Salaries in Dubai – How To Predict Your Dubai Salary
Employers in Dubai Pay Top Salaries for the Right Skills
One of the most asked questions I face is: how much am I going to be paid in Dubai? Even though the answer can vary greatly, you can still actually come up with a reasonable approximation of how much you are going to be paid in Dubai by following the methods that are outlined here.
To plan your life in Dubai safely and accurately, you need to align your expectations with reality. That’s why you need accurate approximation of your salary. To get that, you’re going to have to do some research of your own.
You can do your Dubai salary research online or offline or both. I will provide you with the information you need and will tell you about the benefits of each, and it is up to you to choose.
Question: what can you do online to find out your expected Dubai salary?
Answer:
- Check out the listings of Dubai recruitment agencies
- Check out Dubai job sites
- Use Dubai salary calculators
- Read Bayt’s salary survey reports
I will take you through each one of the bulletpoints above…So let’s start…
Online Investigation
Check out the listings of Dubai recruitment agencies
There are dozens of recruitment agencies in Dubai. However, only a few of them have fully maintained and up to date websites that provide salary information. Here are the three recruitment agencies that have listings I recommend you check for salaries:
- Jobtrack Middle East – http://www.jobtrackme.com
- BAC Middle East – http://bacme.com
- Nadia Middle East – http://nadia-me.com
For more, check out the the recruitment agency listing in Dubai Career’s Directory.
Even though the websites above don’t have the most user-friendly design and navigation, they do have rich listings that may give you valuable insight into Dubai salaries. Be aware, however, that some of these salaries are inflated to attract applicants or intended for IDEAL candidates.
Check out Dubai job sites
Another or additional way to measure your expected Dubai salary is to check out the listings on Dubai job sites. Some employers indicate a salary range in their job postings.
Just like with recruitment agencies, there are dozens of job sites in Dubai. Here are two that you can start with:
- Bayt.com – http://www.bayt.com
- NaukriGulf – http://naukrigulf.com
For more, check out the the job sites listing in Dubai Career’s Directory.
Do a search for your desired position on those sites, and see if there are postings that indicate a salary range.
Use Dubai salary calculators
A third way to investigate your expected Dubai salary online is to use Dubai salary calculators (which are based on salary surveys).
The seemingly most comprehensive salary calculator for Dubai and the one that I would recommend is PayScale’s.
Read Bayt’s salary survey report
The last investigation lead online is Bayt’s salary survey report for 2009. It could give you some general insight into how much jobs pay in Dubai and the Middle East region as a whole. It is available for download here.
Offline Investigation
There are several reasons why you might want to do offline salary research, such as:
- All of the above online methods didn’t provide enough information for your specific case
- You want to confirm your online findings
- The online research may take longer than this quick offline investigation
By offline investigation, what I really mean is that you call up a recruitment agency, tell them about your skills and experience, and ask them about the average salary for a profile like yours. It’s easy, quick and effective! I have done it a couple of times.
The most friendly recruitment agency I dealt with is IQ Selection. I recommend that you call them first. Their phone number is: +971 4 329 7770. Make sure that you ask for the recruiter who specializes in your specific industry.
As always, confirm your answers by calling a few other recruitment agents. You can find their phone numbers in my recruitment agencies list.
Now this kind of salary research should be enough to give you a pretty good idea of what you should expect to be paid in Dubai, so that you can plan safely and accurately!
Thank you Mohammad for the information in this site. I have been looking for jobs in the last month. I do have some offers in hand which are being negotiated with. This information from you would definetely help me
Thanks
Slam Alaikum Mr. Mohammed
I am working as a Sr. Business Development Executive in India for a group of hotels and I am looking forward to visit UAE by Jan – 2010 on Visit Visa for a Job. I have done my MBA in Marketing and HR with distinction in 2009 and also look forward for your advice in this. I wanted to know wat is the minimum pay would I get with the above qualification. And I want to change my industry too.
Look forward for your reply
Thanks and Regards
AZMATH ULLAH BAIG
Dear Azmath,
Use this page to predict your Dubai salary. Qualification and work history are just some of the factors you need to consider. Size of company, their financial ability to pay, and the position applied for also bear on the salary you are given. Often, the final figure depends on how well you negotiate. Good luck!
with ccna,ccip,jncia,jncis and having 5.7 ys experience what is the expected salary in dubai.
Hello Aswini,
You can use this guide to predict your Dubai salary. Qualifications is just one of the factors you need to account for. Size of company and position applied for also bear on the salary you are given. Often, the final figure depends on how well you negotiate. Good luck!
Hi, I really like this site; I have one question that the jobs advertised usually include monthly salary along with Annual Benefits. Can you explain what are these benefits? Also, lots of engineering jobs have payscale of AED 20000/month; is the money mentioned is enough for a good lifestyle because I have heard that living expenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are huge, in terms of rental accomodation and food?
Hi Omer,
The benefits that each employer offers vary greatly. They generally include one or more of the following: relocation assistance, private medical insurance, annual return tickets, accommodation and transportation allowances, vehicle allowance, mobile phone allowance, furnishing (for accommodation) allowance, and food allowance. AED 20,000 is considered very good for a single expat in Dubai. Accommodation in Abu Dhabi is more expensive, though. Check out our cost of living in Dubai guide for more details.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi,
I have been in hospitality industry for a decade already here in the USA, curently employed as a general manager of a mid size hotel in New York. How and what steps do I need to take to get an executive job in the hotel industry in Dubai.
Thanks
Eldin E.
Hi Eldin,
Recruiters are usually interested in high profile candidates. Check out and get in touch with the recruiters we list here. But more importantly, you should find a way to get in touch with executives of holding companies that operate hotels in Dubai, such as Jumeirah Group and Tatweer. I provide more details here.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi,
I am currently working in Dhaka (Bangladesh) as a Marchendiser for Garments and textile. I want to know about the opportunities in Dubai City with the same job description. Or it can be either in some computer related jobs.
kindly suggest.
Waiting for reply
Kajol
Hi Kajol,
If you’re looking for traditional job listings in Dubai, check out this list of job portals. On that list, you can find websites that list 100s of jobs in Dubai. However, from my experience and from what other users have reported, the response rate for job sites in Dubai is very poor. Networking is a much more powerful job hunting method in Dubai.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi,
I have 5 years of experience in Accounts & Finance(Reconciliations, AP,Audit). Am looking for a job in Dubai. Can any one please help me to get some details about recruites also i would like to know how much salary i can expect in Dubai.
Thanks,
Kumar
Hi Kumar,
If you would like to get in touch with recruiters, use this list of recruitment agencies in Dubai. As for salary estimation, use the tools provided on this page. If something’s unclear, let me know.
Best,
Mohammed
Hi Mohammed,
I have been offered a job of Assistant Director of Conv Sales in a hotel in Dubai. I have been offered the salary of 9000 AED a month + flat + meals at work + food allowance of 1400 AED + trasport and mobile allowances + medical inssurance.
Could you please give me an idea of whether this is a reasobnable offer? I would be coming over with my husband. Would this be enough for both of us to live on? (before he finds the job?)
I am just trying to work out the cost of living on Dubai.
Thanks a lot
Michaela
Hi Michaela,
Depending on your experience, qualifications, and your responsibilities as an assistant director at the hotel, this offer may very well be fair.
If it’s just you and your husband who will be here, you could survive fairly comfortably for awhile on AED 10,000+/month. This is a good way for you and your husband to set foot in Dubai and then continue planning your lives and careers.
Best,
Mohammed
basic is low..should be min 10k plus and the benefits as he is the Asst Director for Conv sales.
Hi,
I am currently working in Lahore (Pakistan) in DAWN Media Group as Asst. Manager Sales for DAWN NEWS and CityFM89. I want to know about the opportunities in Dubai Media City with the same job description. Or it can be either in some good advertising agency or at brand side.
kindly suggest.
regards
Hi Farhan,
I provide a free guide to help you find the contact information of Dubai Media City companies here.
Best,
Mohammed
i am the graduate in medical technology. i worked as medical lab technologist for one year. i want to do job in dubai. how much salary can i except. how often salary increases.
Hi Venkatesh,
You can request a salary re-evaluation at any point in time. Some companies have policies for periodic performance appraisals where they reevaluate salaries and pay bonuses. You can ask your potential employer about their specific policies.
Best,
Mohammed
I am a structural engineer and am looking to find a workplacement in Dubai, is there anyway of finding jobs that specifically target westerners so as not to take any jobs from locals? Also I am a little bit confused as some jobs show gross salary of 15,000 AED’s which is about 2500 GBP this must be monthly right? Any help appreciated. Also would just like to say this site is fantastic and has really helped me with my search
Hi Andy,
Yes, 15,000 AED, that’s definitely monthly.
Good luck with your search,
Mohammed
Hi there,
I must say just as I was about to give up with searching for jobs in Dubai, I come across this site amazing facts and useful tools for us new comers in Dubai so I say thank you for those responsible with the research and efforts to help people like me.I hope this site will be a step toward finding myself a job and if that happens you will be informed.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Amina!
I am PLC technicican , I am trying job in dubai . how much salary can I ask them?
Hi Suresh, your salary would depend on your experience. Use the information that is provided in the article to research how much salary you could earn.
im a helicopter pilot alongwith a single engine fixed wing aircraft instructor..can u help me in locating a job
Hi Amjad, do you have any specific questions that you’d like us to address?
Hey,
I am looking to move to dubai ending of the year. I have my bachelor’s of business management and I will attend for my associate in Construction Management for I work for a government agency in the U.S.A as an office engineer.. I am a U.S. citizen female age 28yr.. do you know how long it takes to get a job in dubai and what is the esmtimated salary for a position as mine.
I am 26 year old rizwan from pakistan, i have the degrees of master in english literature, law graduation nd MBA with marketing could u sugest me some job there in dibai.
I’m checking for teaching positions overseas for my son and his wife. He is an American citizen and she is a Columbian citizen. They have a small son. Both teach English in Bogota, Colombia. My son also taught English in Korea, and Japan for several years. He speaks fluent spanish, some Japanese. She speaks fluent spanish and english. They are very interested in teaching in Dubai. Do they need a masters degree to teach in Dubai? Thank you.
Hello,iam shaik dawood from india.i have completed B.sc computers.will you please suggest me which job is right for me with handsome salary.
Dear,
sir I am Mohd Abdul gaffar i am graduate in commerce i had completed my graduation in 2008. so plz gave me good response from ur side so my future may be bright.iam waiting for ur postive reply thanking you.
i m 30 yeares old igraduated in metallurgy eng in tehran university .i have more than 5 yeares experiance and i now iseeking a job . please help me
best regard
Hello
Could you please inform me, what could be the best way to apply for TV channels jobs ….?
thanks
Hiya, I have read on an article that the pay in many middle-eastern countries between men & women is very different, Men get paid much more than women, Is that true? can any1 tell me please?
Hi,
How much does an apprentice Aircraft Maintance Engineer make.
What airline in Dubai will hire an apprentice?
dear i havent enough idea about dubai atmosphere for hindu i m indian engg.so please tell me via mail that dubai is good for hindu for job and settle…..pl.reply me full details like salary facilities,packages..etc..any body can reply me on my mail ….samirgadhvi@gmail.com
Hi Samir,
The majority of Dubai population is Southeast Asian. You’ll find lots of Hindu communities here and I’d guess you’ll feel right at home among them.
I can’t give you specific salary, facilities and package details. However, the free resources we provide here should be sufficient to answer many of your questions.
Best of luck,
Hello there,
I can’t predict the salary for your specific situation. That’s why I wrote this article. Use the information and tools in this article to predict your own salary.
Best of luck,
I am 22 year old Graduted 2007 Can you please suggest me some jobs and salary….I am from India..
whats the pay scale in dubai for a person having a bachelor of business administration.
hello there. i am quite impressed with the scope of the information available on this site.good job! keep it up! thank you.johaar jacobs.