Mechanical Engineer Salary in Saudi Arabia (2025) — Average & Ranges

Typical salary ranges by experience level

Mechanical engineer salaries in Saudi Arabia commonly span a broad range depending on seniority and sector. Entry-level engineers typically earn around SAR 4,000–8,000 per month (roughly SAR 48,000–96,000 annually). Mid-level engineers with 3–7 years' experience often see SAR 8,000–18,000 per month (SAR 96,000–216,000 yearly). Senior and specialist engineers, especially in oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation, or large infrastructure projects, can command SAR 18,000–35,000+ per month (SAR 216,000–420,000+ per year). These figures include basic salary and exclude common employer-provided allowances such as housing, transport, and medical. Because many companies offer packages with allowances and bonuses, two engineers with the same base pay can have very different total compensation.

Key factors that influence mechanical engineer pay in Saudi Arabia

Several variables shape salaries: industry (oil & gas and petrochemicals typically pay the highest), company size, and project complexity. Geographic location matters too: cities with heavy industrial activity tend to offer better packages. Educational background and certifications—such as a master's degree, professional engineer registration, API, ASME, or specialized training in rotating equipment/HVAC—can significantly increase earning potential. Experience with project management, vendor codes, or international standards also adds value. Note too that Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax, which improves net take-home pay, but local benefits like housing allowance, end-of-service gratuity, and social insurance (GOSI) for Saudi nationals affect total compensation packages.

How to increase your salary and negotiate effectively

To boost salary prospects, focus on high-demand specializations (e.g., piping/rotating equipment, process optimization, reliability engineering) and earn recognized certifications. Build demonstrable project experience and quantify achievements (downtime reduced, cost savings, throughput improvements) on your CV. Use local salary data from job boards and salary calculators to set realistic expectations, and factor in benefits when comparing offers. When negotiating, ask for a breakdown of base pay, allowances, bonuses, and annual increments; if housing or transport allowances are fixed below market rate, try negotiating for a higher base or sign-on bonus. Networking with recruiters and joining industry groups in Saudi Arabia can surface higher-paying opportunities and contract roles that pay premium rates.