Salary Survey in KSA: Trends, Insights, and Employee Expectations

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) continues to be a leading hub for talent and business in the Middle East. With Vision 2030 driving economic diversification and growth, compensation trends are evolving rapidly across sectors. Understanding salaries in the KSA market is no longer just about numbers — it’s about gaining insights into talent retention, market competitiveness, and employee satisfaction.

Salary surveys offer companies and professionals a clear picture of pay structures, industry trends, and expectations. They help employers design competitive packages and guide employees in making informed career decisions.

Overview of the KSA Salary Landscape

Salaries in Saudi Arabia vary significantly depending on industry, experience, and role. Key sectors leading compensation growth include:
• Technology and IT: The demand for AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing roles has pushed salaries upward, reflecting the country’s investment in digital transformation.
• Finance and Banking: Competitive packages are offered to attract risk analysts, compliance specialists, and financial managers.
• Healthcare: Expansion in healthcare services and digital health adoption drives steady salary growth.
• Construction & Energy: Mega-projects and renewable energy initiatives fuel wage increases, particularly for skilled and managerial positions.
• Sales & Marketing: Companies increasingly provide incentive-based compensation to motivate performance and retain talent.

According to recent surveys, average salary increases in KSA range between 4–7% annually, with top performers in high-demand roles achieving raises above 10%.

Beyond the Salary: Employee Priorities

While competitive pay remains crucial, employees in the KSA are increasingly valuing:
• Work-life balance
• Flexibility
• Career growth opportunities
• Recognition and rewards

Organizations that provide holistic packages — combining fair pay with benefits, professional development, and positive work culture — are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Gender Pay Gap and Inclusion

Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in promoting gender equality in the workplace. Laws and initiatives now support equal pay for equal work and encourage women’s participation in all sectors.

Despite progress, slight gaps still exist in senior or technical roles. Regular salary benchmarking and transparent pay structures are key strategies to address these differences, ensuring fairness and enhancing employee morale.


Emerging Trends by Industry

• Technology: 8–12% growth in salaries for high-demand roles such as AI engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity specialists.
• Finance: 5–7% increases with high competition for leadership roles.
• Healthcare: Steady growth aligned with sector expansion and digital adoption.
• Energy & Construction: Competitive wages driven by mega-projects and sustainability goals.
• Hospitality & Retail: Performance-based incentives return as markets rebound post-pandemic.

Salaries are expected to continue growing gradually, reflecting KSA’s dynamic economic landscape and the emphasis on talent development.

Employee Expectations for 2025

The new generation of professionals entering the KSA workforce seeks:
• Transparency in pay and benefits
• Clear career progression paths
• Flexible work arrangements
• Recognition and rewards tied to performance

Organizations aligning with these expectations foster engagement, loyalty, and high performance.

Employer Perspective

For employers, salary surveys are more than HR tools — they are strategic instruments that help:
• Benchmark competitive pay
• Retain top talent
• Plan budgets effectively
• Ensure fairness and transparency in compensation

Using data-driven insights, companies can design packages that balance financial sustainability with employee satisfaction.



Future Outlook

As KSA continues to diversify its economy, salary structures are evolving with technology, new industries, and changing workforce expectations. Pay-for-performance models, flexible benefits, and wellness incentives will increasingly shape the market.

Salary surveys remain a vital resource for understanding trends, addressing gaps, and ensuring a competitive, satisfied workforce.

Halian – Driving Insightful Workforce Decisions

At Halian, we empower organizations and professionals by providing up-to-date salary insights and market intelligence. By understanding trends in KSA, businesses can make informed decisions that benefit both their teams and their growth objectives.