Job Discussion Forums

Alvi · Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: USA

Is it true that a teacher could make a decent amount of money in Saudi Arabia? I have read people saying that you can save around $25,000 to $30,000 a year on a salary of 36,000? Is this true?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Depends on job and that depends on qualifications, experience and nationality.

You are being optimistic if you think you will save that much.

Alvi · Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Male or female ? It makes a difference. two very different and distinct job markets here.

Alvi · Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Does the bus driver enjoy driving his bus ?

007 · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:13 pm Post subject:

Alvi · Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: USA

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 12:53 am Post subject:

There do exist teachers in KSA who manage to save such a large percentage of their salaries, but they live a truly miserable existence. Most people find it difficult (or even impossible) to save half of their salaries. The reason is that KSA is, for most people, a really boring and depressing place to live. You can expect to be treated with little dignity and many teachers are placed in sub-standard housing. Just to get through this, you find that you spend a lot of money a) fixing up your housing to make it bearable and less depressing, b) travelling on holidays just to get the he** out of Saudi Arabia, and c) shopping for useless things that you don't need just because there is nothing else to do.

If you are truly dedicated to saving as much money as possible, search previous postings on the (shudder!) 500 Club. Rolling Eyes

Alvi · Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 18 Location: USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A secretive cult of hermits who come to Midian but insist on worshipping Mammon in the privacy of their cells. So-called because they take a vow to spend no more than 500 SR a month (= US$133). Reviled and avoided by "normal people"

SaudiJobSeeker · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Houston, Texas

This would probably depend on if you are single or married. Also, if you have children. I would guess that if you are single, you may eat out more and spend more on entertainment. If you are married, at least the cooking and other chores can be divided. You should try to save as much as possible but at the same time don't be so stingy that others call you cheap. Find a middle ground.

best of luck

LozExpat · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 7

So can someone indicate a rough range of salaries for the typical jobs in KSA?

As a newbie I would appreciate knowing what is reasonable to expect, just in broad bush strokes.

Cheers,

Loz

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You should expect ticket, free housing, no utility bills and between 9000 SR and 16000 SR a month. Some places give genrerous vacations. Employyrs in the private sector, and contractors tend to be stingy with holidays though. Some employers in the public sector still pay education allowances for children in education in KSA. ARAMCO is the only employer I know that still pays for children's education outside KSA.
There are now very few direct-hire English teachers with ARAMCO.

LozExpat · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 7

So If Direct hire is not the norm, ( right?) how does one avoid the pit falls and elephant traps of the "agencies" recruiting for the decent establishments?

Confused