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Employers are also offering enhanced benefits to attract and retain skilled contractors.
Contracting is no longer a temporary measure – it is emerging as a strategic solution to Hong Kong’s evolving workforce challenges.
According to the Contractor Pay Guide 2025 by Robert Walters, nearly two-thirds (64%) of employers in Hong Kong plan to hire contractors in 2025.
Contractors are increasingly being entrusted with high-impact, sensitive roles, especially in sectors such as legal, audit, and compliance. The rise of technologies like generative AI is fuelling the demand for tech contractors, particularly in roles such as AI/ML engineers, data specialists, and cloud architects.
In the financial services sector, firms are hiring contractors to fill urgent gaps in legal and governance teams, while contract lawyers are being engaged to support complex financial products and transactions.
Demand for contractors is also growing in HR and business support functions through roles such as HR business partners, finance transformation specialists, and executive assistants.
Enhanced benefits to attract and retain skilled contractors
Despite rising demand, sourcing and retaining skilled contractors remains a challenge. Over half (51%) of employers reported difficulties in finding qualified talent, while 17% struggle with retention.
To address this, employers are enhancing benefits for contractors to remain competitive. The guide found that:
- 85% of employers now provide medical coverage to contractors – a 4% increase from previous year, aligning their benefits with those offered to permanent staff.
- Over 20% of employers offer annual leave exceeding 18 days, while another 36% provide between 15-17 days.
- 33% of employers reward contractors with bonuses upon project completion, typically equivalent to one month's pay or a percentage of annual salary.
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