A nurse's salary in Saudi Arabia varies widely between the government sector (Ministry of Health and health clusters) and the private sector (private and referral hospitals), and depends on rank, experience, specialty, and qualification. This page explains the official reference for government nursing pay and the estimated market range in the private sector.
Estimated nursing salary range (monthly)
| Segment | Estimated monthly range |
|---|---|
| Government (Ministry of Health) | SAR 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Private hospitals (entry) | SAR 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Private hospitals (experienced) | SAR 10,000 – 18,000 |
| Major referral hospitals | SAR 12,000 – 18,000+ |
Government figures are based on the official health scale by rank; private-sector figures are market estimates that vary by employer, experience, and specialty. The authoritative source for average wages is GASTAT (General Authority for Statistics).
Official reference for government pay
In the government sector, nursing pay follows the official Health Professions salary scale. Nursing progresses from nursing technician to nursing specialist within the health scale, with added allowances (nature-of-work, hazard, shifts). For the official figures by rank and level, see the Health Cadre salary scale.
Factors affecting a nurse's salary
- Specialty: ICU, OR, and ER pay more than general nursing.
- Qualification: a BSc + SCFHS classification raises pay.
- Experience: annual increment in government, negotiation in private.
- City: Riyadh and Jeddah are usually higher than other regions.
- Employer: major referral hospitals offer higher packages.
Allowances and shifts
On top of the basic salary, nurses often receive nature-of-work and hazard allowances, plus shift pay settled through separate items. To compute overtime pay see the overtime calculator, and for net pay after deductions use the salary calculator.
Other profession salaries
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nurse earn in the Ministry of Health?
Government nursing salaries are estimated between SAR 5,000 and 12,000 per month depending on rank on the health scale, experience, and allowances. See the health cadre scale for exact figures by rank.
How much does a nurse earn in the private sector?
Private hospitals pay an estimated SAR 6,000 to 18,000 depending on specialty, experience, and hospital size, and can exceed that at major referral hospitals.
Is private nursing pay higher than government?
Base pay may be higher in private for some specialties, but government offers stability, allowances, and benefits (insurance, leave), so the comparison depends on your situation.
Does professional classification affect a nurse's salary?
Yes, classification by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties is required to practice and affects rank and pay; advanced certifications also raise pay.
What is the official reference for nursing salaries?
For government: the Health Professions salary scale. For market averages: GASTAT; job-site figures are estimates and vary.
Official sources
The figures and rules on this page are based on the following official references:
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