How much money does a person working in Abu Dhabi make?
Average Monthly Salary
15,300 AED
( 184,000 AED yearly)
LOW
2,790
AEDAVERAGE
15,300
AEDHIGH
73,200
AED
All salary figures displayed here are
per monthexcept when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.
A person working in Abu Dhabi typically earns around 15,300 AED. Salaries range from 2,790 AED (lowest average) to 73,200 AED (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
Salary Variance
This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Abu Dhabi vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.
Pay Scale and Salaries in Abu Dhabi
Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison
5% of people earn
31,300 AED or more
10% of people earn
24,100 to 31,300 AED
20% of people earn
8,500 AED or less
65% of people earn
8,500 to 24,100 AED
2,790 AED |
13,600 AED |
73,200 AED |
Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range
All salary figures displayed here are
per monthexcept when noted otherwise.
Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary
Salaries in Abu Dhabi range from 2,790 AED (starting salary) to 73,200 AED (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.
Median Salary
The median salary is 13,600 AED, which means that 50% of the population in Abu Dhabi earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.
Percentiles and Salary Scale
Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Abu Dhabi earn less than 9,410 AED while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 21,300 AED while 25% earn more than that.
Pay Scale Structure
We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Abu Dhabi. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 8,500 AED to 24,100 AED. Approximately 20% fall under the 8,500 AED cap. Ten percent of wages are from 24,100 AED to 31,300 AED. Only 5% of people grossed 31,300 AED or more.
Salary Comparison by Years of Experience
How does a person's salary progress over time?
Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.
In Abu Dhabi, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.
Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.
After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.
These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.
Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
“ On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark. ”
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.
Salary Comparison By Education
How does the education level affect your salary?
Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?
We conducted a study in Abu Dhabi comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.
Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.
Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.
Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.
Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.
Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?
Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in United Arab Emirates is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 71,700 AED to 215,000 AED and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.
Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.
Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Abu Dhabi
Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In United Arab Emirates, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 7% across all career fields.
| Male | 14,800 AED | |
| Female | -7% | 13,700 AED |
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value
Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Abu Dhabi
How much are annual salary increments in Abu Dhabi? How often do employees get salary raises?
United Arab Emirates
Employees in United Arab Emirates are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 8% every 17 months.
The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.
The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.
How to calculate the salary increment percentage?
The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency
“The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in United Arab Emirates is 6%.”
Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs
Salary Packages and Schemes
Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.
Bonus and Incentive Rates in United Arab Emirates
How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?
100% of surveyed staff in United Arab Emirates reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.
Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.
| Received Bonus | % | |
| No Bonus | 100% |
Types of Bonuses Considered
Individual Performance-Based Bonuses
The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.
Company Performance Bonuses
Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.
Goal-Based Bonuses
Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.
Holiday / End of Year Bonuses
These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.
Bonuses Are Not Commissions!
People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.
Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field
| Finance | High | |
| Architecture | High | |
| Sales | High | |
| Business Development | High | |
| Marketing / Advertising | High | |
| Information Technology | Moderate | |
| Healthcare | Moderate | |
| Insurance | Moderate | |
| Customer Service | Moderate | |
| Human Resources | Moderate | |
| Construction | Low | |
| Transport | Low | |
| Hospitality | Low |
What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?
The main two types of jobs | |
| Revenue Generators | Supporting Cast |
Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business. | Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations. |
Example: | Example: |
Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.
“Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.”
Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level
Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.
Salaries for specific job categories
If you are only interested in viewing statistics and salaries in a specific career field, then choose one from below, or continue scrolling down for more interesting facts about salaries and income in United Arab Emirates.
Choose a job category to explore specific salary details
Accounting and FinanceAdministration / Reception / SecretarialAdvertising / Graphic Design / EventsAirlines / Aviation / Aerospace / DefenseArchitectureAutomotiveBankingBilingualBusiness PlanningCare Giving and Child CareCleaning and HousekeepingConstruction / Building / InstallationCounselingCourier / Delivery / Transport / DriversCustomer Service and Call CenterElectrical and Electronics TradesEngineeringEnvironmentalExecutive and ManagementFacilities / Maintenance / RepairFactory and ManufacturingFashion and ApparelFitness / Hair / BeautyFood / Hospitality / Tourism / CateringFundraising and Non ProfitGardening / Farming / FishingGovernment and DefenceHealth and MedicalHuman ResourcesImport and ExportIndependent JobsInformation TechnologyInsuranceLaw Enforcement / Security / FireLegalMarketingMedia / Broadcasting / Arts / EntertainmentOil / Gas / Energy / MiningPet CarePharmaceutical and BiotechnologyPhotographyPublic RelationsPublishing and PrintingPurchasing and InventoryQuality Control and ComplianceReal EstateRecreation and SportsSales Retail and WholesaleScience and Technical ServicesTeaching / EducationTelecommunication
Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Accounting and Finance | |
| Accountant | 10,200 AED |
| Accounting Assistant | 7,870 AED |
| Accounting Manager | 23,400 AED |
| Bookkeeper | 6,650 AED |
| Chartered Accountant | 13,800 AED |
| Corporate Treasurer | 22,100 AED |
| Financial Analyst | 20,200 AED |
| Financial Manager | 33,400 AED |
| Internal Auditor | 14,300 AED |
Administration / Reception / Secretarial | |
| Administrative Assistant | 7,440 AED |
| Office Manager | 12,700 AED |
| Receptionist | 6,890 AED |
| Secretary | 5,920 AED |
Advertising / Graphic Design / Events | |
| Art Director | 15,100 AED |
| Creative Director | 14,900 AED |
| Graphic Designer | 9,290 AED |
| Photographer | 7,640 AED |
Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | |
| Aerospace Engineer | 20,600 AED |
| Air Traffic Controller | 16,300 AED |
| Flight Attendant | 9,980 AED |
| Pilot | 28,100 AED |
Architecture | |
| Architect | 18,400 AED |
| CAD Drafter | 7,040 AED |
Automotive | |
| Mechanic | 4,860 AED |
| Service Advisor | 10,700 AED |
Banking | |
| Bank Branch Manager | 28,200 AED |
| Teller | 4,650 AED |
Bilingual | |
| Teacher | 11,100 AED |
| Translator | 13,800 AED |
Business Planning | |
| Business Analyst | 19,400 AED |
| Business Development Manager | 24,600 AED |
| Project Manager | 20,800 AED |
Care Giving and Child Care | |
| Nanny | 5,650 AED |
| Nursery Teacher | 4,660 AED |
Construction / Building / Installation | |
| Civil Engineer | 13,700 AED |
| Construction Project Manager | 25,300 AED |
| Health and Safety Officer | 6,350 AED |
Customer Service and Call Center | |
| Call Center Representative | 4,760 AED |
| Customer Service Manager | 21,800 AED |
| Customer Service Representative | 5,100 AED |
Engineering | |
| Civil Engineer | 13,500 AED |
| Electrical Engineer | 15,700 AED |
| Engineer | 14,400 AED |
| Mechanical Engineer | 14,600 AED |
Executive and Management | |
| Chief Executive Officer | 36,500 AED |
| Chief Financial Officer | 32,400 AED |
| General Manager | 28,700 AED |
| Project Manager | 16,800 AED |
Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | |
| Chef | 8,910 AED |
| Executive Chef | 11,100 AED |
| Hotel Manager | 28,600 AED |
| Receptionist | 4,990 AED |
| Travel Agent | 9,050 AED |
| Waiter / Waitress | 3,910 AED |
Health and Medical | |
| Dentist | 38,800 AED |
| Dietitian | 32,800 AED |
| Laboratory Technician | 11,300 AED |
| Nurse | 11,800 AED |
Human Resources | |
| Human Resources Manager | 24,600 AED |
| Human Resources Officer | 9,010 AED |
Information Technology | |
| Computer Technician | 11,200 AED |
| Database Administrator | 15,300 AED |
| Developer / Programmer | 14,900 AED |
| Information Technology Manager | 27,000 AED |
| Network Engineer | 13,400 AED |
Law Enforcement / Security / Fire | |
| Police Officer | 8,340 AED |
Legal | |
| Attorney | 31,700 AED |
| Legal Assistant | 7,640 AED |
Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment | |
| Journalist | 18,000 AED |
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology | |
| Biomedical Engineer | 12,500 AED |
| Pharmacist | 19,400 AED |
Sales Retail and Wholesale | |
| Cashier | 4,950 AED |
| Sales Manager | 29,100 AED |
| Sales Representative | 9,320 AED |
Teaching / Education | |
| Elementary School Teacher | 9,930 AED |
| Secondary School Teacher | 12,500 AED |
Average Hourly Wage in Abu Dhabi
88 AED per hour
The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Abu Dhabi is 88 AED.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.
Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )
About The Hourly Pay Rate
The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.
What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?
The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Abu Dhabi is 16 AED. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.
Salary Comparison By City
| City | Average Salary |
| Abu Dhabi | 15,300 AED |
| Ajman | 14,100 AED |
| Al Ain | 14,500 AED |
| Dubai | 15,700 AED |
| Fujairah | 13,200 AED |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 13,700 AED |
| Sharjah | 15,000 AED |
| Um Al Quiwain | 12,800 AED |
Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison
Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in United Arab Emirates is 6% on average across all career fields.
| Private Sector | 13,800 AED | |
| Public Sector | +6% | 14,700 AED |
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value
Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide
What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Abu Dhabi?
It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Abu Dhabi would range anywhere between 13,600 AED and 21,300 AED.
Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.
Base / Basic Salary
The base salary in Abu Dhabi ranges from 2,790 AED to 9,410 AED. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.
What is the difference between the median and the average salary?
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary
United Arab Emirates»Abu Dhabi
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