Average Salary for Software Engineers in Saudi Arabia (2025 Career Insights)

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 digital transformation, the demand for technology professionals — especially software engineers, developers, and IT specialists — has surged dramatically.

From smart cities like NEOM to fintech startups in Riyadh, the Kingdom is investing heavily in innovation, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, making 2025 one of the most promising years for tech careers in the region.

This guide explores the average software engineer salaries in Saudi Arabia, the factors that influence pay, and how professionals can maximize their earnings and career growth.

For assistance with your IT resume or LinkedIn optimization, visit Labeeb Writing & Designs Career Services.

Saudi Arabia’s Booming Tech Sector

Saudi Arabia has transformed into one of the top technology investment hubs in the GCC, with major initiatives including:

• NEOM and The Line smart city projects.
• Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) initiatives.
• Fintech Saudi promoting startups and innovation.
• Expansion of cloud data centers by Google, Microsoft, and Oracle.

According to Arab News Technology Reports and GulfTalent IT Salary Guide 2025:

• The tech sector is expected to grow by 15% year-on-year until 2030.
• Over 100,000 new software and data roles will be created by 2026.
• Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM are the top cities hiring international tech professionals.
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Average Salary for Software Engineers in Saudi Arabia (2025 Estimates)

Salaries in Saudi Arabia’s IT industry vary by role, experience, and employer. Below are the general averages for 2025:

• Junior Software Engineer (0–3 years): SAR 9,000 – 14,000/month
• Mid-Level Software Engineer (3–6 years): SAR 14,000 – 22,000/month
• Senior Software Engineer (6–10 years): SAR 22,000 – 35,000/month
• Tech Lead / Software Architect: SAR 35,000 – 50,000+/month

In addition to base pay, professionals receive housing allowances, transport benefits, health insurance, and annual bonuses, depending on company policy.

Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salaries in Saudi Arabia

1. Experience and Seniority

• Entry-level developers earn between SAR 9,000–12,000.
• Professionals with 5+ years of experience can double their income through leadership or specialized roles.

2. Specialization

High-paying domains include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Cloud Engineering (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Cybersecurity and DevSecOps
• Data Science and Analytics
• Mobile App Development (iOS/Flutter/Kotlin)

3. Employer Type

• Government-backed entities (like SDAIA, NEOM, or PIF) offer premium salaries and long-term stability.
• Multinational companies (Oracle, IBM, Microsoft) provide benefits and global exposure.
• Startups and fintechs offer equity-based incentives and flexible work environments.

4. Location

• Riyadh leads in salary packages due to corporate headquarters and tech hubs.
• Jeddah and NEOM follow with slightly lower pay but better living perks.

5. Certifications and Education

Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Developer, and Microsoft Azure Engineer can increase salaries by 15–25%.

In-Demand Skills for 2025

To thrive in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem, software engineers should master both technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills:

• Full-Stack Development (React, Node.js, Angular, Python, Java)
• Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• DevOps, Docker, Kubernetes
• Data Engineering and AI integration
• API Development and Microservices

Soft Skills:

• Agile Project Management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Communication and documentation clarity
• Adaptability in hybrid or multinational work environments

For professional resume assistance highlighting these skills, explore Labeeb’s ATS Resume Optimization.

Top Employers for Software Engineers in Saudi Arabia

1. NEOM Tech & Digital Company – Developing AI, cloud, and smart city infrastructure.
2. Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) – Leading government data innovation initiatives.
3. Aramco Digital – Focused on energy tech transformation.
4. stc (Saudi Telecom Company) – Major employer for cloud, cybersecurity, and IoT experts.
5. Elm Company – Specialized in digital services for government and private sectors.
6. Riyad Bank & Al Rajhi Bank – Hiring fintech and IT automation specialists.
7. Multinationals: Oracle, Amazon Web Services, IBM, and Microsoft Arabia.

These employers offer tax-free income, high-end technology exposure, and strong relocation support.

Typical Expat Benefits in the Saudi Tech Sector

• Housing or Housing Allowance (15–30% of base pay).
• Annual Round-Trip Airfare for employee (and family for senior roles).
• Comprehensive Health Insurance.
• End-of-Service Gratuity under Saudi Labour Law.
• Performance Bonuses and annual appraisals.
• Paid Leave: 30 calendar days per year.
• Relocation Assistance: Visa processing, residence sponsorship, and travel costs.

Career Growth Opportunities for Software Engineers

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals have made technology a national priority, offering exponential growth opportunities:

• Mid-level developers can advance to Tech Lead or Engineering Manager roles within 3–5 years.
• Specialists in AI or cybersecurity often transition into Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Innovation Director roles.
• Continuous learning through local academies like Tuwaiq Academy and Misk Foundation boosts long-term employability.

How Labeeb Writing & Designs Supports IT Professionals

At Labeeb Writing & Designs, we help technology professionals in the GCC stand out with high-impact personal branding and documentation.

Our specialized services include:

• Professional CV Writing for Software Engineers
• ATS Optimization for Tech Resumes
• Cover Letter Writing for IT & GCC Jobs
• LinkedIn Profile Enhancement for Tech Professionals
• Interview Coaching & Career Guidance
• Career Support for GCC Expats

We ensure your professional materials reflect the innovation and adaptability required by Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing technology market.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global digital economy has made it a hotspot for software engineering talent.

In 2025, software engineers earn between SAR 9,000 and 50,000 per month, depending on specialization and seniority — with tax-free income, housing benefits, and world-class work environments.

Now is the perfect time to build your tech career in the Kingdom, and Labeeb Writing & Designs is here to help you prepare every step of the way — from crafting your resume to landing your dream GCC job.

FAQs

1. Are software engineering jobs in Saudi Arabia open to expatriates?
Yes, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 encourages international hiring to strengthen its tech ecosystem.

2. What programming languages are most in demand?
Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, and cloud-native frameworks are leading in 2025.

3. Do Saudi employers provide relocation benefits?
Yes, most companies cover visas, airfare, and housing allowances.

4. Can women work as software engineers in Saudi Arabia?
Absolutely. The Kingdom has significantly increased female participation in tech roles since 2022.

Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)

يشهد قطاع التكنولوجيا في المملكة العربية السعودية نموًا كبيرًا بفضل رؤية 2030، حيث تتراوح رواتب مهندسي البرمجيات بين 9,000 و50,000 ريال سعودي شهريًا وفقًا للخبرة والتخصص. تشمل المزايا السكن، التأمين الصحي، وتذاكر السفر السنوية. يزداد الطلب على مجالات الذكاء الاصطناعي، الأمن السيبراني، والحوسبة السحابية. يساعدك Labeeb.ae في إعداد سيرة ذاتية احترافية وفرص عمل مميزة في السوق التقني السعودي.