UAE Salary Guide 2026

Comprehensive salary benchmarks for all roles and industries across the UAE. Know your worth and negotiate with confidence.

Last updated: February 17, 2026

How to Use This Guide

Salaries in the UAE vary based on experience, company size, and location. This guide provides market averages based on our research and industry data. Use our Salary Calculator for personalized estimates.

Blue Collar Salaries

RoleExperienceDubai (AED)Abu Dhabi (AED)Other Emirates (AED)
Security Guard0-2 years2,200 - 3,5002,500 - 4,0002,000 - 3,000
Cleaner/Housekeeping0-2 years1,200 - 2,2001,400 - 2,5001,100 - 2,000
General Laborer0-2 years1,400 - 2,0001,500 - 2,2001,200 - 1,800
Light Vehicle Driver2-5 years2,500 - 4,0002,800 - 4,5002,200 - 3,500
Heavy Vehicle Driver3-7 years3,500 - 5,5004,000 - 6,0003,000 - 5,000
Warehouse Helper0-2 years1,500 - 2,5001,600 - 2,8001,400 - 2,200
Electrician2-5 years2,500 - 5,0002,800 - 5,5002,200 - 4,500
Plumber2-5 years2,200 - 4,5002,500 - 5,0002,000 - 4,000
Carpenter/Mason2-5 years2,000 - 4,0002,200 - 4,5001,800 - 3,500
HVAC Technician3-5 years3,500 - 6,5004,000 - 7,0003,000 - 5,500

Hospitality & Retail Salaries

RoleExperienceDubai (AED)Abu Dhabi (AED)Other Emirates (AED)
Waiter/Waitress0-2 years1,800 - 3,0002,000 - 3,2001,600 - 2,800
Housekeeping Attendant0-2 years1,600 - 2,5001,800 - 2,8001,400 - 2,200
Front Desk Agent1-3 years3,000 - 5,0003,500 - 5,5002,500 - 4,500
Chef/Cook2-5 years3,500 - 8,0004,000 - 9,0003,000 - 7,000
Retail Sales Associate0-2 years2,500 - 4,0002,800 - 4,5002,200 - 3,500
Sales Executive1-3 years4,000 - 8,0004,500 - 9,0003,500 - 7,000
Store Manager3-5 years8,000 - 15,0009,000 - 18,0007,000 - 12,000
Barista0-2 years2,200 - 3,5002,500 - 4,0002,000 - 3,200

Office & Administrative Salaries

RoleExperienceDubai (AED)Abu Dhabi (AED)Other Emirates (AED)
Receptionist0-2 years3,000 - 5,0003,500 - 5,5002,500 - 4,500
Office Assistant0-2 years2,500 - 4,0002,800 - 4,5002,200 - 3,500
Data Entry Operator0-2 years2,500 - 4,0002,800 - 4,5002,200 - 3,500
Customer Service1-3 years3,500 - 6,0004,000 - 7,0003,000 - 5,000
Executive Secretary3-5 years6,000 - 12,0007,000 - 14,0005,000 - 10,000
HR Coordinator1-3 years5,000 - 8,0006,000 - 9,0004,500 - 7,000
Accountant2-5 years5,000 - 10,0006,000 - 12,0004,500 - 8,500
Marketing Executive1-3 years5,000 - 9,0006,000 - 10,0004,500 - 8,000

Professional & Technical Salaries

RoleExperienceDubai (AED)Abu Dhabi (AED)
Software Developer2-5 years10,000 - 25,00012,000 - 28,000
IT Support Engineer2-5 years6,000 - 12,0007,000 - 14,000
Civil Engineer3-7 years10,000 - 22,00012,000 - 25,000
Mechanical Engineer3-7 years10,000 - 20,00012,000 - 23,000
Electrical Engineer3-7 years10,000 - 20,00012,000 - 23,000
Project Manager5-10 years18,000 - 40,00020,000 - 45,000
HR Manager5-10 years15,000 - 30,00018,000 - 35,000
Finance Manager5-10 years18,000 - 35,00020,000 - 40,000

Calculate Your Expected Salary

Get a personalized salary estimate based on your role, experience, and location.

Use Salary Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

These figures represent basic salary ranges. Many employers also provide accommodation allowance, transport allowance, health insurance, and annual air tickets. Total compensation can be 30-50% higher when including benefits.

Dubai has a higher cost of living and more multinational companies, which drives up salaries. However, when accounting for living costs, the disposable income may be similar across emirates.

Yes, salary negotiation is common in the UAE. Research market rates, highlight your skills and experience, and be prepared to discuss the total compensation package including benefits.

Methodology: Salary data is compiled from job postings, employer surveys, and market research conducted in Q4 2025 - Q1 2026. Figures represent median ranges and may vary based on company size, industry, and individual qualifications.