Average Salary in Riyadh 2024
How much money does a person working in Riyadh make?
LOW
4,470
SAR AVERAGE
17,700
SAR HIGH
78,800
SAR
A person working in Riyadh typically earns around 17,700 SAR. Salaries range from 4,470 SAR (lowest average) to 78,800 SAR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
Salary Variance
This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Riyadh 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 Riyadh
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
35,200 SAR or more
27,600 to 35,200 SAR
10,700 SAR or less
10,700 to 27,600 SAR
 4,470 SAR |
16,200 SAR |
78,800 SAR |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Salaries in Riyadh range from 4,470 SAR (starting salary) to 78,800 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 16,200 SAR, which means that 50% of the population in Riyadh 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 Riyadh earn less than 11,700 SAR while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 24,500 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 Riyadh. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 10,700 SAR to 27,600 SAR. Approximately 20% fall under the 10,700 SAR cap. Ten percent of wages are from 27,600 SAR to 35,200 SAR. Only 5% of people grossed 35,200 SAR or more.
Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does a person's salary progress over time?
Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.
In Riyadh, 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.
Salary Comparison By Education
How does the education level affect your salary?
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 Riyadh 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 / Riyadh
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 |
Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Riyadh
How much are annual salary increments in Riyadh? 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.
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
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
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?
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100% of surveyed staff in Saudi Arabia 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 BonusesThe most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance BonusesOccasionally, 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 BonusesGranted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year BonusesThese 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 Generators | Supporting 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: | Example: |
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.
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 specific job categories
Choose a job category to explore specific salary details
Accounting and FinanceAdministration / Reception / SecretarialAdvertising / Graphic Design / EventsAirlines / Aviation / Aerospace / DefenseArchitectureAutomotiveBankingBilingualBusiness PlanningCare Giving and Child CareCleaning and HousekeepingConstruction / Building / InstallationCounselingCourier / Delivery / Transport / DriversCustomer Service and Call CenterElectrical and Electronics TradesEngineeringEnvironmentalExecutive and ManagementFacilities / Maintenance / RepairFactory and ManufacturingFashion and ApparelFitness / Hair / BeautyFood / Hospitality / Tourism / CateringFundraising and Non ProfitGardening / Farming / FishingGovernment and DefenceHealth and MedicalHuman ResourcesImport and ExportIndependent JobsInformation TechnologyInsuranceLaw Enforcement / Security / FireLegalMarketingMedia / Broadcasting / Arts / EntertainmentOil / Gas / Energy / MiningPet CarePharmaceutical and BiotechnologyPhotographyPublic RelationsPublishing and PrintingPurchasing and InventoryQuality Control and ComplianceReal EstateRecreation and SportsSales Retail and WholesaleScience and Technical ServicesTeaching / EducationTelecommunicationSalaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Accounting and Finance | |
| Accountant | 11,500 SAR |
| Accounting Assistant | 9,460 SAR |
| Accounting Manager | 26,300 SAR |
| Bookkeeper | 7,730 SAR |
| Chartered Accountant | 15,000 SAR |
| Corporate Treasurer | 23,600 SAR |
| Financial Analyst | 22,300 SAR |
| Financial Manager | 34,700 SAR |
| Internal Auditor | 15,700 SAR |
Administration / Reception / Secretarial | |
| Administrative Assistant | 9,190 SAR |
| Office Manager | 14,500 SAR |
| Receptionist | 8,400 SAR |
| Secretary | 7,490 SAR |
Advertising / Graphic Design / Events | |
| Art Director | 16,500 SAR |
| Creative Director | 17,300 SAR |
| Graphic Designer | 10,500 SAR |
| Photographer | 9,230 SAR |
Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | |
| Aerospace Engineer | 21,200 SAR |
| Air Traffic Controller | 19,200 SAR |
| Flight Attendant | 12,100 SAR |
| Pilot | 28,700 SAR |
Architecture | |
| Architect | 20,000 SAR |
| CAD Drafter | 8,480 SAR |
Automotive | |
| Mechanic | 6,570 SAR |
| Service Advisor | 12,100 SAR |
Banking | |
| Bank Branch Manager | 31,500 SAR |
| Teller | 6,240 SAR |
Bilingual | |
| Teacher | 13,300 SAR |
| Translator | 15,000 SAR |
Business Planning | |
| Business Analyst | 21,800 SAR |
| Business Development Manager | 27,600 SAR |
| Project Manager | 21,200 SAR |
Care Giving and Child Care | |
| Nanny | 6,990 SAR |
| Nursery Teacher | 6,240 SAR |
Construction / Building / Installation | |
| Civil Engineer | 16,300 SAR |
| Construction Project Manager | 28,900 SAR |
| Health and Safety Officer | 7,490 SAR |
Customer Service and Call Center | |
| Call Center Representative | 6,240 SAR |
| Customer Service Manager | 23,600 SAR |
| Customer Service Representative | 6,240 SAR |
Engineering | |
| Civil Engineer | 15,200 SAR |
| Electrical Engineer | 17,100 SAR |
| Engineer | 16,400 SAR |
| Mechanical Engineer | 15,700 SAR |
Executive and Management | |
| Chief Executive Officer | 39,400 SAR |
| Chief Financial Officer | 34,400 SAR |
| General Manager | 30,600 SAR |
| Project Manager | 18,700 SAR |
Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | |
| Chef | 10,400 SAR |
| Executive Chef | 12,000 SAR |
| Hotel Manager | 31,500 SAR |
| Receptionist | 6,570 SAR |
| Travel Agent | 10,500 SAR |
| Waiter / Waitress | 5,520 SAR |
Health and Medical | |
| Dentist | 39,500 SAR |
| Dietitian | 32,400 SAR |
| Laboratory Technician | 12,500 SAR |
| Nurse | 13,700 SAR |
Human Resources | |
| Human Resources Manager | 26,300 SAR |
| Human Resources Officer | 10,500 SAR |
Information Technology | |
| Computer Technician | 13,300 SAR |
| Database Administrator | 17,300 SAR |
| Developer / Programmer | 17,100 SAR |
| Information Technology Manager | 27,400 SAR |
| Network Engineer | 15,100 SAR |
Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | |
| Police Officer | 9,980 SAR |
Legal | |
| Attorney | 34,100 SAR |
| Legal Assistant | 8,730 SAR |
Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment | |
| Journalist | 19,700 SAR |
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | |
| Biomedical Engineer | 14,100 SAR |
| Pharmacist | 22,300 SAR |
Sales Retail and Wholesale | |
| Cashier | 6,570 SAR |
| Sales Manager | 28,700 SAR |
| Sales Representative | 11,400 SAR |
Teaching / Education | |
| Elementary School Teacher | 11,400 SAR |
| Secondary School Teacher | 14,200 SAR |
Average Hourly Wage in Riyadh
100 SAR per hourThe average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Riyadh is 100 SAR.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.
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 Riyadh is 26 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
| City | Average Salary |
| Abha | 15,900 SAR |
| Dammam | 16,500 SAR |
| Jeddah | 17,400 SAR |
| Khubar | 16,300 SAR |
| Mecca | 17,100 SAR |
| Medina | 16,800 SAR |
| Riyadh | 17,700 SAR |
| Tabuk | 15,200 SAR |
| Taif | 15,500 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 |
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Riyadh?
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 Riyadh would range anywhere between 16,200 SAR and 24,500 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 Riyadh ranges from 4,470 SAR to 11,700 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
