If you are a nurse planning to work abroad, Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive destinations in the Middle East. The Kingdom not only offers competitive nurse salaries, but also a wide range of benefits, career growth opportunities, and tax-free income. Whether you are a registered nurse, staff nurse, ICU nurse, or nurse practitioner, understanding the salary guide for nurses in Saudi Arabia will help you make an informed career decision.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!In this article, we’ll provide a complete 2025 salary breakdown for nurses in Saudi Arabia, including average pay, allowances, benefits, city-wise salary ranges, and factors that affect earnings.
Why Nurses Choose Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has invested billions in healthcare as part of its Vision 2030, which focuses on modern hospitals, world-class facilities, and attracting international healthcare professionals. For nurses, the advantages are clear:
- Tax-free salaries (what you earn is what you take home).
- Free accommodation or housing allowance.
- Free medical insurance.
- Annual air tickets to home country.
- End-of-service benefits after contract completion.
- A chance to work in advanced hospitals with international accreditation.
Average Nurse Salary in Saudi Arabia (2025)
The average nurse salary in Saudi Arabia depends on qualification, specialization, experience, and city.
- Staff Nurse (General): SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,500 per month.
- Registered Nurse (RN): SAR 6,000 – SAR 10,000 per month.
- Specialized Nurse (ICU, ER, NICU, Dialysis): SAR 8,000 – SAR 13,000 per month.
- Nurse Practitioner: SAR 12,000 – SAR 18,000 per month.
- Head Nurse / Nursing Supervisor: SAR 14,000 – SAR 22,000 per month.
- Director of Nursing: SAR 20,000 – SAR 30,000 per month.
👉 On average, nurses in Saudi Arabia earn between SAR 55,000 – SAR 250,000 annually (USD 14,500 – USD 66,500) depending on role and experience.
City-Wise Nurse Salaries in Saudi Arabia
Like most countries, salaries in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the city and hospital:
- Riyadh (Capital, Ministry Hospitals) – Higher salaries: SAR 7,000 – 20,000.
- Jeddah (Private Hospitals, Clinics) – SAR 6,500 – 18,000.
- Dammam / Khobar (Eastern Province, Oil sector hospitals) – SAR 7,500 – 22,000.
- Makkah & Madinah (Religious Cities) – SAR 6,000 – 15,000.
Factors Affecting Nurse Salaries in Saudi Arabia
- Experience Level – Senior nurses earn 40-70% more than fresh graduates.
- Specialization – Critical care, operating theatre, and dialysis nurses earn higher salaries.
- Type of Hospital – Government hospitals (MOH) pay stable salaries, while private hospitals and military hospitals offer higher packages.
- Nationality – Filipino, Indian, and Pakistani nurses make up the largest expat workforce. Western-trained nurses often receive premium pay.
- Shift & Overtime – Extra pay for night shifts, on-call duty, and overtime hours.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Apart from a good nurse salary in Saudi Arabia, the benefits package makes the job more attractive:
- Free or subsidized housing.
- Transportation allowance.
- Paid vacation (30-45 days annually).
- Free flights every year.
- Medical insurance for the nurse (and sometimes dependents).
- End-of-service gratuity after contract completion.
This means that nurses take home almost 90% of their salary, as living costs are covered by the employer.
Cost of Living for Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Nurses often ask: “Is the salary in Saudi Arabia enough to save money?”
Yes. Since accommodation, transport, and healthcare are mostly covered, your only expenses are food, shopping, and leisure.
- Food & Groceries – SAR 800 – 1,200 per month.
- Mobile & Internet – SAR 200 – 300.
- Entertainment / Shopping – SAR 500 – 1,000.
👉 Nurses can easily save 50–70% of their salary every month.
Salary Comparison: Saudi Arabia vs Other Countries
| Country | Average Nurse Salary (Monthly) | Tax Deduction | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 6,000 – 18,000 | 0% | High |
| UAE (Dubai) | AED 5,000 – 14,000 | 0% | Medium-High |
| UK | £2,000 – £3,500 | 20–30% | Low-Medium |
| USA | $4,500 – $7,500 | 25–35% | Medium |
| Philippines | PHP 15,000 – PHP 35,000 | 10% | Low |
| India | INR 25,000 – INR 60,000 | 5–10% | Low |
Clearly, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East offer one of the best savings opportunities for nurses globally.
Nursing Jobs in Saudi Arabia – How to Apply?
If you’re interested in nursing jobs in Saudi Arabia 2025, here’s the step-by-step process:
- Check MOH (Ministry of Health) requirements or private hospital openings.
- Apply through recruitment agencies approved by Saudi authorities.
- Submit documents (degree, license, experience certificates).
- Pass the Saudi Prometric Exam (mandatory for nurses).
- Complete medical check-up and visa processing.
Salary Negotiation Tips for Nurses in Saudi Arabia
- Highlight specializations (ICU, ER, OT nurses get higher pay).
- Show years of experience clearly.
- Ask for housing allowance if accommodation is not provided.
- Negotiate for overtime rates and end-of-contract bonuses.
Future of Nursing Careers in Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Vision 2030, the government aims to build new hospitals, attract international medical staff, and improve healthcare standards.
This means:
- More demand for nurses across specialties.
- Higher salaries and benefits packages.
- Stronger career growth for foreign nurses.
FAQs – Nurse Salary in Saudi Arabia
Q1. What is the average salary of a nurse in Saudi Arabia?
👉 SAR 6,000 – SAR 18,000 per month depending on role and experience.
Q2. Do Saudi hospitals provide free accommodation to nurses?
👉 Yes, most hospitals provide either free housing or a housing allowance.
Q3. How much can a nurse save in Saudi Arabia?
👉 Nurses can save 50–70% of their income because of tax-free salaries and free benefits.
Q4. Do nurses get overtime pay in Saudi Arabia?
👉 Yes, overtime and night shift allowances are common.
Q5. Which city pays the highest salary for nurses in Saudi Arabia?
👉 Riyadh and Dammam generally offer the highest pay packages.
Final Thoughts
The nurse salary in Saudi Arabia is one of the most rewarding in the Middle East. With tax-free income, free housing, medical benefits, and strong demand, Saudi Arabia is a top choice for nurses from India, the Philippines, Pakistan, and other countries.
If you are looking for nursing jobs in Saudi Arabia in 2025, this is the right time to apply and secure a career with excellent savings potential and international exposure.