What do trades pay in Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
Figures counted from listings actually published on this site, with the sample size stated — not estimates.
Pay is the question we are asked most, and most of what circulates about it has no source: a figure somebody heard from a relative who travelled five years ago. So rather than invent numbers, we counted what the listings on this site actually say.
How these were counted, and their limits
Most job adverts name no salary at all; they say it will be agreed at interview. Out of thousands of listings, 68 stated a figure. That is a small sample, and it reflects what employers advertise rather than what a contract settles at after negotiation.
Read what follows as an indication of the order of magnitude, not a salary table. Figures are monthly, in riyals for Saudi Arabia and dirhams for the UAE.
Drivers
The largest group: 19 listings in Saudi Arabia and 10 in the UAE. Saudi offers ranged from 350 to 5,500 with a median of 2,000. UAE offers ranged from 1,500 to 5,500 with a median of 2,050.
The spread is not random. The very low figures usually come with full housing and board, or are part-time. The high ones are heavy goods or specialist licences. Never compare two figures before knowing what each includes.
Construction workers
A small sample: three listings in each country. Saudi offers sat around 1,800 to 2,000; UAE offers ran 1,400 to 3,200 with a median of 1,600. Most of these state that housing is provided, which is what makes the figure workable.
Cleaners
Saudi Arabia: four listings between 1,200 and 1,800, median 1,200. This is one of the most common routes into a first contract, usually with shared accommodation.
Electricians
Three UAE listings, from 800 to 2,200. Too few to build on, but worth noting that the gap between domestic and industrial electrical work is wide in every market.
Sales representatives
The highest band: 15 Saudi listings from 1,000 to 6,000, median 3,200. Note that many of these pay a low basic plus commission. Always ask what the basic alone is.
The number that matters is not the salary
Two offers at the same salary can leave very different amounts in your pocket. Always work out the net:
- The stated salary.
- Less rent, if housing is on you.
- Less transport, if it is not provided.
- Less food, if there is no allowance.
- Less the cost of sending money home each month.
1,600 with housing, transport and meals can beat 2,500 that has to cover all three. That calculation is the difference between going home with savings and going home with nothing.
Check for yourself
Search this site for your trade and read ten listings, not one. You will see the current range yourself. Listings are refreshed daily and removed when they expire, so what you see is today’s market.
Rules and fees change and differ by country and employer. Always check with the official authorities before paying or signing anything.