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Average Salary in Dubai 2024

How much money does a person working in Dubai make?


Average Monthly Salary
15,700 AED
( 189,000 AED yearly)

LOW
2,860
AED
AVERAGE
15,700
AED
HIGH
75,200
AED
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 Dubai typically earns around 15,700 AED. Salaries range from 2,860 AED (lowest average) to 75,200 AED (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Dubai 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 Dubai

Median and salary distribution Dubai monthly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
31,800 AED or more
10% of people earn
24,500 to 31,800 AED
20% of people earn
8,650 AED or less
65% of people earn
8,650 to 24,500 AED
Minimum Salary
2,860 AED
Median
13,800 AED
Maximum
75,200 AED




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 Dubai range from 2,860 AED (starting salary) to 75,200 AED (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 13,800 AED, which means that 50% of the population in Dubai 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 Dubai earn less than 9,560 AED while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 21,700 AED 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 Dubai. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 8,650 AED to 24,500 AED. Approximately 20% fall under the 8,650 AED cap. Ten percent of wages are from 24,500 AED to 31,800 AED. Only 5% of people grossed 31,800 AED 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 Dubai, 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 Dubai 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 United Arab Emirates is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 71,700 AED to 215,000 AED 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 / Dubai

Salary comparison by gender United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 7% across all career fields.

Male
14,800 AED
Female-7%
13,700 AED
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Dubai

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

United Arab Emirates

Employees in United Arab Emirates are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 8% every 17 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate United Arab Emirates
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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 United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate United Arab Emirates
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100% of surveyed staff in United Arab Emirates reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

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

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

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
Accountant10,500 AED
Accounting Assistant8,100 AED
Accounting Manager24,100 AED
Bookkeeper6,720 AED
Chartered Accountant13,800 AED
Corporate Treasurer22,100 AED
Financial Analyst20,500 AED
Financial Manager34,100 AED
Internal Auditor14,500 AED

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant7,550 AED
Office Manager14,000 AED
Receptionist6,890 AED
Secretary6,530 AED

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director16,400 AED
Creative Director16,100 AED
Graphic Designer9,040 AED
Photographer8,220 AED

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer19,900 AED
Air Traffic Controller17,400 AED
Flight Attendant10,500 AED
Pilot29,400 AED

Architecture
Architect19,100 AED
CAD Drafter7,310 AED

Automotive
Mechanic4,950 AED
Service Advisor10,900 AED

Banking
Bank Branch Manager29,100 AED
Teller5,160 AED

Bilingual
Teacher12,400 AED
Translator13,800 AED

Business Planning
Business Analyst19,300 AED
Business Development Manager26,600 AED
Project Manager20,500 AED

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny5,520 AED
Nursery Teacher5,040 AED

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer14,600 AED
Construction Project Manager26,300 AED
Health and Safety Officer6,270 AED

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative4,840 AED
Customer Service Manager22,000 AED
Customer Service Representative5,140 AED

Engineering
Civil Engineer14,500 AED
Electrical Engineer15,200 AED
Engineer15,400 AED
Mechanical Engineer15,400 AED

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer37,100 AED
Chief Financial Officer34,800 AED
General Manager28,900 AED
Project Manager18,600 AED

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef9,250 AED
Executive Chef11,500 AED
Hotel Manager29,300 AED
Receptionist5,270 AED
Travel Agent9,150 AED
Waiter / Waitress3,950 AED

Health and Medical
Dentist38,900 AED
Dietitian33,100 AED
Laboratory Technician11,900 AED
Nurse12,600 AED

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager24,100 AED
Human Resources Officer8,770 AED

Information Technology
Computer Technician12,100 AED
Database Administrator15,500 AED
Developer / Programmer15,600 AED
Information Technology Manager26,100 AED
Network Engineer13,800 AED

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer8,540 AED

Legal
Attorney32,100 AED
Legal Assistant7,750 AED

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist18,500 AED

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer13,100 AED
Pharmacist20,100 AED

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier5,250 AED
Sales Manager27,800 AED
Sales Representative9,820 AED

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher10,100 AED
Secondary School Teacher12,300 AED

Average Hourly Wage in Dubai


91 AED per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Dubai is 91 AED.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 Dubai is 17 AED. 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
Abu Dhabi15,300 AED
Ajman14,100 AED
Al Ain14,500 AED
Dubai15,700 AED
Fujairah13,200 AED
Ras Al Khaimah13,700 AED
Sharjah15,000 AED
Um Al Quiwain12,800 AED

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 United Arab Emirates is 6% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
13,800 AED
Public Sector+6%
14,700 AED
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 Dubai?

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 Dubai would range anywhere between 13,800 AED and 21,700 AED.

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 Dubai ranges from 2,860 AED to 9,560 AED. 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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