Salary guide
Software Engineer Salary in Saudi Arabia (2026)
How much do Software Engineer jobs pay in Saudi Arabia? Monthly pay in SAR, salary by experience, a GCC comparison and the sources behind each figure.
Quick answer
Salary by experience
| Level | Monthly salary |
|---|---|
| Mid-level (3-7 yrs) | SAR 12,000 - 28,000 |
| Senior | SAR 18,000 - 40,000 |
What moves the salary
- Glassdoor (Riyadh, 321 reports): median about SAR 12,000, typical SAR 8,000-18,000.
- ZenHR puts mid-level engineers at SAR 12,000-28,000 (median 18,000). Hays lists developers at SAR 20,000-35,000 at larger employers.
Software Engineer salary across the GCC
| Country | Monthly salary | Approx. USD | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 8,000 - 28,000 | ≈ $2,100 - $7,500 | Gross |
| UAE | AED 8,000 - 35,000 | ≈ $2,200 - $9,500 | Gross |
| Qatar | QAR 7,000 - 26,000 | ≈ $1,900 - $7,100 | Gross |
| Kuwait | KWD 600 - 1,300 | ≈ $2,000 - $4,200 | Gross |
| Bahrain | BHD 600 - 2,000 | ≈ $1,600 - $5,300 | Gross |
| Oman | OMR 500 - 1,500 | ≈ $1,300 - $3,900 | Gross |
Gross includes the usual allowances and basic does not - compare like with like.
Where these figures come from
Frequently asked questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Saudi Arabia?
Between SAR 8,000 and SAR 28,000 a month, about SAR 12,000 on average, depending on experience, qualifications and employer.
Are Software Engineer salaries in Saudi Arabia tax-free?
There is no personal income tax on salaries, so the figure you are offered is what you take home before any social-insurance deduction that applies to you.
Does the salary include housing and transport allowances?
The figures above are gross packages including the usual allowances. Basic salary is typically about 60% of the total - and it is what end-of-service gratuity is calculated on in most GCC countries.
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