Expat Women Salaries in Saudi Arabia

Most females who come via family visa find it hard to get a job in their fields of interest. This is not the same story for our sisters who come to Saudi Arabia via a work visa. Nevertheless, if you are coming on a work visa, you should know the current salary trends of the area before moving.


Given that this country is very conservative, there are not many career options for women. Opportunities are usually available to women in the following sectors:


-Education
-Healthcare
-Hospitality/housekeeping


Now let us get to the salaries. Salaries will vary depending on your nationality (for some institutions or companies), level of education, and/or experience.

What should you expect in the education sector?


If you are a teacher, you should expect something between 1500 and 3200 USD per month. The following will determine how much you could end up getting.

1. Nationality: If you are a native English language speaker or have achieved native-level proficiency, then you are on the right path. 
2. Qualification: For mathematics, the basic sciences, and computer sciences, a Master's degree in the corresponding field would increase your chances of hitting a higher pay. For English language teachers, a Bachelor's degree in English language, Journalism, Mass Communication or Linguistics are very essential. Other certificates such as ESL, TEFL, TESL, EFL, CELTA, DELTA or TESOL attract many employers. A Master's or PhD in English is an asset.
3. Experience: Candidates who have 2 years or more teaching experience are usually preferred. Those who have also had experience teaching at a university have an added advantage.

As an aside, some international schools hire women without teaching experience. The salary will vary from one school to another and according to the qualification of the individual. There are some international schools in Jeddah for example, which hire female doctors, engineers, technicians, and nurses to teach children of different ages and levels. Usually, teachers without a university degree will get something between 530 and 665 USD monthly. Those with a university degree will get between 800 and 1500 USD monthly. Coordinators usually get a little more than this.

And what about our white-clad sisters in the health sector?

Here too, salaries will vary depending on the health institution. Female general practitioners (G.Ps) working for the Saudi government get a basic salary of about 1066 USD per month, plus other benefits i.e housing, transportation, medical etc. Specialists and consultants make a higher pay with salaries ranging between 2135 and 3200 USD monthly in addition to other benefits. Physicians working for the government enjoy a yearly raise after working for a given period of time; this is usually mentioned in the contract.

Physician salaries in the private sector vary a lot. Factors that could influence this are nationality, expertise, or level of education. G.Ps in the private sector could earn from 1066 to 2500 USD monthly; benefits may or may not be included. The lowest earners usually work in the private clinics and polyclinics. Those who earn more could be found in big hospitals and in insurance companies. The specialists and consultants get even more. They can take home between 2666 and 5333 USD monthly, depending on where they are working. There are even reports of consultants who earn more than 6000 USD per month. 

Nursing salaries also vary depending on the nationality and experience. According to some sources, these vary between 500 to 5000 USD per month, with Registered Nurses from the West (North America) apparently getting a higher pay...learn why. Workers from Asia, South Africa, and Nigeria get lower salaries.

And the ladies in the hospitality sector?

This sector offers very attractive salaries, but unfortunately most of the positions at hotels and public institutions are reserved for men. So where will we often find the women working in this sector? You will find them doing housekeeping jobs in hospitals, schools, and in the female branches of banks, female malls, shops and female entertainment areas. One thing for sure is that if you are planning to mop floors, expect between 265 and 535 USD per month. You would land a better deal if you get housing and transportation benefits in addition.

What is life if not work, work and more work. Go sisters, earn the cash and life goes on...