A Complete Guide to Jobs and Salaries in Dubai
Dubai, a prominent city in UAE, offers jobs to many people, not only Emirates but also from other countries. It is important to know the salaries in Dubai if you would like to work in this ‘city of Gold’ as they call it.
Salaries in Dubai are highly variable and depend on your qualifications and your ability to negotiate. Due to the absence of minimum wage rates or regulated pay in Dubai, earnings in the city are typically comparable to, if not higher than, those paid in western countries.
In addition, salaries fluctuate widely depending on various criteria such as nationalities, credentials, experience, employee history, and other unpredictability.
In accordance with the Federal Labour Law of the UAE, there is no provision for minimum wages, and your basic salary is determined by a negotiated rate set in your employment contract. The sum is significant since it serves as the foundation for calculating your end-of-service gratuity pay.
On this page, we have researched salaries in Dubai and compared one industry to another. More so, you will get to know jobs in demand in Dubai and the salaries they are attracting this year.
Table Of Contents
Range of Average Salaries in Dubai for Various Jobs
One of the main things when looking for a job in Dubai is the salary. There are various jobs in Dubai like any other city, although there are more opportunities in Dubai, and each job differs in terms of salary.
Manual Job Salary
The salary also depends on the type of job you are doing in Dubai. Among their top demanded jobs in Dubai are manual jobs, but they are not well paid.
These manual laborers attract low-educated people, and they must come from Asian countries like the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The manual workers work more time, and they are paid poorly.
Examples of manual jobs in Dubai include gardeners, nannies, security guards, and maids or house helps. Even though they are poorly paid in Dubai, the minimum salary wage is set by their respective governments of the country they come from.
Usually, the minimum wage they are paid is not set by the UAE government; hence the blame is their country's government. It is even unclear if labor laws in UAE support the minimum pay scales set by other governments.
As Sri Lankan, the government has set the minimum wage for its citizens looking for domestic helper’s jobs overseas, including Dubai, at $250 [about Dh918] per month. Therefore if you are looking for manual labor in Dubai, the minimum you should be paid is $250 [about Dh918] per month.
The Minimum Basic Salaries in Dubai
When looking for a job in Dubai, it is important to know the minimum wage you should expect. The minimum wage set by a region is legally binding, and it determines the minimal basic salary that must be paid to any employee working in that territory.
The Federal Labor Law of the United Arab Emirates does not include any requirements for a minimum wage. This means that, in contrast to most cities, the Emirate of Dubai does not have a fixed base wage for its employees to draw from.
However, in 2013, the UAE's Labor Ministry established minimum wages for some employees, which took effect immediately. Due to the fact that these rates aren't generally applicable to all employees in Dubai, they aren't comparable to minimum wages. According to these regulations, the following are the bare minimum basic salaries:
| Employee Categories | Minimum Base Salaries (per month) |
|---|---|
| University Graduates | 12,000 AED |
| Skilled Technicians | 7,000 AED |
| Skilled Labourers | 5,000 AED |
Source: guide2dubai.com
Median Salary in Dubai
When looking for a job in Dubai, you can also be ranked to be paid under the median salary. The range median salary in Dubai is 21 500 AED per month. Most employees in Dubai fall under this category.
Average Salary Range in Dubai
The other category of salaries in Dubai is the Average Salary Range which ranges between 810 AED (1,309.56 USD) to 99,000 AED (26,953.44 USD) per month.
Those wages that fall between the average minimum salary and the average maximum pay in Dubai are not included in the average salary range calculated in this way.
The actual minimum wage may be significantly lower than the stated amount. In a similar vein, the highest-paying position in Dubai would have a higher pay scale than the figure provided.
The average income, median salary, and average pay range can all be used to better understand the Dubai economy, wage expectations, and other aspects of life in Dubai.
Salary Increment in Dubai
When you get employed or get a job in Dubai, your salaries should be increased every year. The increment depends on several factors such as your work experience, level of education, your industry, among other factors.
The good news is that the salary increment is even above the world average of 3% because the rate is 8% after 17 months. Here we narrow it down to salary increments as per salary explorer.
Salary Increment Rate by Industry
His salary increment depends on the industry. Below is a breakdown;
| Industry | Average Annual Increment Rate |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | 8% |
| Information Technology | 6% |
| Education | 5% |
| Energy | 4% |
| Construction | 4% |
Source: salaryexplorer.com
Salary Increment Rate by Experience Level
The other factor for salary increment in Dubai is your experience level. The rate of increment differs from one industry to another. Below is the breakdown.
| Junior Level | 8% |
| Mid-career | 6% |
| Senior Level | 5% |
| Top Management | 4% |
Source: salaryexplorer.com
Salary Comparison in Dubai
Now, you have a hint of the salary range according to the categorization of salaries, which is the main variable used to know the salary range in Dubai.
Now we look at a salary in Dubai according to your education level, profession, location, and work experience in the field.
Salary Comparison by Profession
Salaries in Dubai differ depending on your profession. But also the salary varies depending on the roles in that profession. Below is the breakdown.
| Profession | Average salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banker | 45,000 AED |
| Chef | 44,000 AED |
| General Manager | 35,000 AED |
| Project Manager | 20,000 AED |
| Health Insurance Agent | 19,600 AED |
| Human Resources Manager | 18,000 AED |
| Operations Manager | 11,000 AED |
| Software Engineer | 11,000 AED |
| Business Development Manager | 14,000 AED |
| Teaching Jobs | 10,400 AED |
| Tax Consultant | 9,500 AED |
| Investment Analyst | 8,333 AED |
| Graphic Designer | 7,000 AED |
| Civil Engineer | 7,000 AED |
| Mechanical Engineer | 6,000 AED |
| Nurse | 6,000 AED |
| Customer Service Representative | 5,554 AED |
| Legal Assistant | 5,500 AED |
| Secretary | 4,000 AED |
| Domestic Worker | 1,830 AED |
Source: glassdoor.com
Salary Comparison by Location
Dubai is a huge city; thus, the salary differs according to your employment location because the expenses differ from one location to another in Dubai. Compared to other parts of the UAE, salary is 10% higher, thus making Dubai an attractive place to work.
The average salary in Dubai is 21,500 AED, and below is compared to other neighboring cities in UAE.
| City | Average salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 21,000 AED |
| Sharjah | 20,400 AED |
| Al-Ain | 19,800 AED |
| Ajman | 19,300 AED |
| Fujairah | 18,100 AED |
Source: salaryexplorer.com
Salary Comparison by Education
It is well known that salaries vary depending on the level of education a person has. It's a well-known truth that obtaining a higher education generally results in a more lucrative wage package. The following is a wage comparison based on level of education, with the assumption that all employees have the same amount of work experience:
- Employees with a certificate or a diploma earn around 17 percent more than their counterparts who have simply completed secondary education.
- The average salary of employees with a Bachelor's Degree is 24 percent more than employees with a certificate or diploma.
- Professionals with a Master's Degree earn 29 percent more than those with a Bachelor's Degree in the same field.
- A Ph.D. holder receives the highest compensation in the same employment, earning over 23 percent more than a Master's Degree holder.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Extensive job experience has a beneficial impact on income in the same way that higher education does. According to a paid survey conducted by salaryexplorer.com, when workers reach the ten-year experience threshold, their base salary often doubles. The following is a breakdown of how incomes in Dubai grow as a result of gaining more work experience:
| 2-5 years | 32% |
| 5-10 years | 36% |
| 5-10 years | 21% |
| 15-20 years | 14% |
| 20+ years | 9% |
Source: salaryexplorer.com
Most in-demand Jobs in Dubai with Salaries
As much as you are looking about Jobs salaries in Dubai, it is also important to know the jobs in demand and the average salary to expect.
Hiring patterns and wages have changed as firms worldwide try to navigate their way through the wave of unpredictability that COVID-19 has brought to the workplace.
Here we have researched the top jobs in demand in Dubai and the average salary to expect for you.
1. Engineering and Manufacturing
Job opportunities in the engineering area are available throughout the United Arab Emirates. This high-demand business is constantly on the hunt for new and bright individuals.
Whatever your engineering field, whether mechanical, electrical, or chemical, one thing is certain: you'll need to be creative. Provided that you have the relevant training and experience, there is a good chance that you will be able to obtain employment in this area.
According to the survey, due to the pandemic, enterprises are being forced to focus on lean manufacturing. The average monthly compensation of a Chief Operating Officer would be around Dh80 000 next year, possibly earning up to Dh100 000.
2. Finance and Accounting
Many of the most in-demand vocations in the United Arab Emirates are found in the financial sector. People will always demand aid in managing their finances, so you'll be a useful asset to a wide range of companies and organizations if you have extensive financial knowledge. Financial management professionals have many job opportunities available to them, ranging from financial analyst employment to investment banking careers.
While finance directors at small and medium-sized businesses can earn up to Dh70, 000 per month, those at multinational corporations can earn up to Dh80, 000 per month in salary and benefits.
3. Healthcare and Life Sciences
Previously, there was a high demand for qualified medical personnel even before the COVID-19 pandemic became widespread. Now that the demand for registered nurses has increased even further, it is one of the most in-demand occupations in the United Arab Emirates.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for healthcare support professionals, such as healthcare assistants, in tandem with the demand for nurses. Providing support and caring for patients, healthcare assistants help nurses and doctors in their clinical duties.
According to the report, the average pay of a nurse will be around Dh11 500 per month in 2022, while the average salary of a doctor will range between Dh40 000 and Dh160 000, depending on their field of specialization.
4. Technology
A wide range of organizations in the UAE could profit from the services of a qualified web or software developer, including everything from hospitals and healthcare providers to investment corporations. If you're looking for work in the development industry, the United Arab Emirates has a wide range of opportunities.
User interface designers, like software developers, have a wide range of employment opportunities in the United Arab Emirates. A good chance exists for you to be hired, whether you're an experienced user interface designer with years of experience or a newbie just getting your feet wet in the industry.
According to the survey, the demand for strong technical software development specialists is fast expanding as a growing number of firms in the Middle East digitize their operations. According to the report, a Full Stack Developer might earn as much as Dh35, 000 per year.
Employee Benefits in Dubai
Due to the lack of a predetermined minimum monthly wage in the United Arab Emirates, its labor laws oblige businesses in Dubai to provide special incentives to reward their workers. Some of the employment benefits accessible in Dubai are as follows:
Employees are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave in their first year and 30 days later.
Travel Expenses:
At the end of their employment term, employers must ensure that all employees have a return flight to their home country.
Medical Insurance:
Medical insurance should be supplied to employees when they have passed their probationary period.
Aside from these, there are a variety of other topics that can be addressed and agreed upon, including the following: negotiating allowances for food, lodging, transportation, furnishings (for your accommodations), a vehicle, or cell (mobile) phones is not obligatory, but it is a matter that should be discussed.
You can inquire about any assistance with relocation costs, annual return ticket refund, and medical insurance - if private policies are available or whether you will be covered by the Dubai government's medical insurance scheme.
Gratuity
Gratuity is the equivalent of severance pay in other countries, regarded as an end-of-service reward. Employees who have completed the contract length under which they were engaged at the end of their employment relationship are eligible for this bonus.
The fact that this gratuity payment is necessary adds to the benefits of fulfilling your contractual obligations. Because there are no pension contributions for expatriate employees working in the UAE, gratuity must be paid. However, if your employment is terminated for a good reason, you are no longer compelled to pay a gratuity under Dubai law.
There is a limit to how much gratuity pay you can earn in Dubai, just like there is a limit to most everything. It can't be more than the equivalent of your salary for the next 24 months, whichever is higher.
The amount of a gratuity is determined by various elements and is paid at the end of work. The amount of gratuity you receive is determined by the type of contract you have - fixed-term (limited) or unrestricted - as well as the circumstances under which you terminate your employment.
If your employment has been terminated in line with applicable legislation, you are not required to pay a gratuity. In the United Arab Emirates, gratuity is calculated using your average wage, dearness allowance, and the number of years you've worked. A gratuity is essentially a tip or stipend given to an employee for the full time they worked.
According to Article 138, an employee employed under a definite-term contract and quits their employment on their initiative will not be entitled to any severance compensation under the contract's provisions until their period of service is extended by five years.
Indemnity
Contract workers are entitled to indemnification and salary, calculated based on the basic income, excluding any incentives. If you've been working in Dubai for a long time, indemnity might add up to a significant amount of money.
This indemnity, unlike insurance, is a contractual end-of-contract incentive that is mandated by law to be granted to expatriate workers in acknowledgment of their contributions to the state. In some circles, it's also known as "end-of-service benefits."
For the first five years of employment, insurance coverage is calculated based on 21 days' basic pay per year, followed by 30 days' income per year for the remaining years of employment.
Cost of Living in Dubai
It is important to know how much certain jobs salaries in Dubai are but do you know the coat of living also determines the amount of salary?
The living cost is the money required to pay basic living expenses such as housing, education, transportation, and healthcare.
Thus, important to know the cost of living in Dubai by looking at the basic expenses and see if the salary of the job you wish to take in Dubai will meet the cost of living.
Housing
The cost of housing in Dubai is heavily influenced by the neighborhood you choose to live in. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 5,528.59 AED (1,505.16 USD), while the cost for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is approximately 3,687.32 AED (1,003.87 USD).
Education
In Dubai, there are both public and private schools available to students. AED 6,000 (1,633.50 USD) per year is the maximum amount charged in public schools.
According to a recent study, foreigners (ex-pats) pay more for education than Emirati natives. An ex-pat is a person who lives in a country other than their home country and is not related to that country.
Transportation
Dubai has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and taxis running around the city at all hours. The average cost of a cab ride is 2.44 AED (0.66 USD) per kilometer traveled. The cost of a bus ticket is 5 AED (1.36 USD).
Health-care
A government-sponsored medical insurance system provides healthcare coverage for residents of Dubai. According to the Dubai Health Authority's legislation, ex-pats must have a private health insurance plan (DHA).
FAQS About Salaries in Dubai
According to recent studies, the UAE economy has experienced a robust rebound, and incomes will remain constant through 2022, in part as a result of Expo 2020 Dubai and the government's response to the Covid-19 outbreak in 2015.
The top job with the best salaries in Dubai is the Chief executive officer (CEO), and the average monthly salary is Dh100 000, but the salary range is Dh75 000 to Dh135 000.
The average salary in Dubai is set at 2 58,000 AED per year.
According to Dubai law, workers in Dubai who are employed in exchange for an annual or a monthly income get their salaries at the end of the month. The employer's responsibility is to pay employees once every 14 days if such intervals are not stipulated in the contract.
The lowest-paid jobs in Dubai are office support professionals such as receptionists, personal assistants, customer service representatives, office managers, and administrators. The lowest-paid jobs in the United Arab Emirates are office support professionals.