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Principal Scientist salary in Saudi Arabia

Average Yearly Salary of Principal Scientist in Saudi Arabia is approximately 276,140 SAR (68,556 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Principal Scientist do?

occupation personasThe occupation of a principal scientist is a highly specialized and senior-level position within the scientific field. Principal scientists are responsible for leading and managing research projects, developing innovative scientific strategies, and providing technical expertise to solve complex problems. They are often involved in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Principal scientists also play a crucial role in mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

Skills: Principal Scientist, Research Projects, Scientific Strategies, Technical Expertise, Data Analysis, Problem Solving
Job industry: Research and development


How much does Principal Scientist make?

Salary details
How much does Principal Scientist make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 276,140 SAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 23,012 SAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,310 SAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 133 SAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 265,848 SAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 22,154 SAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,112 SAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 128 SAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-06



Principal Scientist estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 68,556 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,713 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,318 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 33 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 4 %

About these results Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.

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Salary comparison to National average

Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country located in the Middle East. With a population of approximately 34 million people, it is the 40th most populous country in the world. The nation covers an area of about 2.15 million square kilometers, making it the 13th largest country globally. Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen to the south.

Estimated national average yearly salary is 103,462 SAR (27,590 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Scientist job salary compared to average salary in Saudi Arabia.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Scientist in Saudi Arabia earns on average:
2.67 times the average salary (or 267% of average salary).

Is Principal Scientist a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Principal Scientist is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Principal Scientist?

High salary for Principal Scientist would be somewhere between 303,754 SAR and 400,403 SAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Principal Scientist in Saudi Arabia?

Living in Saudi Arabia the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,104 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 276,140 SAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 23,012 SAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 5,310 SAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 133 SAR per hour
By working as Principal Scientist a person can save up to 4,609 USD per month or 55,313 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in Saudi Arabia, see costs of living in Saudi Arabia.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Scientist

Jordan is 23,654 USDdown arrow 65%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Jordan
Iraq is 14,923 USDdown arrow 78%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Iraq
Kuwait is 33,488 USDdown arrow 51%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Kuwait
Qatar is 175,733 USDup arrow 156%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Qatar
Bahrain is 44,362 USDdown arrow 35%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Bahrain
United Arab Emirates is 122,362 USDup arrow 78%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in United Arab Emirates
Oman is 22,544 USDdown arrow 67%
Details on Principal Scientist salary in Oman
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

    0 years (beginner) equals base salary
    1 to 5 years of experience yields up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Saudi Arabia

(1,155,796 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(962,048 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(923,476 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(900,367 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(897,041 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(877,388 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(874,133 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(873,498 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(873,306 SAR per year, pre-tax.)
(872,951 SAR per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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This website presents salary insights for informational purposes only.
The salary figures presented here are intended for reference purposes only. While we attempt to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee every estimate is precise. Users are advised to research salary details with official sources before making critical financial choices. Salary amounts can fluctuate due to economic shifts, demand variations, and regional factors. We disclaim responsibility for inaccuracies in the salary data displayed.
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