If you’re an engineer in the UAE or considering moving to the UAE, knowing the 2024 salary landscape is key to your career planning. Engineers in the UAE can expect a competitive salary band which varies greatly depending on specialisation, experience and location. So it’s important to look at data from different sectors to see where you fit in this picture.
The demand for skilled engineers is still high driven by infrastructure projects and technological advancements in the region. Depending on your field, civil, mechanical or software engineering, the salary will reflect your expertise and the market needs.
In this post you’ll find the average salaries for different engineering disciplines, the factors that affect these and tips on how to negotiate your salary. Knowing these will help you make informed decisions about your career in the UAE.
Table of Contents
Overview of Engineer Salaries in the UAE
2024 Engineer salaries in the UAE are a moving target influenced by many factors. You will see different factors and comparisons to previous years.
Factors that affect Engineer Salaries
Several factors influence engineer salaries in the UAE. These are experience, specialisation and industry demand. For example engineers with expertise in high demand fields like oil and gas, renewable energy or technology get higher salaries.
Location also plays a big role. Engineers in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi get more than those in smaller emirates. The size and financial health of the company also affects the salary scale. Larger multinational companies may offer more competitive packages than smaller local companies.
And certifications and advanced degrees can also increase earning potential. Engineers with specialisations can negotiate more salary especially in niche markets.
Comparison to Previous Years
When comparing 2024 engineer salaries to previous years, some trends are visible. Salaries have increased gradually since the global disruptions.
Data shows that entry level salaries have gone up by 10-15% since 2021. This is because of the increased demand for engineering talent as projects are ramping up across different sectors.
Mid level and senior engineers have seen even more significant increases, often 15-25% more than their peers a few years ago. This trend shows how crucial skilled professionals are in sustaining infrastructure development and technological advancements in the UAE.
So the outlook for engineering careers looks good and will continue to grow in the coming years.
Average Engineer Salary in UAE 2024 by Discipline
Salaries for engineers in the UAE vary greatly by discipline. Knowing these will help you evaluate your career and negotiate your salary.
Civil Engineering Salary In uae
2024 average salary for civil engineers in the UAE is AED 90,000 to AED 150,000 depending on experience, qualifications and job role. Entry level positions start at around AED 90,000 and experienced professionals can get up to AED 120,000.
Senior civil engineers or project managers in large construction companies can get more than AED 150,000. Demand for civil engineers is high especially with infrastructure projects ongoing in the UAE.
mechanical engineer salary in uae
Mechanical engineers in the UAE can get average salaries of AED 85,000 to AED 160,000. Entry level positions start at around AED 85,000 and mid level positions get AED 110,000 to AED 130,000.
Experienced mechanical engineers especially those in specialized industries like aerospace or automotive can get more than AED 160,000. The competitive market requires continuous skill development in this field.
electrical engineer salary in uae
In electrical engineering, average salaries range from AED 95,000 to AED 170,000. Beginners in this field can start with a salary of around AED 95,000 and intermediate professionals can get around AED 120,000.
Highly specialized electrical engineers or those in management can get more than AED 170,000. The focus on renewable energy and smart technology is driving demand in this area.
chemical engineer salary in uae
Chemical engineers in the UAE have average salaries ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 180,000. Entry level positions start at around AED 100,000 and mid level engineers get AED 130,000 to AED 150,000.
Experienced chemical engineers especially in oil and gas can get more than AED 180,000. This sector is crucial for the UAE’s economy and affects salary trends.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers have some of the highest salaries in the engineering field in the UAE, with average salaries ranging from AED 120,000 to AED 200,000. Entry level salaries start at around AED 120,000 and experienced engineers get AED 150,000 to AED 200,000.
Those with specialized skills in oil exploration and production can get even more. The petroleum sector is the backbone of the UAE’s economy and demand for skilled professionals is high.
Regional Salary Variations in the UAE
Salaries for engineers in the UAE can vary greatly by emirate. Knowing these regional differences is important for job seekers and employers.
Engineer salary in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, engineering salaries are high due to the high cost of living and demand for experienced professionals. Entry level engineers can get between AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 per month.
For mid level positions, salaries range from AED 12,000 to AED 18,000. Senior engineers especially in critical sectors like oil and gas can get more than AED 20,000.
Companies often provide additional benefits like housing allowance and transport reimbursement which can add to the overall compensation.
Engineer salary in Dubai 2024
Dubai has some of the highest engineering salaries in the UAE due to its construction and technology boom. Entry level engineers can find jobs with salaries starting from AED 10,000.
Mid level engineers get between AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. Senior engineers and specialists especially in sectors like renewable energy and smart technologies can get more than AED 30,000.
Plus the city has a diverse economy and international companies to negotiate salaries.
Engineer salary in Sharjah
In Sharjah, engineering salaries are lower than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Entry level engineers start from AED 7,000 to AED 10,000. Mid level positions get between AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.
Senior roles can get up to AED 18,000. The cost of living is lower so Sharjah can be an attractive option for engineers who want a more affordable lifestyle with a decent salary.
Benefits packages can vary but may include health insurance and annual bonuses, adding value to the overall compensation.
