in Salary Growth
Alongside the reduction in job openings, the average salary for new graduates has seen minimal growth. In 2025, the average monthly salary for graduate positions was HK$20,961, reflecting an increase of only HK$112, or 0.5 percent, from the previous year. This marks the smallest annual salary rise in recent years, indicating a stagnation in compensation for new hires.
Factors Contributing to the Employment Crisis
A veteran human resources consultant has attributed the sharp decline in entry-level positions to the rise of artificial intelligence and an uncertain economic outlook. These factors have led to a cautious approach from employers, impacting their hiring strategies and reducing the number of available roles for recent graduates.
Broader Labor Market Trends
Despite the challenges faced by new graduates, the overall labor market in Hong Kong has remained relatively stable. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent from October to December 2025, consistent with the previous three-month period. However, the underemployment rate saw a slight increase from 1.6 percent to 1.7 percent. Total employment decreased by approximately 2,900 workers, while the labor force contracted by around 9,100 individuals, resulting in a reduction of unemployed persons by about 6,200.
Signs of Cautious Optimism
Looking ahead, there are indications of cautious optimism among employers as Hong Kong approaches 2026. A global salary survey released in late 2025 revealed that approximately 34 percent of employers plan to increase their hiring volume, suggesting a modest rise in recruitment intentions. Additionally, only about 30 percent of professionals reported low confidence in job opportunities, marking a 16-point improvement from the previous year and hinting at a potential rebound in hiring confidence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the data indicates a significant decline in job opportunities for graduates, the broader labor market statistics suggest stability. The contrasting trends highlight the complexities of the current economic environment in Hong Kong, where specific sectors may be struggling while others remain resilient.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A human resources consultant told the South China Morning Post that the sharp fall in entry-level positions was attributable to the rise of artificial intelligence and the uncertain economic outlook.” — Human Resources Consultant
- “This marks the lowest figure in the past five years, falling below the 63,543 jobs available even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.” — Joint Institution Job Information System Data
