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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Salaries by Profession 2026

Mottalib Radif

Written by Mottalib Radif

MBA INSEAD · Personal Finance Enthusiast

Updated

Comprehensive salary data for 50+ professions in Saudi Arabia. All salary figures are monthly amounts in SAR based on aggregated data from leading salary surveys. Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax, though GOSI social insurance contributions apply for Saudi nationals. Explore how Vision 2030 and Saudization (Nitaqat) affect salaries across industries.

Understanding Saudi Arabia Salaries in 2026

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the GCC and the Arab world, undergoing a historic transformation under Vision 2030. The kingdom's ambitious development agenda has created unprecedented demand for skilled professionals across virtually every sector, from technology and entertainment to healthcare and renewable energy. With over $1 trillion invested in mega-projects including NEOM, The Red Sea Development, Qiddiya, and ROSHN, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global destination for talent.

Salaries in Saudi Arabia are influenced by several unique factors. The Saudization (Nitaqat) program requires private sector companies to employ minimum percentages of Saudi nationals, affecting both hiring patterns and compensation structures. Saudi nationals may receive higher base salaries and additional government-linked benefits, while expatriate packages typically include housing and transport allowances to offset the cost of living.

While Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax, employees should be aware of GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) contributions. Saudi nationals contribute 9.75% of their basic salary to GOSI, with employers contributing 11.75%. Expatriates are only subject to a 2% occupational hazard contribution paid by the employer. The kingdom also has a 15% VAT on goods and services, introduced at 5% in 2018 and increased in 2020.

Saudization and the Nitaqat System

The Nitaqat system categorizes companies into color bands (Platinum, Green, Yellow, Red) based on their Saudization compliance. This directly impacts hiring for all professions. Sectors with the highest Saudization requirements include retail, telecommunications, banking, insurance, and hospitality. Companies in higher Nitaqat bands receive benefits such as easier visa processing, while non-compliant companies face restrictions.

For expatriate professionals, understanding the Saudization landscape of your target sector is essential. While many sectors remain accessible to international talent, some roles and industries are increasingly reserved for Saudi nationals. The Regional Headquarters Program, requiring multinational companies to establish HQ operations in Riyadh, has brought a new wave of international career opportunities to the kingdom.

6 Technology & IT

Software Engineer

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000
Mid-Level SAR 13,000 – SAR 23,000
Senior SAR 23,000 – SAR 42,000

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Data Scientist

Junior SAR 9,000 – SAR 15,000
Mid-Level SAR 16,000 – SAR 28,000
Senior SAR 28,000 – SAR 50,000

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Junior SAR 8,500 – SAR 13,000
Mid-Level SAR 14,000 – SAR 25,000
Senior SAR 25,000 – SAR 45,000

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IT Manager

Junior SAR 11,000 – SAR 17,000
Mid-Level SAR 18,000 – SAR 30,000
Senior SAR 30,000 – SAR 50,000

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Web Developer

Junior SAR 5,500 – SAR 9,000
Mid-Level SAR 10,000 – SAR 18,000
Senior SAR 18,000 – SAR 32,000

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Network Engineer

Junior SAR 6,500 – SAR 10,000
Mid-Level SAR 11,000 – SAR 20,000
Senior SAR 20,000 – SAR 35,000

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5 Healthcare

Doctor / Physician

Junior SAR 14,000 – SAR 24,000
Mid-Level SAR 24,000 – SAR 42,000
Senior SAR 42,000 – SAR 85,000

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Nurse

Junior SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,500
Mid-Level SAR 7,500 – SAR 13,000
Senior SAR 13,000 – SAR 20,000

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Pharmacist

Junior SAR 6,500 – SAR 10,000
Mid-Level SAR 10,000 – SAR 17,000
Senior SAR 17,000 – SAR 28,000

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Dentist

Junior SAR 9,000 – SAR 15,000
Mid-Level SAR 15,000 – SAR 28,000
Senior SAR 28,000 – SAR 55,000

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Lab Technician

Junior SAR 3,500 – SAR 6,000
Mid-Level SAR 6,000 – SAR 10,000
Senior SAR 10,000 – SAR 16,000

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3 Education

Teacher

Junior SAR 5,500 – SAR 9,000
Mid-Level SAR 9,000 – SAR 15,000
Senior SAR 15,000 – SAR 23,000

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University Professor

Junior SAR 14,000 – SAR 20,000
Mid-Level SAR 20,000 – SAR 32,000
Senior SAR 32,000 – SAR 50,000

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School Principal

Junior SAR 16,000 – SAR 23,000
Mid-Level SAR 23,000 – SAR 35,000
Senior SAR 35,000 – SAR 50,000

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4 Finance & Banking

Accountant

Junior SAR 5,500 – SAR 9,000
Mid-Level SAR 9,000 – SAR 16,000
Senior SAR 16,000 – SAR 28,000

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Financial Analyst

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000
Mid-Level SAR 13,000 – SAR 22,000
Senior SAR 22,000 – SAR 40,000

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Bank Manager

Junior SAR 12,000 – SAR 18,000
Mid-Level SAR 20,000 – SAR 32,000
Senior SAR 32,000 – SAR 50,000

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Auditor

Junior SAR 6,000 – SAR 10,000
Mid-Level SAR 10,000 – SAR 18,000
Senior SAR 18,000 – SAR 32,000

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4 Engineering

Civil Engineer

Junior SAR 6,500 – SAR 11,000
Mid-Level SAR 12,000 – SAR 21,000
Senior SAR 21,000 – SAR 38,000

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Mechanical Engineer

Junior SAR 6,000 – SAR 10,000
Mid-Level SAR 11,000 – SAR 20,000
Senior SAR 20,000 – SAR 36,000

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Electrical Engineer

Junior SAR 6,000 – SAR 10,000
Mid-Level SAR 11,000 – SAR 20,000
Senior SAR 20,000 – SAR 35,000

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Architect

Junior SAR 6,500 – SAR 11,000
Mid-Level SAR 12,000 – SAR 22,000
Senior SAR 22,000 – SAR 40,000

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5 Construction & Trades

Construction Worker

Junior SAR 1,100 – SAR 1,700
Mid-Level SAR 1,700 – SAR 2,400
Senior SAR 2,400 – SAR 3,500

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Electrician

Junior SAR 1,800 – SAR 3,200
Mid-Level SAR 3,200 – SAR 5,000
Senior SAR 5,000 – SAR 8,000

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Plumber

Junior SAR 1,600 – SAR 2,800
Mid-Level SAR 2,800 – SAR 4,500
Senior SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,000

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Welder

Junior SAR 1,600 – SAR 2,800
Mid-Level SAR 2,800 – SAR 4,800
Senior SAR 4,800 – SAR 7,500

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Carpenter

Junior SAR 1,400 – SAR 2,300
Mid-Level SAR 2,300 – SAR 3,800
Senior SAR 3,800 – SAR 6,000

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4 Hospitality & Tourism

Hotel Manager

Junior SAR 10,000 – SAR 16,000
Mid-Level SAR 16,000 – SAR 26,000
Senior SAR 26,000 – SAR 42,000

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Chef

Junior SAR 2,500 – SAR 4,500
Mid-Level SAR 5,000 – SAR 10,000
Senior SAR 10,000 – SAR 22,000

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Waiter / Waitress

Junior SAR 1,500 – SAR 2,200
Mid-Level SAR 2,200 – SAR 3,500
Senior SAR 3,500 – SAR 5,500

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Receptionist

Junior SAR 2,500 – SAR 4,500
Mid-Level SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,000
Senior SAR 7,000 – SAR 11,000

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4 Transport & Logistics

Bus Driver

Junior SAR 2,200 – SAR 3,200
Mid-Level SAR 3,200 – SAR 4,500
Senior SAR 4,500 – SAR 6,500

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Taxi Driver

Junior SAR 1,800 – SAR 2,800
Mid-Level SAR 2,800 – SAR 4,000
Senior SAR 4,000 – SAR 5,500

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Delivery Driver

Junior SAR 1,800 – SAR 2,800
Mid-Level SAR 2,800 – SAR 4,000
Senior SAR 4,000 – SAR 5,500

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Logistics Manager

Junior SAR 9,000 – SAR 14,000
Mid-Level SAR 14,000 – SAR 24,000
Senior SAR 24,000 – SAR 38,000

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1 Government & Public Sector

Government Employee

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 14,000
Mid-Level SAR 14,000 – SAR 26,000
Senior SAR 26,000 – SAR 45,000

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3 Sales & Marketing

Sales Manager

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000
Mid-Level SAR 13,000 – SAR 22,000
Senior SAR 22,000 – SAR 40,000

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Marketing Manager

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000
Mid-Level SAR 12,000 – SAR 21,000
Senior SAR 21,000 – SAR 38,000

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Digital Marketing Specialist

Junior SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,000
Mid-Level SAR 7,500 – SAR 13,000
Senior SAR 13,000 – SAR 22,000

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2 Human Resources

HR Manager

Junior SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000
Mid-Level SAR 12,000 – SAR 21,000
Senior SAR 21,000 – SAR 36,000

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Recruitment Specialist

Junior SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,000
Mid-Level SAR 7,500 – SAR 13,000
Senior SAR 13,000 – SAR 22,000

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3 Domestic & Services

Security Guard

Junior SAR 1,500 – SAR 2,200
Mid-Level SAR 2,200 – SAR 3,500
Senior SAR 3,500 – SAR 5,500

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Domestic Worker / Maid

Junior SAR 1,200 – SAR 1,800
Mid-Level SAR 1,800 – SAR 2,800
Senior SAR 2,800 – SAR 4,000

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Cleaner

Junior SAR 1,000 – SAR 1,600
Mid-Level SAR 1,600 – SAR 2,300
Senior SAR 2,300 – SAR 3,200

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3 Oil & Gas

Petroleum Engineer

Junior SAR 11,000 – SAR 17,000
Mid-Level SAR 18,000 – SAR 32,000
Senior SAR 32,000 – SAR 60,000

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Drilling Engineer

Junior SAR 10,000 – SAR 16,000
Mid-Level SAR 17,000 – SAR 30,000
Senior SAR 30,000 – SAR 55,000

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HSE Officer

Junior SAR 5,500 – SAR 9,000
Mid-Level SAR 9,000 – SAR 16,000
Senior SAR 16,000 – SAR 28,000

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2 Retail

Store Manager

Junior SAR 5,000 – SAR 9,000
Mid-Level SAR 9,000 – SAR 14,000
Senior SAR 14,000 – SAR 22,000

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Sales Associate

Junior SAR 2,200 – SAR 3,500
Mid-Level SAR 3,500 – SAR 5,500
Senior SAR 5,500 – SAR 9,000

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Compare Salaries Across the GCC

Explore salary data for the same professions in other GCC countries to compare your options.

UAE Salaries Qatar Salaries

Sources & Methodology

All salary data is aggregated from multiple reputable salary survey sources. Figures are estimates representing typical monthly salary ranges and should be verified against the latest published data.

  • Bayt.com Salary Survey 2024
  • GulfTalent Market Trends 2024
  • Hays GCC Salary Guide 2024
  • Robert Half Salary Guide Middle East 2024
  • Michael Page Middle East Salary Benchmark 2024
  • Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

Last reviewed: January 2026. Individual salaries vary based on employer, qualifications, nationality, Saudization status, and negotiation.

Mottalib Radif

Written by Mottalib Radif

MBA INSEAD · Personal Finance Enthusiast

Updated