A doctor's salary in Saudi Arabia is among the highest of any profession, rising from resident to specialist to consultant. Income differs greatly between the government sector (per the health scale) and the private sector (by specialty and facility size), especially in sub-specialties.
Estimated doctor salary range (monthly)
| Segment | Estimated monthly range |
|---|---|
| Resident | SAR 8,000 – 15,000 |
| General Practitioner (GP) | SAR 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Specialist | SAR 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Consultant | SAR 40,000 – 90,000 |
Government figures are based on the official health scale; private-sector figures are market estimates that vary widely by specialty, employer, and experience. The authoritative source for average wages is GASTAT (General Authority for Statistics).
Official reference for government pay
In government, doctors' pay follows the Health Professions salary scale. A consultant physician (Level 1) starts around SAR 14,950 basic, reaching about SAR 17,020 before allowances. To browse the physician ranks (intern, resident, registrar, specialist, consultant), see the Health Cadre salary scale.
The physician career ladder
A doctor progresses through: intern → resident → registrar/senior specialist → specialist → consultant. Promotion depends on professional classification by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, fellowships, and experience. Each step is a pay jump, especially at the consultant level.
Key contract note: basic vs allowances
Some private hospitals split pay into a low basic + a large professional allowance. Because end-of-service gratuity is often calculated on basic salary alone, two offers with the same total pay can deliver very different value over a contract. Read how to read a payslip before signing.
Other profession salaries
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a resident doctor earn in Saudi Arabia?
A resident earns an estimated SAR 8,000 to 15,000 per month depending on employer and specialty, rising as they advance.
How much does a consultant earn in Saudi Arabia?
In government, a consultant starts around SAR 14,950 basic per the health scale. In private, total pay is estimated between SAR 40,000 and 90,000 depending on specialty and employer.
Which medical specialties pay the most?
Sub-specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, anesthesiology, and surgery are typically among the highest-paid, especially at consultant level in the private sector.
Is doctor pay higher in government or private?
Private may offer higher basic pay for senior consultants, while government provides allowances, benefits, and stability; the comparison depends on specialty and career stage.
What is the official reference for government doctor salaries?
The Health Professions salary scale, and for market averages, GASTAT.
Official sources
The figures and rules on this page are based on the following official references:
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