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What is the average physician salary in Saudi Arabia?

Physician salaries in Saudi Arabia vary by SCFHS classification, specialty, and employer. General Practitioners earn SAR 12,000–25,000/month (≈ USD 3,200–6,700), Specialists SAR 25,000–55,000/month (≈ USD 6,700–14,700), and Consultants SAR 45,000–110,000/month (≈ USD 12,000–29,300). Premium private hospitals (King Faisal Specialist, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib) typically pay 15–30% above MOH rates. Income is tax-free for expatriates.

Updated April 26, 2026 · By Balto editorial

Salary by SCFHS tier

General Practitioner / Resident: SAR 12,000–25,000/mo. Specialist (post-residency, board-certified): SAR 25,000–55,000/mo. Consultant (fellowship + 5+ years or specialty board): SAR 45,000–110,000/mo. Senior Consultant / Department Head: SAR 70,000–180,000/mo.

Salary by specialty

Highest-paying specialties in 2026: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Interventional Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology. Mid-range: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Radiology. Lower-range: Family Medicine, Public Health, Psychiatry (though demand is rising).

Government (MOH) vs Private hospitals

MOH and military hospitals (KFSH&RC, KAMC) offer stable contracts, full benefits, and slightly lower base pay. Premium private (Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Saudi German, Mouwasat) pay 15–30% more, with performance bonuses and faster career progression.

Typical benefits package

Furnished housing or SAR 5,000–15,000/mo housing allowance, transportation or company car, annual round-trip flight tickets for self + family, 30–45 days paid leave, end-of-service gratuity (½ month per year for first 5, 1 month per year thereafter), comprehensive medical insurance, schooling allowance for children at senior levels.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saudi physician salary tax-free?
Yes. Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on salary. There is a small GOSI deduction for Saudi nationals only — expatriate physicians take home the full gross salary.
Do I need SCFHS classification before applying?
Yes. SCFHS classification (after DataFlow verification + Prometric/SLE exam) is mandatory before signing a contract. Total timeline from application to first paycheck is typically 4–6 months.
Where do I find verified physician jobs in Saudi Arabia?
Balto lists physician positions at SCFHS-registered hospitals across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, and other cities. Filter by specialty, classification, and salary range.

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Sources & last verified

Last verified:April 26, 2026

This guide is compiled from the following authoritative references. Click any source to verify the most current information.

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