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Average Salary in Saudi Arabia 2024

How much money does a person working in Saudi Arabia make?


Average Monthly Salary
16,800 SAR
( 201,000 SAR yearly)

LOW
4,230
SAR
AVERAGE
16,800
SAR
HIGH
74,600
SAR
All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Saudi Arabia typically earns around 16,800 SAR. Salaries range from 4,230 SAR (lowest average) to 74,600 SAR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Saudi Arabia vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Saudi Arabia

Median and salary distribution Saudi Arabia monthly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
31,400 SAR or more
10% of people earn
24,600 to 31,400 SAR
20% of people earn
9,560 SAR or less
65% of people earn
9,560 to 24,600 SAR
Minimum Salary
4,230 SAR
Median
14,400 SAR
Maximum
74,600 SAR




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Saudi Arabia range from 4,230 SAR (starting salary) to 74,600 SAR (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 14,400 SAR, which means that 50% of the population in Saudi Arabia earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Saudi Arabia earn less than 10,400 SAR while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 21,900 SAR while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Saudi Arabia. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 9,560 SAR to 24,600 SAR. Approximately 20% fall under the 9,560 SAR cap. Ten percent of wages are from 24,600 SAR to 31,400 SAR. Only 5% of people grossed 31,400 SAR or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Saudi Arabia, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Saudi Arabia comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Saudi Arabia is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 83,800 SAR to 251,000 SAR and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Saudi Arabia

Salary comparison by gender Saudi Arabia monthly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Saudi Arabia, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 14% across all career fields.

Male
17,600 SAR
Female-12%
15,500 SAR
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Saudi Arabia

How much are annual salary increments in Saudi Arabia? How often do employees get salary raises?

Saudi Arabia

Employees in Saudi Arabia are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 8% every 17 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Saudi Arabia
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Saudi Arabia is 6%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Saudi Arabia

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Saudi Arabia
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51% of surveyed staff in Saudi Arabia reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while 49% said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from 3% to 5% of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
49%
No Bonus
51%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant10,600 SAR
Accounting Assistant8,240 SAR
Accounting Manager24,900 SAR
Bookkeeper7,310 SAR
Chartered Accountant14,800 SAR
Corporate Treasurer21,300 SAR
Financial Analyst21,000 SAR
Financial Manager31,100 SAR
Internal Auditor15,100 SAR

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant8,630 SAR
Office Manager14,100 SAR
Receptionist7,560 SAR
Secretary7,020 SAR

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director15,300 SAR
Creative Director15,900 SAR
Graphic Designer9,670 SAR
Photographer9,240 SAR

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer20,100 SAR
Air Traffic Controller17,100 SAR
Flight Attendant10,700 SAR
Pilot28,300 SAR

Architecture
Architect18,600 SAR
CAD Drafter8,440 SAR

Automotive
Mechanic5,780 SAR
Service Advisor10,400 SAR

Banking
Bank Branch Manager28,000 SAR
Teller6,060 SAR

Bilingual
Teacher12,700 SAR
Translator14,800 SAR

Business Planning
Business Analyst19,200 SAR
Business Development Manager25,300 SAR
Project Manager20,100 SAR

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny6,690 SAR
Nursery Teacher5,860 SAR

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer15,500 SAR
Construction Project Manager27,600 SAR
Health and Safety Officer7,090 SAR

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative6,220 SAR
Customer Service Manager20,700 SAR
Customer Service Representative5,680 SAR

Engineering
Civil Engineer15,200 SAR
Electrical Engineer15,800 SAR
Engineer14,900 SAR
Mechanical Engineer14,500 SAR

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer34,700 SAR
Chief Financial Officer34,500 SAR
General Manager26,800 SAR
Project Manager18,200 SAR

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef10,300 SAR
Executive Chef11,700 SAR
Hotel Manager28,800 SAR
Receptionist5,930 SAR
Travel Agent10,100 SAR
Waiter / Waitress5,000 SAR

Health and Medical
Dentist39,100 SAR
Dietitian30,700 SAR
Laboratory Technician11,500 SAR
Nurse12,000 SAR

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager23,700 SAR
Human Resources Officer9,120 SAR

Information Technology
Computer Technician12,200 SAR
Database Administrator16,200 SAR
Developer / Programmer15,600 SAR
Information Technology Manager27,000 SAR
Network Engineer13,700 SAR

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer9,680 SAR

Legal
Attorney32,100 SAR
Legal Assistant8,560 SAR

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist17,200 SAR

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer13,700 SAR
Pharmacist20,600 SAR

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier6,140 SAR
Sales Manager27,000 SAR
Sales Representative10,100 SAR

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher11,400 SAR
Secondary School Teacher12,500 SAR

Average Hourly Wage in Saudi Arabia


97 SAR per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Saudi Arabia is 97 SAR.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Saudi Arabia is 24 SAR. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Abha15,900 SAR
Dammam16,500 SAR
Jeddah17,400 SAR
Khubar16,300 SAR
Mecca17,100 SAR
Medina16,800 SAR
Riyadh17,700 SAR
Tabuk15,200 SAR
Taif15,500 SAR

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Saudi Arabia is 7% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
16,100 SAR
Public Sector+7%
17,300 SAR
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Saudi Arabia?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Saudi Arabia would range anywhere between 14,400 SAR and 21,900 SAR.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Saudi Arabia ranges from 4,230 SAR to 10,400 SAR. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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