Why Saudi Arabia?
Every year, thousands of healthcare professionals from around the world choose to relocate to Saudi Arabia because:
- You get high salaries with zero income tax
- You can enjoy health benefit packages as a doctor, along with your family.
- Expanding healthcare infrastructure under Vision 2030
- Job opportunities from GP to consultant roles
For IMGs, Saudi Arabia offers financial stability, professional growth, and cultural exposure that few destinations match.
Brief Overview: Salary of a Doctor in Saudi Arabia
A doctor’s salary in Saudi Arabia varies widely depending on title, specialisation, and experience:
| Designation | Monthly Salary Range (SAR) | Equivalent in INR (approx.) |
| Resident Doctor | 8k to 15k | ₹1.76 lacs to ₹3.3 lacs |
| General Practitioner | 15k to 30k | ₹3.3 lacs to ₹6.6 lacs |
| MBBS Doctor | 12k to 25k | ₹2.64 lacs to ₹5.5 lacs |
| Specialist Doctor | 25k to 50k | ₹5.5 lacs to ₹11 lacs |
| Consultant Doctor | 40k to 70k | ₹8.8 lacs to ₹15.4 lacs |
| Veterinary Doctor | 10k to 18k | ₹2.2 lacs to ₹4.96 lacs |
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-level Doctors (0–2 years): SAR 8k to 15k
- Mid-level Specialists (3–7 years): SAR 20k to 40k
- Senior Specialists (8–15 years): SAR 35k to 55k
- Consultants (15+ years): SAR 45k to 70k
Experience directly influences compensation. The more years of practice and board-certified expertise, the higher the earnings.
Salary by Specialisation in Saudi Arabia 2025
| Specialisation | Average Salary (SAR/month) | Equivalent in INR/month |
| Cardiology | 55k to 70k | ₹12 lacs to ₹15.4 lacs |
| Orthopedics | 50k to 65k | ₹11 lacs to ₹14.3 lacs |
| Pediatrics | 30k to 45k | ₹6.6 lacs to ₹9.9 lacs |
| General Surgery | 45k to 60k | ₹9.9 lacs to ₹13.2 lacs |
| Anesthesiology | 40k to 55k | ₹8.8 lacs to ₹12.1 lacs |
| Radiology | 35k to 50k | ₹7.7 lacs to ₹11 lacs |
| Internal Medicine | 30k to 45k | ₹6.6 lacs to ₹9.9 lacs |
| Family Medicine (GP) | 15k to 30k | ₹3,3 lacs – ₹6,60,000 |
High-demand specialties, such as cardiology, orthopedics, and anesthesiology, command the highest salaries due to critical workforce shortages.
Doctor Salary Growth Trends: 2017 vs. 2025
| Specialisation | 2017 Salary (SAR) | 2025 Salary (SAR) | Growth % |
| General Practitioner | 12k to 20k | 15k to 30k | 25–30% |
| Specialist Doctor | 20k to 35k | 25k to 50k | 30–40% |
| Consultant Doctor | 35k to 50k | 40k to 70,000 | 35–40% |
Comparison: Salary of a Doctor in Saudi Arabia vs. Other Countries
| Country | Average Salary (USD/year) | Taxation | Benefits |
| Saudi Arabia | $48,000 – $144,000 | Tax-free | Housing, health, and education allowances |
| USA | $100,000 – $250,000 | Taxable | Insurance, retirement plans |
| UK | $70,000 – $150,000 | Taxable | NHS benefits |
| India | $12,000 – $50,000 | Taxable | Limited perks |
Saudi Arabia remains globally competitive, especially due to its tax-free income advantage.
Benefits of Working as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia
In addition to generous salaries, doctors enjoy great perks such as:
- 100% Tax-Free Income: salaries are not taxed.
- Housing Allowance – often free or subsidised apartments/villas.
- Health Insurance – full family coverage.
- Education Allowance – support for children’s schooling.
- Annual Paid Leave – 30 to 45 days.
- Free Air Tickets – yearly round-trip to home country.
- Gratuity & End-of-Service Benefits – lump sum upon contract completion.
Pathway to Work in Saudi Arabia
- Educational Qualification: MBBS/MD/MS or equivalent.
- Dataflow Verification: To authenticate credentials
- Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE): Mandatory for all foreign-trained doctors. Upon clearing, you can get the SCFHS License.
- Work Visa Sponsorship: Provided by a Saudi employer.
- Language: English is widely spoken; basic Arabic is advantageous.
If you’re preparing for the SMLE or Saudi medical licensing process, Academically can help you with their expert-led coaching, which provides live sessions, exam strategies, and AI-based mock tests to help doctors secure top scores.
Challenges Doctors Face in Saudi Arabia
- Cultural Adaptation: Adhering to local laws and traditions.
- Workload: High patient inflow in urban hospitals.
- Licensing Delays: Time-consuming paperwork and lengthy verification processes.
- Gender Norms: Women doctors may encounter stricter workplace protocols.
Yet, the financial rewards and career growth outweigh these challenges for most IMGs.
Future Outlook for Doctors in Saudi Arabia
- Increased Demand: The Ministry of Health aims to hire thousands of foreign doctors.
- Expansion of Private Sector: More private hospitals → higher salary opportunities.
- Digital Health & Telemedicine: Surge in demand for tech-savvy specialists.
- Sustainable Salary Growth: Salaries are expected to rise steadily due to inflation and the implementation of Vision 2030 reforms.
