2 years later in 2026, I finally got the real numbers. Not the fake ones agents tell you. The actual salary that hits the bank after deductions.
If you are from Pakistan and thinking about Saudi, this guide will show you exactly how much you can earn in 2026, which jobs pay best, and how much you can actually save.
Average Salary in Saudi Arabia 2026 for Pakistanis
Saudi is not Dubai. Salaries are lower but cost of living is also lower. The big advantage? No income tax.
Here is what Pakistanis are actually earning right now:
| Job Type | Monthly Salary SAR | Approx PKR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Labor / Factory Worker | 1200 – 1500 SAR | 90,000 – 112,000 PKR | Food + Housing often provided |
| Driver – Light Vehicle | 1500 – 2200 SAR | 112,000 – 165,000 PKR | Saudi license required. Overtime extra |
| Mason / Carpenter / Electrician | 2000 – 3500 SAR | 150,000 – 262,000 PKR | Skilled labor gets more |
| Shop Salesman / Cashier | 1800 – 2500 SAR | 135,000 – 187,000 PKR | + Commission in malls |
| Security Guard | 1600 – 2000 SAR | 120,000 – 150,000 PKR | 12 hour shifts common |
| Nurse | 4000 – 7000 SAR | 300,000 – 525,000 PKR | Degree + License required |
| Engineer – Civil/Mechanical | 7000 – 15000 SAR | 525,000 – 1,125,000 PKR | 5+ years experience |
| IT Developer / Software | 8000 – 20000 SAR | 600,000 – 1,500,000 PKR | English + Portfolio needed |
Note: 1 SAR = 75 PKR approx as of August 2026. Rates change with exchange.
Highest Paying Jobs for Pakistanis in Saudi 2026
If you have skills, Saudi pays very well now because of Vision 2030 projects.
- Doctors & Engineers: 10,000 to 25,000 SAR. Hospitals and NEOM projects are hiring.
- IT & Cybersecurity: 8,000 to 20,000 SAR. Banks and govt companies need people.
- Banking & Finance: 7,000 to 15,000 SAR. Must speak English + Arabic helps.
- Project Managers: 12,000 to 22,000 SAR. Construction boom in Riyadh and Jeddah.
How to Find Jobs in Saudi from Pakistan
Don’t pay agents 5 lakh rupees. Do it yourself.
1. Online Job Portals
Bayt.com, LinkedIn Jobs KSA, Indeed Saudi. Create profile and apply daily.
2. Company Career Pages
Aramco, SABIC, STC, Almarai, BinLaden Group. They post jobs directly.
3. Trusted Agencies in Pakistan
Check with BEOE approved agencies only. List is on beoe.gov.pk. Never pay before visa.
Salary vs Expenses: Can You Actually Save?
Let’s take a real example. My cousin works as a driver in Riyadh for 2000 SAR.
| Expense | Monthly Cost SAR |
|---|---|
| Salary | 2000 SAR |
| Shared Room Rent | – 600 SAR |
| Food | – 400 SAR |
| Phone + Transport | – 200 SAR |
| Total Savings | 800 SAR = 60,000 PKR |
That’s 7 lakh PKR per year he sends home. In Dubai, rent alone would eat that.
Want to compare? Read my cost of living in Dubai post.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
- No Income Tax: But VAT is 15% on shopping.
- Iqama Fees: Most good companies pay it. Bad companies deduct 700 SAR per year.
- Weekend: Friday and Saturday. Friday is prayer day.
- Accommodation: Labor gets shared rooms. Professionals get housing allowance.
FAQ: Saudi Salary 2026
What is the minimum wage in Saudi Arabia for foreigners?
There is no official minimum wage for foreigners in 2026. But most labor jobs start at 1200 SAR with food and housing.
Can Pakistanis get 5000 SAR jobs?
Yes. If you have a degree, skill, or 3+ years experience. Nurses, technicians, and supervisors easily get 4000-6000 SAR.
Which city pays the highest salary in Saudi?
Riyadh and Dammam pay 10-20% more than Jeddah and small cities. Because of big companies and projects.
Final Words
Saudi in 2026 is still one of the best options for Pakistanis. You won’t get rich overnight. But if you pick the right job and control expenses, you can save 50k to 1 lakh PKR every month.
Next up, I’m writing about Saudi New Rule 2026. Stay tuned.
Got questions about a specific job? Drop a comment and I’ll reply with what I know.
Saudi 5 Year Tourist Visa for Pakistanis 2026 Complete Guidehttps://globetraveltricks.com/saudi-5-year-tourist-visa-pakistan-2026/