Working in Saudi Arabia
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
The average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia is approximately SAR 10,200 ($2,720), although this can vary widely depending on industry, experience, and role. For example, in the engineering sector, average salaries are around SAR 10,400 ($2,773) per month, with entry-level roles earning approximately SAR 6,800 ($1,813), and senior engineers earning upwards of SAR 13,800 ($3,680). In the energy sector, salaries are often significantly higher – top senior roles can range from SAR 30,000 ($8,000) to SAR 180,000 ($48,000) per month.
All salaries in Saudi Arabia vary heavily by nationality, employer type, and Saudisation category.
General information
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
Regional Arabic dialects: Hejazi, Najdi, Gulf English Tagalog Urdu Hindi Bengali
Time zone
Saudi Arabia Standard Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Saudi Arabia, workers can be hired through various employment or contracting arrangements, each with its own rules and benefits.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Thinking about working abroad?
Take a look at our latest international jobs.
Living in Saudi Arabia
Living in Saudi Arabia offers a mix of strong traditional values and rapidly modernising urban life. Daily life is influenced by Islamic customs, but major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam offer international dining, entertainment, and modern amenities. The country is culturally and ethnically diverse, with a large expat population from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. The cost of living is moderate overall, though housing can be expensive in major cities and high-end neighbourhoods.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family costs roughly SAR 350 – 550 ($93 - $147)
- Monthly rent costs SAR 3,000 – 7,000 ($800 - $1,870), higher in prime Riyadh and Jeddah areas
- Monthly childcare costs roughly SAR 1,200 – 3,000 ($320 - $800+)
- Petrol costs around SAR 2.18 – 2.50 ($0.58 - $0.67) per litre, while a litre of diesel costs SAR 1.66 ($0.44)
Vehicles in Saudi Arabia drive on the right-hand side of the road, and most residents rely on private cars. Expats may use a valid foreign or international licence short-term, but once becoming a resident, expats must obtain a Saudi driver’s licence by registering through the Absher system, completing a medical check, and passing required tests; some nationalities can convert an existing licence with fewer steps.
Weather in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has a hot desert climate with long, dry summers and short, mild winters. Summer temperatures are extremely high, typically ranging from 40 - 45°C in most regions and sometimes exceeding 50°C in inland cities. Winter temperatures are much cooler, averaging 8 – 20°C with colder nights in desert areas and the northern regions. Rainfall is very low and irregular, averaging less than 100mm per year in most areas.
Language and integration support
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and is used in government, education, and daily life, while English is widely spoken, particularly in cities, workplaces, and service industries. Many large employers, international schools, and expat compounds provide integration support, including cultural awareness training and basic Arabic lessons. Learning some conversational Arabic is strongly encouraged to help with social integration and navigating local services.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Saudi Arabia
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
