Average Salary in Saudi Arabia

Table of Contents

How much does a Saudi Arabian worker make?

Working in Saudi Arabia normally brings in a monthly salary of 16,700 Saudi Riyals. More than 70,000 SAR per month is the average salary.

It includes housing, transportation, and other perks. This is the average monthly wage in the United States. Depending on a person’s field of work, salaries might vary greatly. Companies in Saudi Arabia are known to pay much more than the average.

Some of the highest paying jobs in Saudi Arabia are:

CEOs: 290,000 SAR/Month
CFOs: 250,000 SAR/Month
CTOs: 220,000 SAR/month
Project Managers: 200,000 SAR/month

Salary Structure in Saudi Arabia

The Pay Scale

In Saudi Arabia, monthly salaries vary from 4,230 SAR to 74,600 SAR. The median salary is 20,700 SAR per month, which means that half (50%) of the population are earning less than 20,700 SAR while the other half are earning more than 20,700 SAR.

Professions are divided into four main categories in Saudi Arabia:

Unskilled workers (including construction workers, cleaners, etc.) – 4,230 SAR per month
Skilled workers (including electricians, mechanics, plumbers, etc.) – 6,640 SAR per month
Semi-skilled workers (including drivers, office clerks, salespeople, etc.) – 11,430 SAR per month
Professionals (including doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.) – 74,600 SAR per month

As you can see from the table above, there is a significant difference in salaries between unskilled workers and professionals. The gap is even bigger when we compare the lowest salary with the highest one.

Median Compensation

The median wage in Saudi Arabia is 15,700 SAR per month. Given that half of the population earns less than 15,700 SAR per month and the other half earns more than 15,700 SAR per month, we may deduce that the median pay is correct. The median is the value that falls exactly in the center of the range.

The average salary in Saudi Arabia is 22,464 SAR per month. The median wage falls somewhere between the average and the median. This is due to the fact that there are a few very high earners pulling up the average wage.

The lowest 10% of workers in Saudi Arabia earn 4,360 SAR per month while the highest 10% earn 64,430 SAR per month. This means that if you want to be in the top 10% of earners, you will need to make at least 64,430 SAR per month.

Percentiles

Seventy-five percent of the population has an income that is more than 8,970 SAR, while the remaining twenty-five percent earn less than that amount. The median income in Saudi Arabia is 11,475 SAR. This means that fifty percent of the population earns more than this amount while the other fifty percent earn less.

To compare, the median income in the United States is slightly higher at around 29,829 USD. This means that although Saudi Arabia has a lower cost of living, its wages are not as high as compared in other developed countries.

When looking at salary distribution by gender, it’s clear that men earn significantly more than women in Saudi Arabia.

The median male salary is 12,993 SAR while the median female salary is only 5,333 SAR. This difference is likely due to the fact that women are not allowed to work in certain industries and are often paid less for doing the same job as men.

The average salary in Saudi Arabia varies depending on your experience and qualifications. For entry-level positions, the average salary is 5,875 SAR per month. Mid-level positions have an average salary of 9,817 SAR per month while senior-level positions boast an average salary of 15,333 SAR per month.

How does the median pay vary from the average wage?

Both the average salary and the median compensation are indicators of what an employee in Saudi Arabia can expect to earn. The average salary is calculated by adding up all salaries and dividing them by the number of employees.

The median compensation, on the other hand, is the salary that falls in the middle when all salaries are listed in order from highest to lowest. In other words, half of all workers earn less than the median salary, while the other half earn more.

The median pay is often seen as a better indicator of what “typical” workers earn because it is not as influenced by outliers (extreme values that can skew the data). For example, if a CEO were to be included in the calculation of the average salary, this would obviously increase the average wage, but wouldn’t have as much impact on the median salary.

So, what does this all mean for workers in Saudi Arabia? Well, according to the most recent data (from 2018), the average salary in Saudi Arabia is 9,750 SAR per month.

The median salary, on the other hand, is 8,560 SAR per month. This means that half of all workers earn less than 8,560 SAR per month, while the other half earn more.

Comparing Salaries in Saudi Arabia Based on Years of Experience

How does a person’s wage change over time?

In Saudi Arabia, salaries tend to increase with experience. The average worker in Saudi Arabia with 1-2 years of experience earns SAR 45,865 per year.

Those with 5-10 years of experience earn an average total compensation of SAR 63,268. Workers with 10-20 years of experience earn an average total compensation of SAR 81,907. Finally, employees who have spent more than 20 years on the job earn an average yearly salary of SAR 95,409.

However, take note that these figures are averages, and your actual salary may differ based on a number of factors including your position, company size, and industry.

In Saudi Arabia, salaries generally increase with experience. The average worker in Saudi Arabia with 1-2 years of experience earns SAR 45,865 per year. Those with 5-10 years of experience earn an average total compensation of SAR 63,268. Workers with 10-20 years of experience earn an average total compensation of SAR 81,907.

Finally, employees who have spent more than 20 years on the job earn an average yearly salary of SAR 95,409.

Comparison of Saudi Arabian Salaries by Education

Is there a correlation between education level and salary?

Education imposes a huge impact on an individual in terms of his/her future earnings. The better the education, the higher the pay an individual will earn. In Saudi Arabia, it is no different.

Secondary education graduates are the lowest earners in the Kingdom. They earn an average monthly salary of SAR 4,533. This is followed by those who have completed their national service with an average monthly salary of SAR 5,067.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn an average monthly salary of SAR 8,333. Those with higher education, such as a master’s degree or doctorate, earn an even higher salary at SAR 11,100 per month on average.

This data reveals that there is a direct correlation between educational level and earnings in Saudi Arabia. The higher the education, the higher the pay. Therefore, if you are looking to maximize your earnings potential in the Kingdom, it is important to invest in your education.

Saudi Arabian Wage Comparisons Based on Gender

Men in Saudi Arabia earn an average of 14% more than women across all industries. However, women in Saudi Arabia earn an average of 33% more than men when working in the public sector.

In order to compare salaries between genders, we need to look at the average hourly wage. The average hourly wage for men in Saudi Arabia is SAR 35.02, while the average hourly wage for women is SAR 30.39. This means that men earn an average of 14% more than women across all industries.

However, when we look at the public sector, we see a different story. The average hourly wage for men in the public sector is SAR 31.67, while the average hourly wage for women is SAR 41.67. This means that women in Saudi Arabia earn an average of 33% more than men when working in the public sector.

There are a few possible explanations for this discrepancy. It could be that there are more women working in lower-paying jobs in the private sector, or that there is a gender pay gap in the private sector. Alternatively, it could be that the public sector offers more opportunities for women to advance into higher-paying positions.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that there is a significant difference in the average hourly wages earned by men and women in Saudi Arabia. Men earn more than women across all industries, but women earn significantly more than men when working in the public sector.

Saudi Arabia’s Typical Annual Salary Increase Percentage

In Saudi Arabia, how much is the yearly wage increase? How frequently do workers get a pay increase?

In Saudi Arabia, workers may expect a rise in their pay of almost 8% every 17 months. This data comes from analyses conducted by Bayt.com, the Middle East’s leading job site.

In Saudi Arabia, salaries are increased regularly for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include:

The cost of living has gone up
You have gained more experience or qualifications
The company is doing well and wants to reward its employees
The inflation rate is high

As an example, if you are currently earning SAR 10,000 per month, you can expect to earn SAR 10,800 per month after 17 months. This is assuming that there are no other changes in your circumstances such as changes in job title, responsibilities, etc.

Saudi Arabia Annual Increase Rate by Sector

Healthcare – 8%
Banking – 5%
Education – 5%
Business and Consulting – 5%
Information Technology – 4%
Telecommunications – 4%
Transportation and Logistics – 3%
Retail and Consumer Goods – 2.5%
Other sectors – 2.5%

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is relatively high when compared to other countries in the Middle East, but it is still lower than in many Western countries. The average salary in Saudi Arabia is 12,000 SAR per month (approximately $3,200 USD).

Average Rate of Salary Growth by Level of Experience

In Saudi Arabia, junior-level workers earn about a 3-5% increase in salary each year on average. This is in line with what other countries in the region offer. Mid-level workers can expect to receive 5-7% more each year, while senior executives can anticipate 7-9% growth annually.

As you gain experience, you will be able to command a higher salary in Saudi Arabia. On average, junior-level workers earn 3-5% more each year, mid-level workers 5-7%, and senior executives 7-9%.

With a few years of experience under your belt, you will be in a good position to negotiate for a higher salary.

Compensation for Saudi Arabian Workers

How frequently and how much are bonuses awarded?

More than half of the employees polled in Saudi Arabia claimed that they had not received any bonuses or incentives in the preceding year, while almost half said that they had received at least one type of financial compensation.

Bonuses ranged from 3% to 5% of yearly compensation for those who received them. The most common bonus was an end-of-year payment, with 60% of respondents indicating that they had received this type of bonus.

Other popular bonuses included project-based payments (36%), profit sharing (30%), and commissions (24%).

When asked about satisfaction with their current salary, almost half of employees said they were content, while just over a quarter indicated that they were very satisfied. A small minority (8%) said they were dissatisfied with their earnings.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Saudi workers are optimistic about their earning potential, with nearly two-thirds expecting a pay rise in the coming year.

Types of Rewards and Bonuses

Individual Bonuses Based on Performance

In Saudi Arabia, an employee’s bonus is usually related to his or her performance. If an individual demonstrates excellence in his or her work, he or she will likely receive a bonus. The amount of the bonus is typically determined by the employer and is not regulated by law.

Company Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to individual bonuses, some companies in Saudi Arabia also give out bonuses that are based on the company’s overall performance. For example, a company might give all of its employees a bonus if it meets or exceeds its sales goals for the year.

Achievement-Based Rewards

Another type of bonus that is sometimes given in Saudi Arabia is an achievement-based reward. This type of bonus is given to an employee who has achieved a significant milestone, such as completing a difficult project or reaching a sales target.

Bonuses for the Holidays / Year’s End

Finally, some companies in Saudi Arabia also give their employees bonuses during the holidays or at the end of the year. These bonuses are typically given to all employees, regardless of individual performance.

Saudi Arabian Bonus Rates by Profession

Which factors are considered to make a position eligible for the best perks and a decent salary?

In Saudi Arabia, various factors contribute to the formation of an employee’s salary, with experience and education being among the most significant.

Listed below are average salaries for a variety of positions in Saudi Arabia, as well as the benefits that these employees typically receive.

Sales Representatives: 15,000 SAR per month + commissions
Marketing Agent: 12,000 SAR per month
Database Administrator: 10,500 SAR per month
Web Developer: 9,000 SAR per month
Graphic Designer: 8,500 SAR per month

While the average salaries in Saudi Arabia are decent, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of living is also relatively high.

Comparing Saudi Arabian Bonuses by Seniority Level

Senior workers in Saudi Arabia with 20 or more years of experience earn a significantly higher salary than their junior counterparts. Experienced workers make an average total compensation of SAR 504,977 ($ 135,068) compared to SAR 252,768 ($ 67,552) for inexperienced workers.

Bonuses are also paid out differently by seniority level. Workers with 20 or more years of experience earn an average bonus of SAR 60,000 ($ 16,129), while workers with 0-1 year of experience earn an average bonus of SAR 9,333 ($ 2,486).

These numbers are based on the salaries and bonuses paid to employees at different seniority levels in Saudi Arabia. Seniority level is determined by years of experience.

The average salary for a worker in Saudi Arabia is SAR 504,977 per year. This number varies depending on seniority level, with experienced workers earning significantly more than their junior counterparts.

Bonuses are also paid out differently by seniority level, with senior workers receiving larger bonuses than junior workers.

Salary Ranges for Popular Positions

Construction / Building / Installation

Civil Engineer – 15,500 SAR
Construction Project Manager – 27,500 SAR
Health and Safety Officer – 7,090 SAR
Industrial Engineer – 11,090 SAR
Construction Worker – 5,780 SAR
Electrician – 6,040 SAR
Pipefitter – 5,880 SAR

Information Technology (IT)

Computer Programmer – 13,980 SAR
Database Administrator – 22,560 SAR
Systems Analyst – 24,870 SAR
Web Developer – 15,070 SAR

Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineering

Maintenance Manager – 16,780 SAR
Quality Control Manager – 25,750 SAR
Sales Engineer – 20,950 SAR plant operator- 12000SAR
Operations Manager – 39,370 SAR
Plant Manager – 46,770 SAR
Production Supervisor – 14,280 SAR

Business / Finance

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – 97,560 SAR
Commercial Banker – 27,280 SAR
Controller – 30,780 SAR
Investment Banker – 46,560 SAR
Product Manager – 38,070 SAR
Sales Manager – 30,870 SAR

HR / Recruitment

Human Resources (HR) Generalist – 23,560 SAR
Recruiter – 25,870 SAR
Training Manager – 32,270 SAR

Marketing / PR

Brand Manager – 37,280 SAR
Communications Specialist – 21,180 SAR
Marketing Reaearcher – 25,560 SAR
Public Relations Specialist – 24,070 SAR

Sales

Account Executive – 22,870 SAR
Key Account Manager – 35,270 SAR
National Sales Manager – 54,280 SAR
Regional Sales Manager – 41,180 SAR
Sales Engineer – 34,170 SAR
Sales Representative – 21,080 SAR

Comparison of Salary by City

Riyadh workers earn about 17,600 SAR while Jeddah workers pocket around 16,700 SAR per month on average. The lowest salaries are found in Al-Jouf at 12,200 SAR while the second-lowest is Ta’if at 13,400 SAR.

The cost of living also differs from one city to another. In Riyadh, for instance, the cost of living is higher than in Jeddah or Ta’if. This is because of the higher prices of housing, transportation, and other basic necessities in the Saudi capital.

Saudi Arabia’s Standard Hourly Wage

Saudi Arabia’s average hourly earnings are 96 SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal). The average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia is 12,000 SAR. The average yearly salary in Saudi Arabia is 144,000 SAR.

However, salaries vary greatly depending on what industry you work in. For example, those working in the oil and gas industry tend to earn much higher salaries than those working in the retail or service industries.

The Salary Differences Between the Government and Private Sector

In Saudi Arabia, the typical public sector employee earns 7% more than their private-sector colleagues. This difference is relatively small compared to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

For example, in Kuwait, public sector workers earn 36% more than those in the private sector. In Qatar, they earn 22% more, and in the United Arab Emirates, they earn 11% more.