Salaries in Dubai – How To Predict Your Dubai Salary

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:

  1. Check out the listings of Dubai recruitment agencies
  2. Check out Dubai job sites
  3. Use Dubai salary calculators
  4. 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:

  1. Jobtrack Middle East – https://www.jobtrackme.com
  2. BAC Middle East – https://bacme.com
  3. Nadia Middle East – https://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:

  1. Bayt.com – https://www.bayt.com
  2. NaukriGulf – https://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.

Offline Investigation

There are several reasons why you might want to do offline salary research, such as:

  1. All of the above online methods didn’t provide enough information for your specific case
  2. You want to confirm your online findings
  3. 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!

Join us. Boost your Dubai career!

Comments

  1. hi
    i have 5 years experience of supervisory level jobs in UAE on back dates 2000 to 2005. currently i am in UK and i have done MBA international from British university.i am looking for a job in UAE.i have a valid UAE driving licence.i want to know how much i can earn know and please sugest me how much will be enough for a couple with three kids.
    please reply
    thanks

    • Wellcomedubai says:

      Hi
      I think i have answered you before.anyways.to your question,atleast not less than 20K AED would be enough,or else..deny the offer whatever it is.

    • hi i have just finished my BE EEE and got an offer letter from a construction company in dubai. the company will provide me shared accommodation + common company transport + air tickets + private medical insurance card + 2500 AED. is it a good or decent offer for a fresher?? pls help me out

  2. hi
    i have 5 years experience of supervisory level jobs in UAE on back dates 2000 to 2005. currently i am in UK and i have done MBA international from British university.i am looking for a job in UAE.i have a valid UAE driving licence.i want to know how much i can earn know and please sugest me how much will be enough for a couple with three kids.
    please reply

  3. Hi

    I am very confused can you please advise me i have an offer of 10500aed net and 12500aed gross monthly but currently in india i am earning 10,00,000 lakh Per anum gross please advice should i accept the offer
    will i be able save more than here.

    Thanks

    • Wellcomedubai says:

      Well, i would say being an woman and getting INR 1000K is enough as long as you want some more trouble out here with humungous competition.To your confusion AED 12500 is INR approx INR143750,the difference is only INR.43750,So if you want to switch job for INR43K you can.YOu dont have to ask publicily.You know what you are doing the best.
      BEST OF LUCK–>MONNA

  4. Thank you for quick response. Could you please estimate monthly expenses of a family of 3 (me, my wife and my child) living in Dubai (rent, food, insurance etc.)
    Thanks a lot!

    • Wellcomedubai says:

      HEY RUS..
      thats very weired question though,still i m answering since you have requested.i talk in a minimum alrite? house rent..3000,and other to 3000 for you three..and Rest depends on you.

  5. Hell averybody,

    i am working as a auditor in india with 1 year experience.i am a commerce graduate can anyone tell me how much salary will i get in gulf country with other benifits.

    • Wellcomedubai says:

      around 10K AED.But why would you like to come to Gulf when India is an emerging economy.Grass is allways greener on the other side.

  6. I got offer for System Analyst position, i got an engineering degree, the salary is 3000. Is it decent for living in Dubai or Sharjah?

  7. hello sir i got a job from dubai at the salary of 5000aed per month , i am coming alone my family is staying in india , is this salary is enough to survey and save money

  8. Hi, I’m a Business development executive working at an IT company in bangalore and earn around 50,000 INR per month. I have a total experience of 3 years in this company. The company has offered to send me to the UAE. What salary should i ask for the same role in UAE ?

    • wellcometodubai says:

      first tell us,how much are they offering and i will tell you? If you are getting AED 4000 in India you should get the double.BEST of luck

  9. How to get job in Dubai & which is the safe location? What would be the salary range for an Senior Design Electrical Engineer having approximately 7 years of experience? Please advise.

  10. Hello,

    I am from Eastern Europe, looking for a job in UAE. I am working as a PA (Pers. Assistent), so what salary can I expect there? I have 9 years experience. Talking English and a little bit Arabic. Thanks…

  11. hi sir, i have about 3 years of exp in sales and marketing … iam getting an offer in a engineering company and the next round is salary negotiation round. what would be the slab for a BE MBA grad with 3 years of exp?

  12. ARULKUMARAN says:

    Hi
    Having 8+ years exp.in Production Supervisor in manufacturing sector had an offer from a concern in Dubai with salary of 3000+3000 AED.and all others all free(food,acc,transport,medical,return ticket,etc.)
    can i take decision of departing to DBX
    Pls advice

  13. What are the salaries of a nutritionist vs. I.T content manager?

    Are there content manager jobs for health websites in UAE? How can I find those?
    I have been searching on bayt.com but unable to find any.

  14. Hello, I got an offer of Website designer in a big company in Dubai. The offer is 9000 AED. Is it good salary for beginer with diploma and no experience? How much would be the cheapest accomodation and living cost altogether?

    • wellcometodubai says:

      really..Congralution for your endeavour.it will be done within AED 3000 AED in the Max,if you are single.well.who is the employer…lol

    • wellcometodubai says:

      thats great and congragulate for your endeavour.to your questoin,not more than AED3000,if you are alone..and who is your employer(just kidding)

  15. I have 20 years engineering experience in oil & gas and have just been interviewed for a Lead engineer position in Abu Dhabi. The firm requested for my salary expectation. Please what can I request. I am a Westerner with work experience from North America, Africa and Europe.
    Thanks.

  16. pankaj kumar says:

    Dear,
    sir I am panklaj kumar i am graduate in Arts i had completed my graduation in 2010 and together complate tally(9.0)verson (tally faincial accounting program)and two year experiance so plz gave me good response from ur side so my future may be bright.iam waiting for ur postive reply and salary detail please sir thanking you.

    youe faithful regards

    pankaj kumar

    • wellcometodubai says:

      i cant forecast your future,but yes,i will tell you if you gather goood expereine in Financial institutional and can outsmart yourself,WORLD will be at your kness.so BEST of luck..

  17. Rajalakshmi says:

    Sir,

    I’m an Indian lady working in Maldives currently. I wish to move to Dubai. My qualification is MBA/ICWAI – Intermediate/ ACCA pursuing. what approx. salary I can get / request to live a comfortable life in Dubai ?

  18. Blackjack says:

    hello,
    I have been offered a job as a bartender. my salary will be 1800 + 700 AED (tips not included)…they are paying accommodation and transportation from accommodation and the restaurant.
    I have 6years experience.
    Is this a good salary?

    • Blackjack says:

      Also, I have a Bachelor’s degree – hospitality management, but no experience in the management area…

  19. Hi

    I am having 15 years of experience in accounts and auditing field, this includes overseas experience also. I am B.Sc., M.B.A., (CA) (LLB) graduate. I wanted to work in Dubai, I need to know how much the salary package will be? I am aged around 37 years and bachelor. Pl reply.

    • wellcometodubai says:

      It seems you started working at the age of 22 or lesser,Do you have a Valid documents to prove the above.?YOu should get not less than 20K AED..

  20. HI,

    What salary can I expect for 10 years experience in fashion as senior buyer in dubai? I am working on a niche level of fashion industry and I am coming from Eastern Europe. In Europe I should expect around 5,000 Euro net per month plus bonuses. What should I expect in Dubai? Please replay if you consider that I gave you all the info. thanks a lot for your help.

  21. i am a fiji registered nurse,and have 6years of experience,could find a job for me in any hospital in dubai.and if so,what is the annual salary for nurses

  22. Hi, I am a Business Analyst in insurance domain with 5+ years of experience. And I have been offered a job in Dubai with salary package 13000 AED per month (currently no benefits offered). Currently what is the market price for this job profile and experience in Dubai and is this salary comfortable enough to live in Dubai (with decent life style), irrespective of current salary drawn.

  23. Girish Limje says:

    I am 22 year old i am new fresher i am coming in dubai so please help me
    and i am new commersional in dubai can i getting i good job in dubai for web designer

  24. SYED MOHD FAISAL says:

    DEAR,
    TELL ME SALARY PACKAGE FOR MBA WITH 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE PLEASE.

  25. what is the right payment for a senior english master with 26 years experience?

  26. Hello,

    I am from Eastern Europe, looking for a job in UAE. I am working as a PA (Pers. Assistent), so what salary can I expect there? I have 10 years of experience. Thanks.

  27. I have 10 years experience and want to work as PA in UAE. What about salaries? Thank you.

  28. Moh Ghalib says:

    Hi,

    I am a 25 year old professional from India and just completed PGDBA in Marketing and have 3.5 yrs experience in Marketing but looking for an office job in banks in Dubai.How much i should expect to get for a bank job and please tell me how to approach companies for getting a job in Dubai. I am ready to come there on visit visa as one of my cousins stay in Dubai.

  29. Muzammil Ahmed says:

    Hi, I am currently working as a Business Analyst in UK for an Investment Bank. I would like to work in Dubai and would like to know if there are any recruitment agencies in UK that recruit for Dubai. Can you also provide me with some Dubai based agencies as well. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

  30. 10 years of experience, now working as PA. What salary can i expect in UAE? I am from East Europe.

  31. how long does it take for work visa processing in dubai? the employer, a gulf bank is has applied for it. give me the maximum and minimum number of working days idea….

  32. Tell me the salary in Dubai for a manager joining arcelor mittal.

  33. A freezone company has offered me a salary of 8500 for first six month & 9000 after that.
    I’m an engineer with 5 yrs of exp in india.
    Is this salary sufficient?
    They are not providing transportation or accomodation
    In near future [within a year] if a get married will it be sufficient then also

  34. A freezone company has offered me a salary of 8500 for first six month & 9000 after that.
    I’m an engineer with 5 yrs of exp in india.
    Is this salary sufficient?
    They are not providing transportation or accomodation
    In near future [within a year] if a get married will it be sufficient then also

  35. What do I do says:

    Iv been offered a job. Return flights, visa, healthcare, pension, accom and a basic pay off 3000 aed. Then commission. I’m on my own – is this good??

  36. hi i want to know about the salary structure in the field of the laboratory technician in the Dubai/sharjah,so please if any one knows about it let me inform,thanks.

  37. I am an MBA Graduate with 11 Yrs experience in Customer Service,Secretarial,Marketing & Sales Coordination & a effective Team Leader, currently working for a leading Telecom Operator in India

  38. i have done bba in marketing last year from Pakistan and i just started working since december so could you please tell me that how much would i get paid in dubai?

  39. hi,
    i have done my engineering in aeronautical, having an experience of 1 year and currently working in an indian MNC company in the aviation field itself. i want to work in dubai and want to change the career path if am not getting a job in aviation field.. so can you pls suggest me in this regarding????

  40. András Kocsis says:

    Üdvőzletem!

    Én Magyarországról irok mint mindent érdeklő fiatal!
    Nagyon tetszik a Dubaj hozzá állása a sok más ország embertársaihoz!
    Példa mutató gesztus és remélem még soká igy is marad!
    Az égiek előtt minden ember egy!
    Sok sikert kivánok mind az állást kereső embertársaimnak és a Dubaji munkát adó embertársaimnak is!

    Kocsis András,,,

  41. András Kocsis says:

    My respect

    I from Hungary irok than young person interesting everything!
    I love it Dubaj being disposed towards him to the fellowmen of the many other countries!
    Example indicator gesture and I hope for it yet much later so is left over!
    Before the celestial ones all men one!
    Good luck kivánok my fellowmen all looking for the position and Dubaji my fellowmen giving work!

    András Kocsis…….

  42. Houstonian says:

    Hello I am a US Citizen, did BS, MHA(Masters in Healthcare Administration) & MBA(Finance) and just graduated in December 2010. I am currently working for US Dept of Health for past 4 years as a Financial Analyst. Before then I was working for a national retail chain as a District Manager for 6 years, so all together I have a 10 years experience. I have a job offer from Dubai for 15000 AED but I am thinking about it because I have a wife and two kids. Would 15000 AED be enough for a family of 4 if the employer is not providing accomodation. Would I be able to save anything at the end of the year and live a descent and comfortable life at the same time. I am hoping for 20000 AED at least before I take any step, please advise if it is possible. Thanks

  43. Crazyrov says:

    Hello,
    I am looking for a job in Abu-Dhabi. I have 4+ years of experience in my field of expertise. What is the CTC that I can expect or rather as for ? I have no idea about the Salary Standards in the Arab countries. And also what might be the approximate rent for a 2 BHK Apartment/independent house?

    Thanks and Regards,
    Rovin D’Souza.

  44. JOB VACANCY IN OXFORD HOTEL LONDON 2011 says:

    JOB VACANCY IN OXFORD HOTEL LONDON 2011
    I am Mrs. Jennifer Franklyn from London, I am the manager of Oxford Hotel, I wish to inform you that the hotel need man and woman who can work and live in Oxford hotel London the hotel will care of your tickets, accommodation,
    If you are interested you should please contact me back via the mail box, oxfordhotelss@yahoo.co.uk
    Thanks,
    Mrs. Jennifer Franklyn
    Manager of the Oxford Hotel London.

  45. Saranya says:

    Hi Mohamed,

    Currently am working in IBM(India) in the non technical field. Totally i have 2ys of work exp in the same field. Am going to Marry soon, my fiance is in AbhuDhabi, so soon i will be in Abhudhabi. Will i get any job over there in Abhudhabi?. Am totally confused whether to leave the current job or if i leave will i get a job there? he want to me to be with him. So no other way i have to resign the job. So pls suggest me on this. Thanks in advance.

  46. Hi,

    Im currently a regular employee of one of the telecom provider here in the Philippines, Im planning to work abroad most especially in Dubai because I’ve heard so many times from my batch mate in college who are Civil and Electrical Engineers now in Dubai that they earn good from their salary.As an telecom employee,I’m knowlegeable in maintaining and troubleshooting the 3G technology of Nokia Siemens Network since I am the Field Operations Engineer in our region lately for more than a year when I’m still a contractor. And now, as a regular employee, I was assigned under Transmission Facility Management And Specialist.If you know a telecom job in Dubai that suites my qualification please help me so that I can explore/develop further my skills as telecom lover.
    Thank you very much and expecting for reply.

  47. Im currently a regular employee of one of the telecom provider here in the Philippines, Im planning to work abroad most especially in Dubai because I’ve heard so many times from my batch mate in college who are Civil and Electrical Engineers now in Dubai that they earn good from their salary.As an telecom employee,I’m knowlegeable in maintaining and troubleshooting the 3G technology of Nokia Siemens Network since I am the Field Operations Engineer in our region lately for more than a year when I’m still a contractor. And now, as a regular employee, I was assigned under Transmission Facility Management And Specialist.If you know a telecom job in Dubai that suites my qualification please help me so that I can explore/develop further my skills as telecom lover.
    Thank you very much and expecting for reply.

  48. Hi. I have Bachelors in Economics and have done masters in business economics from india (first div). I have about 5 yrs of work exp in management consulting(in India’s top IT consulting firm), and about 1 yr of experience in a media firm as a business analyst in their corporate planning team.AFter that, I changed lines and moved to teaching economics in management institutes for about 2 years as I had kids by then and could not do a regular job. i am in dubai on hubbys visa as his dependent. I now need to know:
    (a) whether there is any market for my CV, If yes, which companies? Any idea if they hire part time, as I dont have child care suppport here

    (b) how much salary cd i expect??

    Tx and regards
    PS – I have worked a bit in internet consulting too

  49. gayathri says:

    Hi,

    It was really helpful. But my prolem is I am an Indian new to Dubai and expecting 10000 aed pm.i have total 5 years of expeience(3yrs in mnc nd 2yrs media). am on visit visa and evry one is discouraging me saying that I should not expect that much since i dont have uae exprnce..no-one will give me that much salary and al.. But i am confident that I am worth that much at least. Could you please guide me if I am right.

  50. Hi,

    I have spent sometime on your website and i find it very informative and full of practical advice.

    Also one thing i noticed was there were no comments or queries from professionals from legal sector. The reason why i write to you today is know, how easy/difficult is for an Indian legal professional to finds jobs in Dubai and are there any specialized agencies i should get in touch with.

    I have around 5 years of post qualification experience and I am presently working with a top tier law firm in India and i make around 60,000 USD an year. IS there any point for me to look for jobs in Dubai (package wise).

    I hope to hear from you.

    Regards
    KSS

    • mohamed says:

      hi KSS,
      In india itself u r earninig 60,000 USD an year is a good package and there is no point of looking into jobs at dubai by package wise am saying. bcoz here western degree+exp more valuable and the companies pay higher for that qualification. i donno know why but this is te fact in UAE. u should be a UAE national to get a higher pay scale or else its diff to get a higher package than wat u r getting currently in UAE.

      Regards
      sharbu