Job Discussion Forums

saint57 · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:45 am Post subject: Salaries (I can't Search)

I always heard that Saudi was the big time when it came to salaries. However, I just read a thread where someone was offered $34,000. I was under the impression that salaries were much higher than that. I was hoping to get my master's, then work in Saudi for a few years. Should I throw that plan out the window?

TABING · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 123 Location: right behind you

I think salaries are better in the UAE and Qatar. Some might say living conditions are better being that they are slightly more open societies.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:34 am Post subject:

As I and others have said many times before, you can't judge income level in KSA, or anywhere in the Gulf, simply by the salary. You need to take into account the whole package.

Reasons:

1) The salary is tax-free;
2) You will have rent-free accomodation, with few if any bills to pay;
3) The cost of living is low compared to the US or Europe;
4) You will probably have comprehensive health insurance;
5) You may well have free transport to and from work.

So, while the salary itself may not be too great, all in all as a teacher you can save far more money in the Gulf than just about anywhere else. Should you throw hte plan out the window? Up to you. But before doing so, ask yourself what the alterntives are if you want to stay in EFL and earn a decent salary.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You should also remember that government institutions pay according to a fixed salary scale and that unless you have ten years experience you won't be on the top of the pay scale.

Frank Verity · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 35 Location: INDIANA

He should know.

GabeKessel · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 150

There are some jobs in Saudi that pay well and some that do not ;however, the average savings rate seems to be some USD 20,000 a year which is not bad at all. A job that pays $34,000 should enable you to do just that.

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

There is a misconception that working as a teacher in The Desert will provide generous financial rewards. Job advertisements promise tax-free pay and teachers get assistance with accommodation and utilities.

This must be balanced against the nature of Saudi society and strict limits schools and colleges place on teachers - with few opportunities to work part-time elsewhere or teach privates.

Saudi students and admin are poor - unwilling to put in time and effort to improve things. Some people say it is because of the sizzling heat. At the same time they are judgemental and inflexible in approach.

If you do decide to try this gig - be aware of the many restrictions on lesson content, rigorous segregation of the sexes, lack of public entertainments and all-pervading censorship. You can be arrested for thinking different.

Such a bizarre regime inspires resentment, or with some of the younger students, depression and frustration. How can they change their lifestyle ?
With great difficulty.

If you can base a fictional account on Saudi Arabia it's recommend for research purposes.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

PRODIGY says :'You can be arrested for thinking different."

The Saudis now use this modern Japanese machine that reads your thoughts. Every school has at least two of them. They are also working on a machine that will explain the difference between adjectives and adverbs.

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

Amusing and pithy! Like it.

"Thinking different thoughts and acting upon them."

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

...whereas of course, The Prodiigy just sounds awfully pithed off with Thaudi.

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

THe salaries in Saudi vary quite a lot but anything above 30K US with benefits is reasonable for Saudi.

You can save more in Saudi than just about anywhere else as there is not much to spend the money on.

Saudi is good if you are desperate for cash and don't want to work too hard for it.

It may not suit younger people or people who can't amuse themselves but once you have the desert in your blood it becomes very addictive.

If you are looking to get rich don't come to Saudi as an ESL teacher but if you wnat to save a bit and have a reasonable life it is not such a bad option.

For younger people who are well motivated they probably could make just as much or more in Asian countries like Japan, Korea or Taiwan but they will be hustling a lot more to get the same sort of money.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Consider this
1. You will not be paying rent or utilities
2. Tickets in and out are paid for by the employer
3. You pay no income or other payroll taxes
4. Saudi Arabia is a cheap place to live in

A contract with US$3,000 a month in Saudi is not the same as earning US$3,000 in the USofA or the UKofGB&NI

More on Economics 101 next week.

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409