Sam SmithSaudi Arabia’s job market in is experiencing significant growth, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, rapid economic diversification, and major investments in healthcare, technology, finance, and energy. As the Kingdom continues modernizing and expanding key industries, high-skilled professionals are in strong demand, particularly in medicine, engineering, and executive leadership. This guide highlights the top 100 highest-paying careers in Saudi Arabia, offering insight into salary expectations and helping job seekers identify lucrative career paths in this dynamic and evolving economy.
Top 100 Highest Paid Jobs In Saudi Arabia
1. Surgeon
Surgeons in Saudi Arabia are among the most highly paid professionals due to the country’s advanced hospital infrastructure and high demand for specialized surgical care. They perform complex operations, manage pre- and post-operative care, and often work in top-tier private hospitals or government medical centers. Saudi Arabia attracts global medical talent, offering generous tax-free salaries, housing allowances, and benefits. Surgeons with expertise in cardiothoracic, orthopedic, and neurosurgery fields earn even higher packages and leadership opportunities.
2. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are essential to surgical procedures, managing anesthesia during operations and monitoring patient vitals. In Saudi Arabia, their role is in high demand across government and private hospitals as healthcare investment expands. They work closely with surgeons and critical care teams, especially in major medical hubs like Riyadh and Jeddah. Competitive tax-free salaries, housing, and expat benefits make this career attractive. Expertise in pediatric or trauma anesthesia increases earning potential significantly.
3. Radiologist
Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnostics, interpreting CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays to support accurate medical treatment. Saudi Arabia’s rapidly modernizing healthcare system relies heavily on imaging technologies, creating strong demand for experienced radiologists. They work in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and specialized clinics. With tax-free salaries, housing allowances, and relocation support for foreign professionals, radiology offers excellent earning potential. Advanced subspecialties like interventional radiology command even higher compensation packages.
4. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. As mental health awareness grows in Saudi Arabia, demand for psychiatric services has increased across hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers. Psychiatrists often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and may offer therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. With strong government support for mental health services, psychiatrists benefit from high salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities to work in both public and private sectors.
5. Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in correcting dental alignment and jaw issues using braces, aligners, and reconstructive approaches. In Saudi Arabia, cosmetic dentistry is popular, and orthodontists enjoy strong demand, particularly in urban areas. High-end clinics and private dental centers offer lucrative tax-free income, and expatriate specialists are often recruited with housing and relocation benefits. Those with expertise in advanced orthodontic techniques or aesthetic dental procedures can reach the top earning bracket.
6. General Practitioner
General practitioners (GPs) provide primary medical care, diagnose common conditions, administer treatment, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. With Saudi Arabia expanding its healthcare infrastructure and encouraging preventive medicine, GPs are essential across hospitals, clinics, and community centers. They receive competitive salaries and strong benefits packages, especially when working in private sector hospitals or government healthcare programs. GPs with experience in family medicine or chronic disease management are particularly valued.
7. Pediatrician
Pediatricians treat infants, children, and adolescents, managing growth, development, and childhood illnesses. Saudi Arabia places strong priority on children’s healthcare, meaning pediatricians have ample opportunity in private hospitals, public healthcare facilities, and pediatric specialty clinics. The profession offers generous, tax-free income and relocation benefits for expatriates. Pediatricians with specialized areas such as neonatal care or pediatric cardiology earn higher salaries and often work in advanced medical centers.
8. Medical Director
Medical directors oversee hospital operations, clinical quality, and medical staff performance. They ensure compliance with health standards, manage patient care programs, and lead strategic initiatives. In Saudi Arabia, where large hospital networks and international healthcare partnerships are growing, experienced medical directors are highly valued. Strong leadership skills and experience in administration are essential. The role offers top-tier tax-free compensation, housing allowances, and executive benefits, especially within major hospital groups.
9. Pathologist
Pathologists analyze tissue and lab results to diagnose diseases, supporting accurate clinical decisions. Saudi Arabia’s advanced medical labs and cancer centers rely on skilled pathologists, especially in major cities. They work closely with surgeons and physicians to confirm diagnoses and guide treatment plans. The position offers strong tax-free income, relocation benefits, and opportunities for research in growing medical research sectors. Subspecialists in hematopathology or molecular pathology command premium salaries.
10. Emergency Medicine Consultant
Emergency medicine consultants lead emergency department operations, treating life-threatening conditions and trauma cases. Saudi Arabia’s busy hospitals and growing emergency care infrastructure ensure high demand for experienced specialists. They manage critical care, train junior doctors, and coordinate rapid response teams. Consultants receive strong tax-free pay, expat packages, and housing allowances. Skills in trauma or disaster medicine further boost earning potential, especially in major urban emergency centers.
11. Clinical Researcher
Clinical researchers design and manage medical studies to advance treatment standards and medication development. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in biomedical research and clinical trials, especially within government health programs and academic institutions. Researchers collaborate with clinicians, analyze trial data, and ensure ethical study practices. Strong salaries, funding opportunities, and access to modern facilities make this career attractive. Those with pharmaceutical research experience or advanced degrees command higher income.
12. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform restorative procedures, and provide preventive care. Cosmetic dentistry is booming in Saudi Arabia, driving high demand for skilled dentists in private clinics. Attractive tax-free income, housing allowances, and flexible private practice opportunities make this a lucrative career. Advanced skills in aesthetic dentistry, implants, or oral surgery increase earning potential significantly, particularly in affluent urban regions.
13. Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators oversee healthcare facility operations, staffing, budgeting, and service quality. Saudi Arabia continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure through Vision 2030, creating strong demand for experienced administrators. The role requires strong leadership, healthcare management skills, and strategic planning expertise. Administrators receive high tax-free salaries, executive benefits, and housing allowances. International experience and healthcare management qualifications can result in even greater compensation packages.
14. Physiotherapist (Senior)
Senior physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal and mobility issues, helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. With increasing focus on rehabilitation and sports medicine in Saudi Arabia, demand for skilled physiotherapists is rising. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics. Senior practitioners receive strong salaries, benefits, and housing support. Specialized training in sports physiotherapy, orthopedics, or neurological rehab can significantly enhance earning potential.
15. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide advanced clinical care, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatment under physician supervision. Saudi Arabia is expanding roles for advanced nurses due to its growing healthcare needs. NPs work in hospitals, specialty clinics, and primary care settings, often receiving strong compensation, housing, and relocation packages. Those with experience in critical care, emergency medicine, or pediatrics can earn higher wages and enjoy strong career stability.
16. Investment Banker
Investment bankers in Saudi Arabia support major financial deals, including corporate financing, mergers, and capital-raising. With major government economic diversification projects and global investment activity, demand for top-tier bankers is strong. They work in global banks, investment firms, and sovereign wealth funds. High earnings come from base salary plus performance bonuses, and expats often receive housing and travel allowances. Expertise in corporate finance and energy deals is highly valued.
17. Private Equity Manager
Private equity managers invest in private companies, manage investment portfolios, and drive value creation. Saudi Arabia’s growing private sector, sovereign funds, and investment environment create lucrative opportunities in private equity. Managers assess business performance, negotiate deals, and oversee growth initiatives. Compensation includes high salaries, housing support, and significant performance incentives. Experience in energy, manufacturing, or financial services investments boosts earning potential, particularly within major investment groups.
18. Risk Manager
Risk managers identify and mitigate financial and operational risks for banks, corporations, and investment firms. As Saudi Arabia’s financial sector grows, risk management has become increasingly vital. Responsibilities include risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and developing risk-control strategies. Competitive salaries, housing benefits, and tax-free income make this field attractive. Experience in credit risk, operational risk, or enterprise risk management can secure top-tier compensation packages.
19. Asset Manager
Asset managers oversee investment portfolios for wealthy individuals, institutions, and government funds. Saudi Arabia’s financial markets and wealth-management industry are expanding rapidly, driven by Vision 2030. Professionals must evaluate investment opportunities, manage risk, and maximize returns. The role offers high salaries plus performance-based bonuses and expat benefits. Expertise in regional markets, real estate, or energy investments commands higher pay within private banks and investment firms.
20. Financial Controller
Financial controllers manage corporate accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. With multinational companies and major government projects operating in Saudi Arabia, controllers are in demand across industries. They ensure compliance with regulations, supervise finance teams, and support executive financial planning. Strong tax-free salaries, housing allowances, and executive-level benefits make the role attractive. Controllers with experience in construction, energy, or international finance often earn at the top end of the range.
Top 100 Highest-Paid Jobs in Saudi Arabia
(Estimated Monthly Salaries in SAR)
| # | Job Title | Estimated Salary (SAR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeon | 60,000–100,000 |
| 2 | Anesthesiologist | 55,000–95,000 |
| 3 | Radiologist | 50,000–90,000 |
| 4 | Psychiatrist | 50,000–85,000 |
| 5 | Orthodontist | 45,000–80,000 |
| 6 | General Practitioner | 40,000–75,000 |
| 7 | Pediatrician | 40,000–70,000 |
| 8 | Medical Director | 45,000–85,000 |
| 9 | Pathologist | 40,000–70,000 |
| 10 | Emergency Medicine Consultant | 38,000–65,000 |
| 11 | Clinical Researcher | 35,000–60,000 |
| 12 | Dentist | 35,000–60,000 |
| 13 | Hospital Administrator | 35,000–55,000 |
| 14 | Senior Physiotherapist | 30,000–50,000 |
| 15 | Nurse Practitioner | 28,000–45,000 |
| 16 | Investment Banker | 50,000–90,000 |
| 17 | Private Equity Manager | 45,000–85,000 |
| 18 | Risk Manager | 40,000–75,000 |
| 19 | Asset Manager | 40,000–70,000 |
| 20 | Financial Controller | 38,000–65,000 |
| 21 | Compliance Officer | 35,000–60,000 |
| 22 | Tax Advisor | 35,000–60,000 |
| 23 | Senior Auditor | 30,000–55,000 |
| 24 | Corporate Treasurer | 30,000–50,000 |
| 25 | Wealth Manager | 30,000–50,000 |
| 26 | Financial Analyst | 28,000–45,000 |
| 27 | Portfolio Manager | 28,000–45,000 |
| 28 | Credit Risk Analyst | 25,000–40,000 |
| 29 | Senior Accountant | 25,000–40,000 |
| 30 | Insurance Underwriter | 25,000–40,000 |
| 31 | CTO | 55,000–100,000 |
| 32 | Cloud Architect | 50,000–90,000 |
| 33 | AI/ML Engineer | 45,000–85,000 |
| 34 | Software Engineering Manager | 45,000–80,000 |
| 35 | Cybersecurity Specialist | 40,000–75,000 |
| 36 | Data Scientist | 38,000–70,000 |
| 37 | DevOps Engineer | 35,000–65,000 |
| 38 | Full-Stack Developer | 35,000–60,000 |
| 39 | Blockchain Developer | 35,000–60,000 |
| 40 | IT Project Manager | 30,000–55,000 |
| 41 | UX/UI Designer | 30,000–50,000 |
| 42 | Systems Analyst | 28,000–45,000 |
| 43 | Network Architect | 28,000–45,000 |
| 44 | QA Automation Engineer | 25,000–40,000 |
| 45 | Database Administrator | 25,000–40,000 |
| 46 | Petroleum Engineer | 50,000–90,000 |
| 47 | Drilling Engineer | 45,000–85,000 |
| 48 | Reservoir Engineer | 45,000–80,000 |
| 49 | Offshore Installation Manager | 45,000–80,000 |
| 50 | Subsea Engineer | 40,000–75,000 |
| 51 | Energy Trader | 40,000–70,000 |
| 52 | Project Manager (Energy) | 38,000–65,000 |
| 53 | Senior Electrical Engineer | 35,000–60,000 |
| 54 | HSE Manager | 35,000–60,000 |
| 55 | Mechanical Engineer | 30,000–55,000 |
| 56 | Civil Engineer | 30,000–50,000 |
| 57 | Geologist | 30,000–50,000 |
| 58 | Pipeline Engineer | 28,000–45,000 |
| 59 | Energy Analyst | 28,000–45,000 |
| 60 | Environmental Engineer | 25,000–40,000 |
| 61 | CEO | 70,000–120,000 |
| 62 | CFO | 65,000–110,000 |
| 63 | COO | 60,000–100,000 |
| 64 | Managing Director | 55,000–95,000 |
| 65 | HR Director | 50,000–90,000 |
| 66 | Marketing Director | 45,000–85,000 |
| 67 | Sales Director | 45,000–80,000 |
| 68 | Operations Director | 40,000–75,000 |
| 69 | Product Manager | 38,000–70,000 |
| 70 | Business Development Manager | 35,000–65,000 |
| 71 | Procurement Manager | 35,000–60,000 |
| 72 | Account Director | 30,000–55,000 |
| 73 | Strategy Lead | 30,000–55,000 |
| 74 | Brand Manager | 28,000–50,000 |
| 75 | Project Manager | 28,000–50,000 |
| 76 | Airline Pilot | 40,000–85,000 |
| 77 | Captain (Marine/Shipping) | 40,000–80,000 |
| 78 | University Professor (STEM) | 30,000–60,000 |
| 79 | Real Estate Development Manager | 35,000–70,000 |
| 80 | Construction Project Manager | 30,000–60,000 |
| 81 | Architect | 28,000–50,000 |
| 82 | Supply Chain Manager | 30,000–55,000 |
| 83 | Mining Engineer | 30,000–60,000 |
| 84 | Aviation Maintenance Director | 35,000–70,000 |
| 85 | Legal Counsel | 40,000–80,000 |
| 86 | Corporate Lawyer | 38,000–75,000 |
| 87 | Judge | 45,000–90,000 |
| 88 | Embassy Diplomat | 35,000–70,000 |
| 89 | Government Policy Advisor | 30,000–60,000 |
| 90 | Economic Analyst | 28,000–50,000 |
| 91 | Media Director | 30,000–55,000 |
| 92 | PR Manager | 28,000–50,000 |
| 93 | Airline Flight Engineer | 28,000–50,000 |
| 94 | Logistics Manager | 28,000–48,000 |
| 95 | Hotel General Manager | 28,000–48,000 |
| 96 | Senior Sales Executive | 25,000–45,000 |
| 97 | HR Manager | 25,000–45,000 |
| 98 | Procurement Specialist | 22,000–40,000 |
| 99 | Operations Supervisor | 20,000–35,000 |
| 100 | Customer Relations Manager | 18,000–30,000 |
Closing
Saudi Arabia offers exceptional earning potential, world-class career opportunities, and a fast-growing environment for ambitious professionals across healthcare, technology, finance, and energy. As Vision 2030 reforms continue reshaping the economy, demand for advanced skills will only increase, creating new pathways for local and international talent. Whether you’re planning to relocate, advance your career, or explore new industries, understanding the Kingdom’s top-earning jobs can help you make informed decisions and strategically position yourself for long-term success in one of the world’s most transformative markets.