Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East with exceptional engineering salaries. Top Paying Engineering Jobs in Saudi Arabia come with impressive compensation packages.
We analyzed hundreds of job posts for each job category to come up with the salary range, required skills and educational qualifications.
Top Paying Engineering Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering is the lifeblood of Saudi Arabia’s economic strength. The nation’s wealth comes from its expertise in oil and gas extraction. It is one of the Highest paid engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia. The world’s largest producer of hydrocarbons provides unmatched opportunities for petroleum engineers with the lowest upstream carbon intensity among major producers.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi Arabia’s petroleum engineers receive exceptional pay packages that reflect their vital role in the Kingdom’s main industry:
| Experience Level | Base Salary (SAR/year) | Total Compensation (with bonuses) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 209,524 – 350,000 | Up to 750,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 183,149 – 240,921 | 240,000 – 494,460[1] |
| Mid-career (5-8 years) | 222,233 – 347,570 | Up to 537,120[33] |
| Senior level (8+ years) | 435,293 – 569,380 | Up to 962,700[33] |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
Engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related engineering field to enter this profession. Advanced degrees can substantially boost career prospects and earning potential:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Essential for entry and mid-level positions
- Master’s Degree: Gives an edge for specialist and managerial roles
- Professional Certifications: IWCF (International Well Control Forum) certification adds value
Chemical Engineering
Saudi Arabia’s chemical engineering sector has become crucial to its industrial growth strategy. The Kingdom’s cheap petroleum feedstock gives it a natural advantage. These top paying engineering jobs employ 89,000 workers directly, while indirect employment reaches about 267,000. Growth has been steady at 9% each year in the last decade.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Chemical engineers in Saudi Arabia get attractive pay packages that match their important role in the Kingdom’s industrial expansion:
| Experience Level | Base Salary (SAR/year) | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 61,042 – 180,400 | Up to 210,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 110,000 – 200,000 | Up to 230,000 |
| Mid-career (5-7 years) | 180,000 – 250,000 | Up to 300,000 |
| Senior level (8+ years) | 250,000 – 320,158 | Up to 403,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is the basic requirement, and 55% of professionals have this qualification.
Most sought-after technical skills include:
- Process development (79% of employers just need this)
- Problem-solving skills (86% of job listings mention this)
- Computer proficiency, including MATLAB (68% of positions)
- Equipment design capabilities (56% of roles)
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering professionals are vital to Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure development and digital transformation initiatives. Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on power infrastructure advancement has created more opportunities for electrical engineers in sectors of all sizes.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Electrical engineers in Saudi Arabia receive competitive compensation packages that change based on experience, industry, and location:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 5,000 – 7,000 | 61,573 – 84,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 7,000 – 9,000 | 57,000 – 108,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 9,000 – 13,000 | 108,000 – 156,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 13,000 – 16,000 | 156,000 – 176,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from a recognized program is the basic qualification needed. Career advancement opportunities improve with:
- Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) that senior positions prefer
- Professional certifications from AACE, PMI, or professional engineering boards
Civil Engineering
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 has created a surge in opportunities for civil engineers. These professionals build and design the physical foundations that reshape the scene from blueprints to reality.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Civil engineers working in Saudi Arabia receive attractive tax-free packages that change based on their experience and work location:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 3,500 – 5,000 | 42,000 – 58,958 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 5,000 – 7,000 | 60,000 – 84,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 7,000 – 10,000 | 84,000 – 120,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 10,000 – 13,500 | 120,000 – 162,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
A successful civil engineering career in Saudi Arabia starts with:
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited institution
- Strong skills in computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Expertise in engineering design software
- Solid background in structural analysis and calculations
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering drives Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth in sectors of all types. These professionals create numerous high paying engineering jobs throughout the Kingdom. Their versatile skills reshape the scene as they design everything from power generation systems to manufacturing equipment that forms the foundations of the nation’s industrial capability.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi mechanical engineers earn competitive compensation packages that vary by experience and location:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 5,833 – 7,000 | 70,899 – 84,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 4,328 – 7,500 | 51,938 – 90,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 7,000 – 10,000 | 84,000 – 120,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 10,000 – 15,667 | 120,000 – 188,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
Success in this field requires:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution
- Strong grasp of engineering practices, calculation methods, and design details
- Understanding of US/Aramco Codes, Standards, and Specifications
- Technical software expertise including MS Office, EPC systems, and Primavera
Software Engineering
Software engineering ranks among the top paying engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030’s digital transformation initiatives have created this shift. The tech sector grows faster than ever, which creates a high demand for qualified software developers across the Kingdom.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi Arabia offers tax-free compensation packages to software engineers:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 8,456 – 10,500 | 101,478 – 126,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 7,196 – 10,000 | 86,358 – 120,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 11,000 – 14,000 | 132,000 – 168,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 15,000 – 24,600 | 180,000 – 295,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
A successful software engineering career in Saudi Arabia builds on these foundations:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of experience to qualify for mid-level positions
- Programming language skills specific to each role
- Knowledge of software development methodologies (Agile, Git, CI/CD)
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering has become a rewarding field in Saudi Arabia’s growing defense and civil aviation sectors. The Kingdom’s investment in aerospace technology creates great opportunities for qualified people who want high paying engineering jobs.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi Arabia’s aerospace engineers receive excellent compensation packages that match their expertise:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 9,247 – 11,000 | 110,962 – 132,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 10,600 – 13,933 | 127,200 – 167,200 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 16,858 – 21,025 | 202,300 – 252,300 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 26,033 – 30,142 | 312,400 – 361,500 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
You’ll need these basics to start your career:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Strong knowledge of aircraft systems, structures, and components
- Proficiency with technical manuals, diagrams, and blueprints
- Problem-solving capabilities for aircraft-related issues
Mining Engineering
Mining engineers are in high demand throughout Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom rapidly develops its mineral resources. Mining engineering is one of the high paying engineering Jobs. Rich deposits of gold, copper, rare earth elements, and phosphate have made this sector the lifeblood of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to broaden its economy under Vision 2030.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi Arabia offers mining engineers attractive compensation packages:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (SAR) | Monthly Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<2 years) | 93,280 – 172,781 | 7,773 – 14,398 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | 129,000 – 181,600 | 10,750 – 15,133 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | 183,600 – 239,000 | 15,300 – 19,917 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 222,300 – 306,636 | 18,525 – 25,553 |
Mining engineers earn about SAR 251,135 annually with hourly rates of SAR 121.
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
Candidates should have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related field
- MSc qualification in geoscience or engineering (preferred for advancement)
- 5-15 years of experience for senior positions
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering has emerged as a lucrative specialty in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. As one of the high paying engineering jobs, it connects engineering innovation with medical advancement and plays a key role in the Kingdom’s healthcare excellence goals under Vision 2030 initiatives.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Saudi Arabia offers competitive compensation packages to biomedical engineers based on their expertise:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (SAR) | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 72,000 | Bonus: SAR 9,000 – 70,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 55,294 | Profit Sharing: Up to SAR 8,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 89,171 (average) | Total Package: Up to SAR 395,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | Up to 298,000 | Monthly Pay: SAR 8,016 – 10,017 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
The educational background of biomedical engineers shows interesting patterns:
- Bachelor’s degree holders make up 45% of professionals
- Master’s degree holders represent 38% of professionals
- Doctorate holders account for 7% of professionals
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering plays a key role in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom takes eco-friendly steps through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI). Best paid engineers in this field create solutions that reduce environmental effects while boosting economic growth.
Salary Range and Compensation Package
Environmental engineers in Saudi Arabia earn attractive salaries that change based on their experience and employer:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Salary (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | 8,522 – 12,500 | 102,264 – 150,000 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | 5,000 – 14,583 | 60,000 – 175,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | 7,500 – 18,333 | 90,000 – 220,000 |
| Senior level (10+ years) | 15,000 – 22,083 | 180,000 – 265,000 |
Educational Requirements and Technical Skills
Employers typically look for:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related field as the minimum qualification
- Advanced degrees are preferred for senior positions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in environmental engineering software and tools
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards
Engineering Job Outlook in Saudi Arabia (2025-2030)
Saudi Arabia’s engineering sector is going through a major transformation that promises great opportunities for professionals through 2030. A new engineering salary scale will come into effect on December 31, 2024. This change will create an attractive work environment for best paid engineer professionals in government departments.
Growing Engineering Fields
Saudi Arabia’s changing economy has made several engineering specialties more important:
- Renewable energy engineering – Saudi Arabia stands among the world’s largest renewable energy investors
- AI and robotics engineering – These form the foundations of the Kingdom’s digital transformation
- Sustainable design engineering – This plays a vital role in eco-friendly projects and green technologies
Salary Growth Projections
Engineering salaries should rise by about 9% in the next five years. The new regulation changes career paths from general employee scales to professional paths. Engineers can now progress through categories like engineer, associate engineer, professional engineer, and consulting engineer.
Comparison of Engineering Fields by Salary and Demand
|
Engineering Field |
Avg. Annual Salary (SAR) |
Growth Outlook |
Key Demand Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineering |
240,000-569,380 |
Stable |
Traditional industry strength |
|
Electrical Engineering |
67,000-260,000 |
High |
Digital transformation, infrastructure |
|
Chemical Engineering |
120,000 |
Moderate |
Petrochemical expansion |
|
Software Engineering |
86,358-295,000 |
Very High |
Vision 2030 digital initiatives |
|
Civil Engineering |
109,875 |
High |
Mega-projects (NEOM, Red Sea) |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
55,000 |
Moderate |
Industrial diversification |
Comparison Table for High paying engineering jobs
|
Engineering Field |
Entry-Level Salary (SAR) |
Senior-Level Salary (SAR) |
Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum |
209,524 – 350,000 |
435,293 – 569,380 |
Stable |
|
Chemical |
61,042 – 180,400 |
250,000 – 320,158 |
Moderate |
|
Electrical |
61,573 – 84,000 |
156,000 – 176,000 |
High |
|
Civil |
42,000 – 58,958 |
120,000 – 162,000 |
High |
|
Mechanical |
70,899 – 84,000 |
120,000 – 188,000 |
Moderate |
|
Software |
101,478 – 126,000 |
180,000 – 295,000 |
Very High |
|
Aerospace |
110,962 – 132,000 |
312,400 – 361,500 |
Moderate |
|
Mining |
93,280 – 172,781 |
222,300 – 306,636 |
Moderate |
|
Biomedical |
72,000 |
Up to 298,000 |
High |
|
Environmental |
102,264 – 150,000 |
180,000 – 265,000 |
High |
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s engineering sector is the life-blood of the Kingdom’s economic transformation. Career opportunities exist in multiple disciplines. A complete analysis shows petroleum engineering leads in compensation. Senior-level petroleum engineers can earn SAR 569,380 per year. Software engineering has become the fastest-growing field due to Vision 2030’s digital initiatives.
Saudi Arabia has become an attractive destination for engineering professionals. Salaries should grow by 9% over the next five years. The Kingdom’s steadfast dedication to cutting unemployment to 7% by 2030 will create steady demand for qualified engineers through private sector growth.
Engineers who want to advance their careers should get relevant certifications and stay updated with technology. They must develop expertise that matches Vision 2030’s priorities. Success in Saudi Arabia’s engineering sector comes from continuous learning and adapting to industry changes quickly.
FAQs
Q1. Which engineering field offers the highest salary in Saudi Arabia? Petroleum engineering consistently ranks as the highest-paying engineering field in Saudi Arabia, with senior-level salaries reaching up to SAR 569,380 annually. However, other fields like software engineering and aerospace engineering also offer substantial compensation packages.
Q2. What are the projected Highest paid engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia for 2025? While specific projections may vary, engineering roles in petroleum, software, aerospace, and chemical engineering are expected to remain among the highest-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Additionally, emerging fields like renewable energy engineering and AI/robotics engineering are likely to offer competitive salaries.
Q3. Which high paying engineering jobs are expected to see the highest salary growth in the future? Software engineering, environmental engineering, and biomedical engineering are projected to experience significant salary growth due to increased demand driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and technological advancements in Saudi Arabia.
Q4. Is a job with a monthly salary of 7,000 SAR considered among High paying engineering jobs? A monthly salary of 7,000 SAR (84,000 SAR annually) is generally considered adequate for a budget to comfortable lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, depending on location and personal circumstances. However, many engineering positions, especially with some experience, offer significantly higher salaries.
Q5. What educational qualifications are typically required for high paying engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia? Most high-paying engineering positions in Saudi Arabia require at least a bachelor’s degree in the relevant engineering discipline. For senior roles and specialized positions, advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) and professional certifications can significantly enhance earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
