Financial Analyst Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Financial Analyst Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented economic transformation under Vision 2030, and the financial analysis profession stands at the center of this seismic shift. As the Kingdom diversifies its economy away from oil dependency, executes mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, and Qiddiya, expands its capital markets through a wave of IPOs on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), and attracts billions in foreign direct investment, the demand for qualified financial analysts has surged to extraordinary levels. Whether you are a fresh finance graduate from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) considering your first role in Riyadh, a CFA charterholder evaluating a relocation from Dubai or London, or a seasoned investment professional targeting director-level opportunities in the Kingdom’s burgeoning private equity and asset management sector, understanding the full compensation landscape is essential for making an informed career decision.

The financial analysis profession in Saudi Arabia spans a broad spectrum of roles—from junior analysts building DCF models and conducting equity research on Tadawul-listed companies, to FP&A professionals driving corporate budgeting and strategic planning at state-owned enterprises, to investment analysts evaluating deal flow for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its portfolio companies, to risk analysts assessing credit and market exposures at the Kingdom’s leading banks. The rapid expansion of the Saudi capital market, the growth of the private equity and venture capital ecosystem, the government’s push to develop a thriving asset management industry, and the massive infrastructure spending associated with Vision 2030 mega-projects have combined to create one of the most dynamic markets for financial analysts in the world.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Financial Analyst salaries in Saudi Arabia vary significantly based on experience, professional qualifications, employer type, industry, and the city where you work. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in SAR and reflect the current 2026 market across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): SAR 7,000–11,000 per month. Fresh graduates and junior financial analysts typically enter the market in this range. Saudi nationals holding a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or accounting from recognized universities like KFUPM, King Saud University, or Prince Sultan University start at the mid-to-upper end due to Saudization requirements and employer incentives. Expatriate junior analysts from the Indian subcontinent, Egypt, or Southeast Asia typically start at SAR 7,000–9,000. Candidates with Big 4 internship experience or who have passed CFA Level I can command SAR 9,000–11,000. Junior roles include financial analyst, junior research analyst, credit analyst trainee, and FP&A associate.

Mid-Level (3–5 years): SAR 12,000–20,000 per month. Financial analysts at this stage independently build complex financial models, conduct sector and company analysis, prepare investment memoranda, manage reporting cycles, and present findings to management. The range reflects the gap between corporate FP&A at mid-sized companies (SAR 12,000–15,000) and investment banking, equity research, or PIF portfolio company roles (SAR 16,000–20,000). A CFA charter or Level III candidacy is increasingly expected and can add SAR 2,500–4,000 per month. Specialization in areas like M&A advisory, capital markets, or real estate investment analysis pushes compensation toward the upper end.

Senior Level (6–10 years): SAR 22,000–38,000 per month. Senior financial analysts, finance managers, VP-level investment professionals, and research team leads at this level manage analytical teams, oversee complex transactions, drive strategic financial decisions, and manage key stakeholder relationships. At Riyadh-based investment banks and advisory firms (Saudi Fransi Capital, SNB Capital, Riyad Capital, Alistithmar Capital), VP-level roles typically command SAR 25,000–38,000 in base salary plus substantial bonuses. Corporate senior analysts at organizations like Saudi Aramco, SABIC, stc, or PIF portfolio companies earn SAR 22,000–32,000 depending on scope and team size.

Executive Level (10+ years): SAR 35,000–55,000 per month. Directors, heads of research, chief investment officers, and heads of corporate finance set analytical frameworks, drive investment strategy, manage large teams, and influence organizational direction. PIF and its portfolio companies offer some of the most prestigious and well-compensated positions. Investment banking MDs and partners at leading Saudi banks can earn well above SAR 55,000 in base salary, supplemented by performance bonuses. Corporate CFO and VP Finance roles at major Saudi companies command SAR 38,000–55,000 plus comprehensive executive benefits.

Saudi Arabia does not impose personal income tax on employment income, which means your gross salary is your net take-home pay. A financial analyst earning SAR 15,000 per month in Riyadh takes home significantly more than a counterpart earning equivalent amounts in London, New York, or Singapore after taxes.

Salary Variation by City

Riyadh is the undisputed financial capital of Saudi Arabia and offers the highest volume and value of financial analyst jobs. As the headquarters of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), PIF, Tadawul, and the majority of investment banks and asset managers, Riyadh-based analysts benefit from premium salaries and the widest career opportunities. The development of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) as a world-class financial center is attracting international firms and creating additional high-paying positions.

Jeddah, as the commercial hub of the Western Province, offers competitive salaries typically 5–10% below Riyadh levels. The city’s strength in trading, logistics, real estate, and hospitality sectors creates demand for analysts with expertise in these verticals. The development of Jeddah Tower and the broader Jeddah Economic City project is generating project finance and real estate analysis opportunities.

The Eastern Province, centered on Dammam and Dhahran, offers salaries comparable to Riyadh for oil and gas and petrochemical financial analysis roles. Saudi Aramco’s finance division and SABIC’s corporate planning teams employ substantial numbers of financial analysts with comprehensive benefits packages.

Key Factors Affecting Salary

Professional Qualifications: The CFA charter is the premier credential for financial analysts in Saudi Arabia, commanding a 20–35% salary premium over non-CFA peers at equivalent experience levels. The CMA (Chartered Market Analyst) license from the Saudi Capital Market Authority is required for certain roles in the securities industry and demonstrates local regulatory knowledge. SOCPA membership adds credibility for analysts working in corporate finance and FP&A roles. The combination of CFA plus an MBA from a top-tier institution represents the gold standard for investment banking and private equity positions in the Kingdom.

Saudization and Nationality: Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat (Saudization) program significantly impacts the financial analyst job market. Saudi national analysts typically earn 15–30% more than expatriate counterparts at equivalent experience and qualification levels. The CMA has specific Saudization requirements for licensed financial activities, and many investment banking and asset management roles are prioritized for Saudi nationals. For expatriate analysts, specialized skills in niche areas such as structured finance, quantitative analysis, or international M&A are key differentiators.

Company Type: PIF and its portfolio companies (Lucid Motors, STC, Acwa Power, Saudi Entertainment Ventures) offer the most prestigious positions with premium compensation. Saudi investment banks (SNB Capital, Saudi Fransi Capital, Riyad Capital) provide strong base salaries with significant bonus potential. International banks with Saudi operations (HSBC Saudi Arabia, JP Morgan Saudi Arabia, Goldman Sachs advisory roles) offer globally benchmarked packages. Big 4 advisory and transaction services teams provide structured development. Corporate FP&A roles at Saudi Aramco, SABIC, and stc offer stability with exceptional benefits.

Industry Vertical: Investment banking and private equity offer the highest total compensation. PIF-related entities provide premium base salaries with exceptional benefits. Banking and financial services offer strong mid-range compensation. Oil and gas finance at Aramco and SABIC provides comprehensive packages. The mega-project sector (NEOM, The Red Sea, Diriyah) is creating new high-paying opportunities for analysts with project finance expertise. Healthcare, education, and entertainment sectors, rapidly growing under Vision 2030, are emerging sources of demand.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

Housing Allowance: Ranging from 25–40% of base salary, this is the largest benefit component. For a mid-level analyst earning SAR 15,000 monthly, housing adds SAR 3,750–6,000. State-owned enterprises like Aramco may provide compound housing at no cost, representing extraordinary value. In Riyadh, a two-bedroom apartment in financial district areas like Al Olaya or KAFD ranges from SAR 3,000–7,000 per month.

Performance Bonuses: Financial analysts in investment banking and asset management receive significant performance-linked bonuses. At Saudi investment banks, annual bonuses for mid-level analysts range from 20–80% of base salary. PIF and its portfolio companies offer bonuses of 15–35% of annual salary. Corporate FP&A roles typically provide 1–3 months of salary as an annual bonus.

Transport Allowance: Most employers provide SAR 1,000–2,500 monthly. Senior roles may include company car allowances of SAR 1,500–3,000 per month.

Medical Insurance: Mandatory employer-provided coverage under CCHI regulations. Financial sector employers typically provide premium plans covering dental, optical, and maternity, often extended to dependents. Estimated employer cost is SAR 4,000–15,000 per year for individual coverage.

Education Allowance: International schools in Riyadh charge SAR 20,000–100,000 per year. Large employers provide SAR 15,000–50,000 per child annually. Aramco compound schools are available at minimal cost.

End-of-Service Award: Saudi labor law entitles employees to half a month’s salary for each of the first five years, and one month’s salary for each subsequent year. For Saudi nationals, GOSI contributions (employer 12%, employee 10%) provide pension benefits.

Vision 2030 Impact on Financial Analyst Careers

Vision 2030 has fundamentally reshaped the demand landscape for financial analysts in Saudi Arabia. The Public Investment Fund’s growth to become one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with assets exceeding USD 930 billion and a target of USD 2 trillion by 2030, has created an enormous ecosystem of portfolio companies, joint ventures, and mega-projects that all require sophisticated financial analysis.

The wave of IPOs on Tadawul—including landmark listings like Aramco secondary offerings, ACWA Power, Elm, and numerous PIF subsidiaries—has created sustained demand for equity research analysts, investment banking professionals, and capital markets specialists. The Saudi CMA’s push to develop the asset management industry, attract international fund managers, and deepen the fixed-income market is generating new roles across the financial analysis spectrum.

The mega-project sector deserves special attention. NEOM alone represents a USD 500 billion investment that requires project finance analysts, investment appraisal specialists, and financial modelers. The Red Sea Development Company, Qiddiya Investment Company, and Diriyah Gate Development Authority all maintain in-house finance teams and engage external advisors, creating a sustained pipeline of high-paying analytical roles that did not exist five years ago.

Top Employers for Financial Analysts in Saudi Arabia

• Public Investment Fund (PIF): The world’s fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund offers financial analysts exposure to global investments, mega-projects, and strategic portfolio management at an unparalleled scale. Compensation packages are among the best in the Kingdom, with structured career development and international exposure opportunities.
• Saudi Aramco: The world’s most valuable company employs financial analysts across corporate finance, M&A, treasury, and strategic planning. Offers unmatched benefits including compound housing, schooling, and healthcare. Finance roles provide exposure to the world’s largest energy company operations.
• SNB Capital: The investment banking arm of Saudi National Bank is a leading advisor on Saudi IPOs, M&A transactions, and capital markets activities. Offers competitive base salaries with significant bonus potential tied to deal performance.
• SABIC: A global petrochemical leader headquartered in Riyadh. Offers analysts exposure to manufacturing, joint venture, and multinational financial analysis with comprehensive benefits comparable to Aramco.
• Saudi Fransi Capital: The investment banking subsidiary of Banque Saudi Fransi, active in advisory, asset management, and brokerage. Provides strong deal exposure and competitive compensation.
• Deloitte Financial Advisory Saudi Arabia: The largest professional services firm in the Kingdom offers financial analysts roles in M&A advisory, valuation, restructuring, and forensic analysis. Structured career paths with international mobility.
• Al Rajhi Capital: The investment arm of Al Rajhi Bank, the world’s largest Islamic bank. Offers exposure to Islamic finance, Shariah-compliant investment analysis, and the rapidly growing Saudi retail investment market.
• Riyad Capital: A full-service investment firm offering brokerage, asset management, advisory, and research. Provides strong GCC market research exposure and competitive packages.
• NEOM: The USD 500 billion mega-project offers financial analysts roles in project finance, investment appraisal, and corporate FP&A. Premium packages with the unique opportunity to build a city of the future from the ground up.
• stc (Saudi Telecom Company): The Kingdom’s largest telecom and an increasingly diversified technology company. Offers analysts exposure to telecom, fintech (stc pay), and digital venture investments with modern workplace culture and competitive packages.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Financial Analysts in Saudi Arabia

• Lead with the CFA charter: Your CFA designation or progress is the strongest credential. CFA charterholders command 20–35% premiums. Negotiate a salary review upon charter completion if you are still a candidate.
• Highlight Vision 2030 sector expertise: Analysts with experience in sectors aligned with Vision 2030 priorities—tourism, entertainment, renewable energy, fintech, healthcare—command premiums as these sectors expand rapidly.
• Negotiate bonus transparency: Push for clarity on bonus structures, including calculation methodology, guaranteed first-year bonuses for new hires, and payout timing.
• Leverage Saudization dynamics: Saudi nationals should understand their inherent premium value. Expatriates should position specialized skills as complementary to local talent development.
• Research market rates: Use salary data from GulfTalent, Robert Half, Hays, and Michael Page. The CFA Institute compensation survey provides useful global benchmarks adjustable for the Saudi tax-free environment.
• Negotiate the full package: Housing, education allowance, and professional development budgets are often more negotiable than base salary. For families, education coverage can exceed any realistic salary increase in value.
• Time your move strategically: Peak hiring occurs in Q1 and Q3. The Tadawul IPO calendar also creates seasonal demand spikes for equity research and investment banking analysts.

Key Takeaways

• Financial Analyst salaries in Saudi Arabia range from SAR 7,000 per month at entry level to SAR 55,000+ at executive level, all free of personal income tax
• The CFA charter adds 20–35% to compensation; SOCPA and CMA Saudi license add local credibility
• PIF and its ecosystem, Saudi investment banks, and Aramco offer the highest total compensation
• Vision 2030 mega-projects (NEOM, The Red Sea, Qiddiya) are creating unprecedented demand for project finance and investment analysis skills
• Housing allowance (25–40% of base), bonuses (20–80% at investment banks), medical coverage, and education allowance significantly boost total compensation
• Saudi nationals earn 15–30% premiums due to Saudization requirements; expatriates must bring specialized expertise to compete
• The IPO wave on Tadawul and growth of the Saudi asset management industry ensure sustained demand for financial analysts through 2030 and beyond

Detailed Employer Salary Benchmarks

Access exact salary ranges at 15+ top Saudi employers for financial analysts, including PIF and portfolio companies, Saudi investment banks (SNB Capital, Saudi Fransi Capital, Riyad Capital, Al Rajhi Capital), Big 4 advisory (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), and corporate giants (Saudi Aramco, SABIC, stc, NEOM). Data covers base salary, housing allowance, transport allowance, bonus structures, GOSI impact for Saudi nationals, and total compensation packages broken down by career level from analyst through to managing director and CIO. Updated quarterly from verified submissions, GulfTalent data, and recruitment agency benchmarks.

Vision 2030 Financial Analyst Career Roadmap

Get a step-by-step guide for positioning your financial analysis career within the Vision 2030 ecosystem. Covers the highest-paying sectors and employers, qualification strategies combining CFA with Saudi-specific credentials, transition roadmaps from Big 4 to buy-side roles, detailed bonus negotiation frameworks specific to the Saudi market, and a 12-month action plan for maximizing compensation growth. Includes PIF portfolio company analysis, mega-project finance career paths, and negotiation scripts for Saudi investment banking roles.