Data Analyst Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Data Analyst Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic economic transformation under Vision 2030, and data analytics sits at the centre of nearly every strategic initiative. From the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) driving national AI and data governance to mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, and Qiddiya generating enormous datasets, the Kingdom’s appetite for skilled Data Analysts has never been greater. Government ministries, semi-government entities, telecommunications giants, banking conglomerates, and a rapidly growing startup ecosystem are all competing for analytical talent. For Data Analysts considering Saudi Arabia, the combination of zero personal income tax, generous compensation packages, and a market that is structurally undersupplied with data professionals creates a compelling career opportunity in 2026 and beyond.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Data Analyst salaries in Saudi Arabia vary based on years of experience, technical proficiency, industry sector, and whether the role is based in Riyadh, Jeddah, or the Eastern Province. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in Saudi Riyals (SAR) and reflect the current 2026 market conditions.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): SAR 5,500–9,000 per month. Junior Data Analysts and fresh graduates typically enter the market in this range. Candidates from strong quantitative programs at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Saud University, or international universities with foundational skills in SQL, Excel, and a visualization tool such as Tableau or Power BI can expect the higher end. Saudi nationals benefit from Saudization policies that incentivize employers to hire and invest in local talent, often resulting in starting salaries at SAR 7,500–9,000 even with limited experience. Expatriate analysts with bootcamp certifications or entry-level portfolios generally start at SAR 5,500–7,000.

Mid-Level (3–5 years): SAR 9,000–16,000 per month. At this stage, Data Analysts are expected to independently manage analytics projects, build dashboards, create reporting pipelines, and translate business requirements into data-driven recommendations. The range reflects the gap between small and medium enterprises (SAR 9,000–12,000) and large corporates, banks, or technology companies (SAR 12,000–16,000). Proficiency in Python for data manipulation and statistical analysis, combined with advanced SQL skills and experience with cloud data warehouses like Google BigQuery, Snowflake, or Amazon Redshift, commands a meaningful premium at this tier. Analysts working at SDAIA, stc, or Saudi Aramco’s digital divisions tend to sit at the upper end of this range.

Senior Level (6–10 years): SAR 16,000–27,000 per month. Senior Data Analysts lead analytics teams, define measurement frameworks, architect data solutions, and present strategic recommendations to executive stakeholders. At this level, the distinction between a pure Data Analyst role and titles like Senior Business Intelligence Analyst, Analytics Manager, or Lead Data Analyst becomes important. Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with business strategy and stakeholder management skills command the upper end, particularly at organizations like Saudi Aramco, Al Rajhi Bank, Elm, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Senior analysts involved in Vision 2030 transformation projects often receive additional project-based allowances.

Executive / Head of Analytics (10+ years): SAR 27,000–42,000 per month. Directors of Analytics, Heads of Data, and Chief Data Officers at this level oversee entire data functions, set organizational data strategy, and manage teams of analysts, engineers, and data scientists. These positions are concentrated at large corporates, government entities aligned with SDAIA’s National Data Governance Framework, and mega-project organizations. Performance bonuses of 15–30% of annual base, profit-sharing arrangements, or housing and education packages often supplement the base salary at this tier. The growing demand for executive data leadership driven by Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda means these roles are scarce and highly compensated.

Saudi Arabia levies zero personal income tax on employment income. A Data Analyst earning SAR 14,000 per month (approximately USD 3,730) in Riyadh retains their entire gross salary, whereas a counterpart earning USD 5,000 in cities like Chicago or Toronto would take home significantly less after federal and state or provincial income taxes.

SDAIA and the National Data Strategy

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is the Kingdom’s primary driver of data and AI adoption across all sectors. Established in 2019 by royal decree, SDAIA oversees the National Data Management Office (NDMO) and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI). For Data Analysts, SDAIA’s influence on the job market is profound in several ways.

First, SDAIA’s National Data Governance Framework mandates that all government entities and many private-sector organizations establish formal data governance functions. This has created thousands of new roles for data analysts, data stewards, and data quality specialists across the Kingdom. Analysts who understand data governance principles, data cataloging tools, and metadata management are in particularly high demand.

Second, SDAIA organizes the annual Global AI Summit in Riyadh and funds research and training programs that are expanding the Kingdom’s data talent pipeline. Analysts who have participated in SDAIA-sponsored programs or hold certifications recognized by SDAIA carry additional credibility in the Saudi job market.

Third, SDAIA is itself a major direct employer of Data Analysts, offering competitive salaries at the upper end of market ranges along with the prestige and stability of working for a royal-decree entity. SDAIA analysts work on national-scale datasets spanning healthcare, transportation, education, and security, providing exposure to analytical challenges of extraordinary scope and impact.

Vision 2030 and the Demand for Data Talent

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan is the single most important factor shaping demand for Data Analysts in the Kingdom. The plan’s emphasis on reducing oil dependency, developing entertainment, tourism, and technology sectors, and building smart cities has created a structural need for data-driven decision-making at every level of the economy.

Mega-Projects: NEOM, The Red Sea Development, Qiddiya, AMAALA, and Diriyah Gate are among the largest infrastructure projects globally. Each requires substantial analytics capabilities for construction planning, supply chain optimization, environmental monitoring, and future operational analytics. Data Analysts working on these projects often receive project-specific allowances of SAR 2,000–5,000 per month on top of base salary, plus accommodation and transport in remote project locations.

Financial Sector Transformation: The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA) are driving regulatory modernization that requires advanced analytics for compliance, risk management, and fintech innovation. Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, and Alinma Bank are all expanding their analytics teams to support open banking initiatives, digital lending, and customer analytics.

Healthcare Digitization: The Ministry of Health’s transformation program, the establishment of health clusters, and the growth of private healthcare providers like Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib and Saudi German Hospital are driving demand for health data analysts who can work with electronic medical records, patient outcome analytics, and operational efficiency data.

E-Commerce and Retail: The growth of platforms like Jarir, Noon (KSA operations), and Salla, combined with the expansion of last-mile delivery companies, has created a vibrant market for analysts focused on customer behavior, conversion optimization, and inventory analytics.

Saudization and Its Impact on Data Analyst Careers

Saudization (also known as Nitaqat) is the Saudi government’s workforce nationalization program that mandates minimum percentages of Saudi nationals in private-sector workforces. For the data analytics profession, Saudization has several important implications.

For Saudi nationals, Saudization creates a significant competitive advantage. Companies in the technology and banking sectors are required to maintain Saudization ratios that incentivize hiring Saudi data professionals, often at premium compensation packages. The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) subsidizes portions of Saudi employee salaries during the first two years of employment, allowing companies to offer higher starting salaries. Saudi Data Analysts with strong technical skills are among the most sought-after professionals in the Kingdom, and many employers offer accelerated career development programs, international training opportunities, and leadership tracks specifically for Saudi analysts.

For expatriate analysts, Saudization means that certain roles—particularly in government, banking, and telecommunications—are increasingly reserved for Saudi nationals. However, expatriate Data Analysts with specialized skills in areas like machine learning, advanced statistical modeling, cloud data engineering, or niche industry analytics (oil and gas, healthcare informatics) remain in high demand because the local talent pipeline has not yet fully matured in these specializations. Expatriates who can demonstrate skills that are genuinely scarce in the Saudi market and who are willing to mentor and train Saudi colleagues are well-positioned for strong compensation packages.

The overall effect of Saudization on salaries has been upward pressure across the market. Companies competing for a limited pool of qualified Saudi data professionals are offering increasingly attractive packages, which has a positive spillover effect on compensation for experienced expatriate analysts as well.

The Skills Premium: SQL, Python, Tableau, and Cloud Platforms

In the Saudi data analytics market, specific technical skills carry measurable salary premiums that analysts should understand for career planning and negotiation.

SQL: The baseline requirement for virtually all Data Analyst roles. Proficiency in advanced SQL—window functions, CTEs, recursive queries, and query optimization for large datasets—is expected at mid-level and above. While SQL alone does not command a premium, its absence disqualifies candidates from most positions.

Python: Data Analysts who write production-quality Python code for data manipulation (pandas, NumPy), statistical analysis (SciPy, statsmodels), and automation earn 10–20% more than those limited to spreadsheet and BI tools. Python is particularly valued at technology companies, SDAIA-affiliated entities, and organizations working on Vision 2030 analytics initiatives. The ability to build reusable pipelines, automate reporting, and perform advanced statistical analysis in Python is a clear differentiator in the Saudi market.

Tableau and Power BI: Both visualization platforms are widely used across Saudi Arabia. Power BI dominates in government entities and large enterprises that operate within the Microsoft ecosystem, including many ministries and semi-government organizations. Tableau is prevalent at consulting firms, multinational corporations, and technology companies. Analysts certified in both tools have maximum market flexibility. Senior analysts who can architect enterprise BI implementations and establish data visualization governance standards command premiums of 10–15% over those with basic dashboard skills.

Cloud Data Platforms: Experience with Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, Snowflake, or Azure Synapse is increasingly expected for mid-level and senior roles. Saudi Arabia’s cloud adoption is accelerating rapidly, driven by SDAIA’s cloud-first data strategy and the establishment of local cloud regions by AWS (launched in 2022), Oracle, and Google Cloud (planned). The data residency requirements outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) mean that analysts who understand cloud data governance and compliance are especially valuable.

Arabic Language Proficiency: Unlike many other GCC markets, Arabic language skills carry a tangible salary premium in Saudi Arabia, particularly for roles at government entities, Saudi-owned corporations, and organizations where stakeholder communication is primarily in Arabic. Bilingual analysts who can present findings and write reports in both Arabic and English can command 5–15% above market rates, especially at ministries, SDAIA, and traditional Saudi conglomerates.

Industry Sectors and Their Impact on Compensation

The industry in which you work as a Data Analyst in Saudi Arabia significantly affects your compensation, career trajectory, and work environment.

Oil and Gas / Energy: Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Ma’aden, and ACWA Power are among the largest and most prestigious employers in the Kingdom. Aramco’s digital transformation division employs hundreds of data professionals and offers some of the most competitive packages in the market, including base salaries at the top of each experience band, housing in company compounds, education allowances, and annual home-country flights. Data Analysts at Aramco work on upstream production optimization, downstream supply chain analytics, sustainability reporting, and energy trading analytics. The stability and benefits of oil and gas employment are unmatched in the Saudi market.

Banking and Financial Services: Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank, Alinma Bank, and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) are major employers of Data Analysts. Financial services typically pay 10–15% above the general market for analytics roles due to the complexity of financial data, regulatory requirements (SAMA compliance), and the direct revenue impact of analytical insights. Analysts in banking work on credit risk modeling, customer segmentation, fraud detection, and regulatory reporting.

Technology and Digital Services: stc (Saudi Telecom Company), Elm, Thiqah, and a growing number of technology startups and scale-ups in Riyadh’s tech ecosystem offer dynamic environments for Data Analysts. stc’s digital transformation and its subsidiary stc solutions employ significant analytics teams. Elm, a digital government services company, is a major employer of data professionals working on national-scale digital platforms. Compensation is competitive with banking, and the pace of skill development tends to be faster.

Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Strategy&, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG all maintain large practices in Riyadh, many of which have expanded significantly to support Vision 2030 advisory work. Consulting analysts gain rapid exposure to multiple industries and build their skills quickly. Compensation is structured with clear bonus frameworks and promotion timelines, and the brand value of top consulting firms facilitates strong exit opportunities.

Government and Semi-Government: SDAIA, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the National Information Center (NIC), and various other ministries are actively building data capabilities. Government roles offer excellent job stability, generous leave policies (often 30+ days annually), and comprehensive benefits. Base salaries may be 5–10% below peak private-sector rates, but the total package—including housing, education allowances, and long-term pension benefits for Saudi nationals—is often superior.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

Beyond base salary, Saudi employers provide comprehensive benefits that significantly increase total compensation. Evaluating the full package is essential when assessing a Data Analyst offer in the Kingdom.

Housing Allowance: The most substantial benefit component, typically ranging from 25–40% of base salary. For a mid-level Data Analyst earning SAR 13,000 per month, housing allowance adds SAR 3,250–5,200 monthly. In Riyadh, a modern one-bedroom apartment in neighborhoods accessible to business districts (Al Olaya, Al Malqa, Al Nakheel, Hittin) costs SAR 2,500–5,500 per month. Some major employers, particularly in oil and gas, provide company housing or residential compounds instead of a cash allowance, which can be worth significantly more than the monetary equivalent.

Transport Allowance: Monthly cash stipends of SAR 800–2,500 are standard, with senior roles receiving car allowances of SAR 2,500–4,000 or a company-provided vehicle. Riyadh Metro, which began partial operations in 2024, is gradually improving public transit options, but most professionals in Saudi Arabia still rely on personal vehicles, making this benefit practically important.

Medical Insurance: Employer-provided medical insurance is mandatory under the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) regulations. Coverage ranges from basic plans to comprehensive packages including dental, optical, and maternity benefits. The estimated employer cost is SAR 3,500–12,000 per year. Large corporates and government entities often provide premium coverage with regional or worldwide access, and family coverage for dependents is standard at mid-sized and large employers.

Education Allowance: For analysts with school-age children, education allowances of SAR 12,000–45,000 per child annually are common at larger employers. International schools in Riyadh and Jeddah charge SAR 18,000–75,000 per year in tuition, making this one of the most valuable benefits for families. Saudi Aramco and other major employers provide education allowances that cover a substantial portion of these costs.

Annual Flights: Employers typically provide annual return flights to the employee’s home country, valued at SAR 2,000–7,000 per year. Many extend this benefit to immediate family members. For expatriate analysts, this benefit is particularly valuable given Saudi Arabia’s geographic position.

End-of-Service Award: Saudi labor law mandates an end-of-service award (similar to UAE gratuity) calculated as half a month’s salary for each of the first five years and one month’s salary for each subsequent year. For a mid-level Data Analyst earning SAR 13,000 in base salary who stays for five years, this amounts to approximately SAR 32,500 as a lump sum upon departure. The Kingdom is transitioning toward a formalized pension and savings system through the Social Insurance (GOSI) framework, with contributions already mandatory for Saudi employees.

Riyadh vs. Jeddah vs. Eastern Province

Geographic location within Saudi Arabia affects both salary levels and cost of living for Data Analysts.

Riyadh: The capital city is the undisputed hub for data analytics employment in Saudi Arabia. SDAIA, most government ministries, the financial district (King Abdullah Financial District), major banks, stc, Elm, and the majority of consulting firms are headquartered here. Riyadh offers the widest range of Data Analyst roles and typically the highest salaries. Cost of living has risen in recent years due to the influx of professionals driven by Vision 2030, but remains lower than Dubai or Abu Dhabi for comparable accommodation.

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and gateway to the Two Holy Mosques. Jeddah has a growing tech scene and hosts analytics roles in logistics (Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest commercial port in the region), retail, tourism, and hospitality. Salaries are typically 5–10% below Riyadh levels, but cost of living, particularly rent, is also lower. The development of the Jeddah Central project and Red Sea tourism initiatives is expected to increase demand for analytics professionals in the western region.

Eastern Province (Dammam, Al Khobar, Dhahran): The center of Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas industry. Saudi Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran makes the Eastern Province one of the highest-paying locations for Data Analysts, particularly those working in energy sector analytics. The cost of living is lower than both Riyadh and Jeddah, and the combination of Aramco-level compensation with Eastern Province living costs creates exceptional savings potential.

Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), enacted in 2023, is Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive data privacy regulation. For Data Analysts, understanding the PDPL is increasingly important and carries a tangible career advantage. The PDPL governs the collection, processing, storage, and transfer of personal data and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. Analysts who understand data anonymization techniques, consent management requirements, data retention policies, and cross-border data transfer rules under the PDPL are more valuable to employers navigating compliance requirements. Data governance and privacy skills are expected to command a growing salary premium as PDPL enforcement matures.

Salary Negotiation Strategies for Data Analysts in Saudi Arabia

• Quantify your impact. Prepare specific examples of how your analytical work has driven measurable business outcomes—revenue increases, cost reductions, efficiency gains, or improved KPIs. Saudi employers respond well to concrete numbers.
• Leverage Saudization dynamics. Saudi nationals should understand their market premium and negotiate accordingly. Expatriates should emphasize specialized skills that are genuinely scarce in the local market.
• Negotiate the full package. If base salary is capped, explore increases in housing allowance, education allowance, annual flights, signing bonus, or relocation support. These components are often more flexible than the base figure.
• Reference SDAIA and Vision 2030 alignment. Demonstrating knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s national data strategy and how your skills align with Vision 2030 objectives resonates strongly with employers, particularly at government and semi-government entities.
• Highlight certifications. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Tableau Desktop Certified Professional, AWS Certified Data Analytics, and Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst certifications carry weight in the Saudi market. SDAIA-recognized certifications or participation in SDAIA programs add particular credibility.

Career Growth and Long-Term Prospects

Saudi Arabia’s data analytics job market is expected to grow substantially through 2030 and beyond, driven by the structural demand created by Vision 2030, SDAIA’s expanding mandate, and the Kingdom’s massive investments in digital infrastructure. The National Strategy for Data and AI targets making Saudi Arabia a global leader in data-driven innovation, which means sustained investment in data talent at all levels. For Data Analysts who enter the Saudi market now, the long-term career prospects include opportunities to grow into data science, analytics engineering, data leadership, and chief data officer roles at organizations that are building their data capabilities from the ground up. The combination of competitive tax-free compensation, a rapidly maturing ecosystem, and the sheer scale of transformation underway makes Saudi Arabia one of the most dynamic markets for data analytics professionals in the Middle East and globally.

Company-Specific Salary Data for Data Analysts in Saudi Arabia

Access detailed salary benchmarks at 15+ leading Saudi employers, including exact base salary ranges, bonus structures, housing allowances, and full benefits packages for Data Analysts at Saudi Aramco, SDAIA, stc, Al Rajhi Bank, Elm, Saudi National Bank, SABIC, and more. Data is updated quarterly from verified employee compensation reports and confidential recruiter submissions across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province.

Skills-to-Salary Mapping Tool

See precisely how much each additional skill—Python, Tableau, Power BI, SQL, BigQuery, Snowflake, dbt, Arabic fluency, and PDPL compliance—adds to your market value at each experience level in Saudi Arabia. Includes a personalized salary estimate calculated from your unique skill combination, years of experience, industry sector, Saudization status, and target city. Identify the highest-ROI skills to learn next for maximum salary growth in the Kingdom’s booming data market.