BestInDubai.co

Dubai Salary Benchmark 2025 by Industry and Job Role

Average Salaries in Dubai Across Sectors Including Technology, Finance, Healthcare and Construction

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Average Salaries by Industry

Below is a quick overview of average monthly salary ranges across major industries in Dubai. Click on any industry to jump to detailed role-specific salary information.

IndustryJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Banking & Finance8,000 - 20,00020,000 - 40,00040,000 - 100,000+
Technology & IT10,000 - 18,00018,000 - 35,00035,000 - 80,000+
Healthcare12,000 - 25,00025,000 - 45,00045,000 - 90,000+
Construction & Engineering8,000 - 18,00018,000 - 35,00035,000 - 70,000+
Hospitality & Tourism3,000 - 8,0008,000 - 25,00025,000 - 60,000+
Retail & Consumer Goods3,500 - 10,00010,000 - 25,00025,000 - 45,000+
Legal15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 50,00050,000 - 120,000+
Marketing & Advertising8,000 - 15,00015,000 - 30,00030,000 - 60,000+
Education8,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 45,000+

Banking & Finance Salaries

Dubai is a major financial hub in the Middle East, hosting numerous international and regional banks, investment firms, and financial institutions. The finance sector offers some of the highest salaries in Dubai, particularly for those with specialized expertise and international experience.

Banking & Financial Services

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Bank Branch Manager25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,000
Financial Analyst15,000 - 20,00020,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Investment Banker20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 50,00050,000 - 100,000+
Relationship Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Credit Analyst12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 40,000
Compliance Officer15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 55,000
Risk Manager18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 70,000
Wealth Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 45,00045,000 - 80,000+

Accounting & Finance

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Chief Financial Officer-60,000 - 80,00080,000 - 150,000+
Finance Director-45,000 - 65,00065,000 - 100,000
Finance Manager20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,000
Financial Controller25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,000
Senior Accountant12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
Accountant8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,000
Auditor10,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Tax Specialist15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 55,000

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Technology & IT Salaries

Dubai's technology sector is rapidly growing, with the government's Smart Dubai initiative driving digital transformation across the city. Tech professionals are in high demand, particularly those with expertise in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.

Software Development

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Software Engineer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 50,000
Full Stack Developer15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 55,000
Frontend Developer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 45,000
Backend Developer13,000 - 20,00020,000 - 32,00032,000 - 50,000
Mobile App Developer14,000 - 20,00020,000 - 32,00032,000 - 50,000
DevOps Engineer15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
QA Engineer10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,000
UI/UX Designer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 45,000
Product Manager18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 65,000
Scrum Master15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000

IT Management & Infrastructure

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Chief Technology Officer-60,000 - 80,00080,000 - 150,000+
IT Director-50,000 - 70,00070,000 - 120,000
IT Manager25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,00050,000 - 70,000
System Administrator12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 45,000
Cybersecurity Specialist18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 65,000
Network Engineer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Cloud Architect20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,000
Database Administrator15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
IT Support Specialist8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,000

Data & AI

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Data Scientist18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 70,000
Machine Learning Engineer20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 75,000
AI Specialist20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,000
Data Engineer15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Data Analyst12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Business Intelligence Analyst15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000

Healthcare Salaries

Dubai's healthcare sector is expanding rapidly with world-class hospitals and medical facilities. The city is positioning itself as a medical tourism hub, creating high demand for qualified healthcare professionals across all specialties.

Medical Professionals

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
General Practitioner20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,000
Medical Specialist30,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,00070,000 - 100,000+
Surgeon35,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,00080,000 - 150,000+
Dentist25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 60,00060,000 - 90,000
Pharmacist12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
Registered Nurse8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,000
Physiotherapist10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,000
Radiologist25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 55,00055,000 - 85,000

Healthcare Management

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Hospital CEO/Director-70,000 - 100,000100,000 - 180,000+
Medical Director-60,000 - 80,00080,000 - 120,000
Nursing Director25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,00050,000 - 70,000
Hospital Administrator20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 65,000
Clinic Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Healthcare Consultant20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,000

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Construction & Engineering Salaries

Construction remains a cornerstone of Dubai's economy, with ongoing mega-projects and infrastructure development. Engineering professionals with experience in large-scale projects are particularly sought after.

Engineering & Construction

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Project Director-50,000 - 70,00070,000 - 120,000+
Project Manager20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,000
Civil Engineer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Structural Engineer15,000 - 20,00020,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Architect15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Quantity Surveyor12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 40,000
MEP Engineer12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 45,000
HSE Manager15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000

Construction Site Roles

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Site Engineer8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 20,00020,000 - 30,000
Construction Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Safety Officer6,000 - 10,00010,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,000
Foreman5,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,000
Skilled Laborer2,500 - 4,0004,000 - 6,0006,000 - 8,000
Draftsman/CAD Technician5,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,000
Land Surveyor7,000 - 10,00010,000 - 15,00015,000 - 22,000

Hospitality & Tourism Salaries

As a global tourism destination, Dubai's hospitality sector is robust and diverse, from luxury hotels to fine dining establishments. The industry offers competitive packages, often with accommodation and other benefits included.

Hotel Management

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Hotel General Manager-40,000 - 60,00060,000 - 100,000+
Hotel Manager25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,00050,000 - 70,000
Front Office Manager12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
Executive Chef15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Housekeeping Manager10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 22,00022,000 - 30,000
Revenue Manager15,000 - 20,00020,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Sales & Marketing Director20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 65,000

Food & Beverage

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Restaurant Manager12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,000
Chef de Cuisine12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Sous Chef8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,000
Bartender3,000 - 5,0005,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,000
Waiter/Waitress2,500 - 4,0004,000 - 6,0006,000 - 8,000
Sommelier8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,000
F&B Director20,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,00045,000 - 65,000

Tourism & Travel

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Tour Operator Manager12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 40,000
Travel Agent5,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,000
Tourism Development Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Event Manager10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,000
Tour Guide4,000 - 7,0007,000 - 10,00010,000 - 15,000

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Retail & Consumer Goods Salaries

Dubai is a global shopping destination with numerous malls and retail outlets. The retail sector offers diverse opportunities from entry-level positions to senior management roles in both local and international brands.

Retail Management

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Retail Director-35,000 - 50,00050,000 - 80,000
Retail Manager12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000
Store Manager10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
Area Manager18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Visual Merchandiser6,000 - 10,00010,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,000
Buyer/Merchandiser12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,00028,000 - 45,000
E-commerce Manager15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000

Retail Staff

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Sales Associate3,500 - 5,0005,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,000
Cashier3,000 - 4,5004,500 - 6,0006,000 - 8,000
Department Supervisor6,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,000
Customer Service Representative4,000 - 6,0006,000 - 9,0009,000 - 12,000
Luxury Brand Ambassador6,000 - 10,00010,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,000
Retail Trainer8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,000

Marketing & Advertising Salaries

Dubai's marketing and advertising industry is vibrant and competitive, with numerous agencies and in-house marketing departments. Digital marketing skills are particularly valued in this rapidly evolving sector.

Marketing & Advertising Professionals

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
Chief Marketing Officer-50,000 - 70,00070,000 - 120,000+
Marketing Director-40,000 - 60,00060,000 - 90,000
Marketing Manager18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Digital Marketing Specialist10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,000
Social Media Manager8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 20,00020,000 - 30,000
SEO Specialist8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,000
Content Manager10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
PR Manager15,000 - 22,00022,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Brand Manager15,000 - 25,00025,000 - 40,00040,000 - 60,000
Graphic Designer8,000 - 12,00012,000 - 18,00018,000 - 28,000

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Education Salaries

Dubai has a large number of international schools and higher education institutions. Qualified educators, particularly those with international experience and specialized qualifications, are in high demand.

Education Professionals

PositionJunior (AED/month)Mid-Level (AED/month)Senior (AED/month)
School Principal-30,000 - 45,00045,000 - 70,000+
Vice Principal-25,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000
Head of Department15,000 - 20,00020,000 - 30,00030,000 - 40,000
Teacher (International School)10,000 - 15,00015,000 - 22,00022,000 - 30,000
University Professor18,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,00035,000 - 50,000+
Teaching Assistant5,000 - 8,0008,000 - 12,00012,000 - 15,000
School Counselor12,000 - 18,00018,000 - 25,00025,000 - 35,000
Curriculum Developer15,000 - 20,00020,000 - 30,00030,000 - 45,000

Average Monthly Salary by Emirate (2025)

EmirateJunior (0–2 yrs)Mid-Tier (3–7 yrs)Senior (8+ yrs)
Dubai9,000 – 13,00015,000 – 22,00028,000 – 45,000
Abu Dhabi8,500 – 12,00014,000 – 20,00026,000 – 40,000
Sharjah6,500 – 9,50011,000 – 16,00020,000 – 30,000
Ras Al Khaimah6,000 – 9,00010,000 – 14,00018,000 – 28,000
Ajman6,000 – 8,5009,000 – 13,00016,000 – 25,000

🧠 Quick Tips:

  • Dubai pays the most, but has the highest living costs.
  • Sharjah, RAK, and Ajman offer lower salaries but cheaper rent.
  • Abu Dhabi has strong public sector packages for Emiratis and competitive private roles.

Factors Affecting Salaries in Dubai

Experience & Qualifications

Experience is highly valued in Dubai. Senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command significantly higher salaries than their junior counterparts. Advanced degrees and professional certifications can also boost earning potential.

Company Size & Type

Multinational corporations and large local conglomerates typically offer higher salaries than small or medium-sized businesses. Government entities often provide additional benefits that may compensate for slightly lower base salaries.

Industry

Oil & gas, finance, and technology sectors generally offer the highest salaries in Dubai. Emerging industries like fintech and renewable energy are also offering competitive packages to attract talent.

Nationality

While officially discouraged, nationality-based salary differences do exist in Dubai's job market. Western expatriates often command higher salaries than those from South Asian or Middle Eastern countries for the same positions.

Language Skills

Fluency in English is essential for most professional roles. Arabic language skills can significantly increase earning potential, especially in government, legal, and customer-facing roles. Additional languages like Mandarin, Russian, or French may be valuable in specific sectors.

Economic Conditions

Dubai's job market and salary trends are influenced by global economic conditions, oil prices, and regional stability. During economic downturns, salary growth may stagnate or even decline in certain sectors.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Dubai

  • Research thoroughly - Understand the typical salary range for your position, industry, and experience level
  • Consider the full package - Look beyond the base salary to benefits like housing allowances, transportation, education for children, and health insurance
  • Highlight unique skills - Emphasize specialized skills, certifications, or language abilities that add value
  • Be realistic - Align your expectations with market realities and your qualifications
  • Understand tax benefits - Remember that Dubai offers tax-free income, which effectively increases your take-home pay compared to many other countries
  • Get it in writing - Ensure all agreed terms are documented in your employment contract
  • Consider cost of living - Factor in Dubai's high cost of living, especially for housing and education, when evaluating offers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary in Dubai?

The average monthly salary in Dubai across all industries is estimated at AED 16,000–20,000. Salaries vary based on job role, industry, years of experience, and nationality (expat vs local).

Which sectors offer the highest-paying jobs in Dubai?

The top-paying industries in Dubai include:

  • Banking and Finance (investment bankers, CFOs)
  • Oil and Gas / Energy
  • Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
  • Legal (corporate and international law)
  • Healthcare (medical specialists, surgeons)
  • Aviation (pilots, aircraft engineers)
  • Real Estate and Infrastructure

What's the average salary for IT professionals in Dubai?

Job RoleMonthly Salary (AED)
Software Engineer15,000–25,000
Data Scientist20,000–35,000
AI/ML Specialist25,000–45,000
Cybersecurity Expert22,000–40,000
IT Project Manager28,000–45,000

Are Dubai salaries tax-free?

Yes. The UAE does not impose income tax on individuals. Salaries in Dubai are 100% tax-free, which attracts professionals seeking high net savings.

How do salaries in Dubai compare to other Gulf countries?

Dubai generally offers:

  • Higher base salaries than Oman, Bahrain, or Kuwait
  • Better expat packages (housing, insurance, travel)
  • Competitive benefits compared to Qatar and Saudi Arabia in sectors like tech, healthcare, and finance

What are the salary ranges for healthcare professionals?

Medical RoleMonthly Salary (AED)
General Practitioner18,000–28,000
Specialist Doctor30,000–60,000
Surgeon (Cardio/Neuro)50,000–90,000+
Registered Nurse8,000–15,000

Do employers in Dubai offer housing or relocation benefits?

Yes. Many expat packages include:

  • Housing allowance or accommodation
  • Annual return flights
  • Private medical insurance
  • Education allowance for children
  • End-of-service gratuity instead of a pension

What roles are currently in high demand in Dubai?

The most in-demand job roles include:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning experts
  • Data engineers and cybersecurity professionals
  • Digital marketing managers and performance marketers
  • Medical specialists and nurses
  • Legal and compliance professionals
  • Construction and tech project managers

What's the best way to negotiate a salary in Dubai?

To negotiate effectively:

  • Research current salary benchmarks for your role
  • Focus on total compensation, not just base salary
  • Emphasize certifications, GCC experience, and specialized skills
  • Understand the typical expat benefits package

Are salaries in Dubai affected by nationality?

Yes. There can be differences in salary offers based on nationality. Western expats may receive higher offers, while Asian expats and locals may be offered different packages for similar roles. However, skills, experience, and negotiation can significantly impact final compensation.