Network Engineer Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Network Engineer Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is undergoing the most ambitious digital transformation in the Middle East, and Network Engineers sit at the foundation of virtually every Vision 2030 initiative. From the smart city megaproject NEOM, which envisions a fully connected 170-kilometre linear city on the Red Sea coast, to the nationwide 5G rollout by STC and Mobily, to Saudi Aramco’s vast industrial network spanning refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms, the Kingdom demands network professionals at an unprecedented scale. The government’s mandate for multinational companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh has further accelerated demand, bringing Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Nokia, and Ericsson to expand their Saudi engineering teams substantially.

For Network Engineers, Saudi Arabia offers a unique combination: rapidly growing demand that outpaces supply, Vision 2030–funded projects with multi-year timelines, competitive tax-free salaries, and the opportunity to work on some of the most ambitious infrastructure projects on the planet. Whether you are a newly certified CCNA professional looking for rapid career growth, an experienced CCNP engineer seeking SD-WAN and data centre opportunities, or a CCIE-level architect evaluating the Kingdom’s premium positions, Saudi Arabia’s network engineering market deserves serious consideration.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Network Engineer salaries in Saudi Arabia are denominated in Saudi Riyal (SAR) and reflect the 2026 market across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and emerging tech cities. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries before benefits.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): SAR 7,000–11,000 per month. Junior Network Engineers and NOC analysts enter the Saudi market in this range. Graduates from Saudi universities (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Saud University) with CCNA certification typically start at SAR 8,000–11,000. International hires at the entry level start at SAR 7,000–9,000 at system integrators and managed service providers. The Saudization (Nitaqat) programme encourages employers to hire Saudi nationals, which can create a modest premium for qualified Saudi candidates at the entry level. NOC positions at STC, Mobily, and Zain Saudi offer structured entry paths with defined promotion timelines.

Mid-Level (3–6 years): SAR 11,000–20,000 per month. Mid-level Network Engineers in Saudi Arabia handle the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of enterprise and telecommunications networks. CCNP certification is strongly valued, and engineers with hands-on SD-WAN deployment experience, Palo Alto or Fortinet firewall management skills, and wireless infrastructure expertise are positioned at the upper end. STC and Mobily engineers earn SAR 12,000–17,000, while engineers at multinational vendors, Saudi Aramco IT, and large enterprise IT departments earn SAR 15,000–20,000. Riyadh-based roles generally pay 10–15% more than equivalent positions in Jeddah or Dammam, reflecting the capital’s higher cost of living and concentration of corporate headquarters.

Senior Level (7–12 years): SAR 20,000–32,000 per month. Senior Network Engineers and Network Architects lead complex network design and transformation projects. CCIE-certified professionals at this level earn SAR 25,000–32,000, particularly those working on large-scale MPLS/SD-WAN migrations, data centre network builds for new hyperscale facilities, or 5G transport network design. Saudi Aramco IT, NEOM, STC enterprise division, and multinational vendors like Cisco Saudi and Huawei Saudi offer the highest compensation at this tier. Engineers leading network automation initiatives using Python and Ansible are increasingly sought after and command additional premiums of 10–15% over traditional network roles.

Principal / Executive Level (12+ years): SAR 32,000–48,000 per month. Network Directors, Heads of Infrastructure, and Principal Network Architects at this level oversee enterprise-wide network strategy and large-scale deployments. These roles are found at STC, Saudi Aramco, NEOM, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and major multinational companies establishing Riyadh headquarters. Multi-certification portfolios (CCIE plus CISSP or cloud architecture certifications) and a demonstrated track record of delivering transformational network projects are prerequisites at this level.

Vision 2030 and the Network Engineering Boom

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan is the single largest driver of network engineering demand in the Kingdom. The plan encompasses dozens of giga-projects, each requiring extensive network infrastructure. NEOM, the USD 500 billion smart city on the Red Sea, is designing a fully connected urban environment with 5G coverage, IoT sensor networks, autonomous vehicle connectivity, and AI-driven infrastructure management — all requiring hundreds of Network Engineers for design, deployment, and ongoing operations.

The Red Sea Global (formerly The Red Sea Development Company) is building a luxury tourism destination across 28,000 square kilometres, requiring resort-grade Wi-Fi 6E networks, smart building connectivity, and secure operational technology networks. Qiddiya, the entertainment megaproject near Riyadh, requires high-density wireless networks for theme parks, stadiums, and residential areas. Diriyah Gate, a cultural and heritage destination, needs network infrastructure blending modern connectivity with historic architecture. Each of these projects creates multi-year demand for Network Engineers across all experience levels.

Beyond the giga-projects, the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation is driving demand. The National Digital Transformation Unit (NDTU), under MCIT, is overseeing the digitization of government services, requiring secure, high-performance government networks. Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation, including new hospitals and telemedicine platforms, requires medical-grade network infrastructure. The education sector’s shift toward digital learning platforms demands campus-wide wireless networks at hundreds of schools and universities.

Telecommunications Landscape

Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector is dominated by three operators that collectively employ thousands of Network Engineers.

STC (Saudi Telecom Company): The Kingdom’s largest telecommunications provider, with over 170 million customers across the Middle East. STC’s network engineering team manages a vast infrastructure spanning 5G radio access, core networks, fibre optic backbone, and enterprise services. STC Solutions, the company’s IT services arm, provides managed network services to government and enterprise clients. Engineers at STC benefit from structured career progression, comprehensive training programmes, and exposure to the Kingdom’s largest telecommunications network.

Mobily (Etihad Etisalat): The second-largest mobile operator, Mobily invests aggressively in 5G deployment and enterprise connectivity. The company’s Riyadh-based engineering team designs and optimizes networks serving millions of subscribers. Mobily offers competitive salaries with performance bonuses that can add two to four months of base salary annually.

Zain Saudi Arabia: The third mobile operator, Zain Saudi provides mobile and enterprise services with a growing 5G footprint. Zain’s smaller scale means broader role scope for engineers, with individuals often handling multiple aspects of network design, deployment, and operations.

Industrial and Enterprise Networking

Saudi Aramco, the world’s most valuable company, operates one of the largest and most complex industrial networks globally. The company’s IT division manages networks connecting refineries, offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, pipeline monitoring systems, and corporate offices across the Kingdom. Network Engineers at Aramco work with operational technology (OT) networks, SCADA systems, process control networks, and enterprise IT infrastructure, requiring a unique blend of traditional networking skills and industrial automation knowledge. Aramco offers premium compensation packages that consistently rank among the highest in the Kingdom, with housing compounds, education coverage, and generous leave policies.

SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation), Ma’aden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company), and SEC (Saudi Electricity Company) maintain similarly complex industrial network environments. The energy transition away from sole dependence on hydrocarbons is actually increasing network infrastructure investment, as renewable energy plants, smart grid systems, and carbon capture facilities all require modern network connectivity.

Data Centre Growth

Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its data centre capacity to support the Kingdom’s digital economy. STC’s cloud infrastructure, the new Oracle and Google Cloud regions in Riyadh, and purpose-built facilities from companies like Center3 (a PIF portfolio company) and Khazna are creating significant demand for data centre Network Engineers. These professionals design spine-leaf data centre fabrics, implement network virtualization (VMware NSX, Cisco ACI), manage high-speed interconnects (100G/400G), and ensure the low-latency connectivity required for cloud services. Data centre networking roles in Saudi Arabia command SAR 14,000–28,000 at mid to senior levels.

Network Security in the Saudi Market

Cybersecurity is a national priority in Saudi Arabia, driven by the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) and the regulatory requirements of SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority) for financial institutions. Network security has converged with traditional networking, and Saudi employers increasingly require Network Engineers to demonstrate competency in firewall management (Palo Alto, Fortinet FortiGate, Check Point), IDS/IPS deployment, zero-trust network architecture, and network segmentation for critical infrastructure. PCNSE and Fortinet NSE certifications command 15–20% salary premiums in the Saudi market. The NCA’s Essential Cybersecurity Controls (ECC) framework mandates specific network security measures for all government entities and operators of essential services, creating regulatory-driven demand for Network Engineers with security expertise.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

Housing Allowance: Typically 25–35% of base salary, ranging from SAR 3,000–10,000 per month. Some employers, particularly Saudi Aramco and government entities, provide company accommodation in residential compounds with amenities including pools, gyms, schools, and recreational facilities. In Riyadh, a one-bedroom apartment in areas popular with professionals (Olaya, Sulaimaniah, Al Malqa) costs SAR 3,000–6,000 per month, so housing allowances generally cover rent adequately.

Transport Allowance: SAR 1,000–3,000 per month, with some employers providing company vehicles. A car is essential in Saudi Arabia due to the sprawling urban layout and limited public transport (though the Riyadh Metro is transforming this). Fuel costs are subsidized and among the lowest in the world.

Medical Insurance: Employer-provided medical insurance is mandatory under the Cooperative Health Insurance Act. Coverage for employees and dependents typically includes dental and optical at larger employers. Saudi Aramco and government entities offer particularly comprehensive medical coverage through dedicated hospitals and clinics.

Education Allowance: SAR 15,000–45,000 per child annually at international schools. International school tuition in Riyadh ranges from SAR 20,000–80,000, and top employers cover one to three children. Saudi Aramco is legendary for its education benefits, covering tuition at premium international schools for employees’ children.

Annual Flights: Return flights to the employee’s home country for the employee and dependents. Typical value SAR 3,000–10,000 per year. Some employers provide additional Hajj/Umrah travel support for Muslim employees.

End-of-Service Gratuity: Saudi labour law mandates half a month’s salary per year for the first five years and one month per year thereafter. For a senior Network Engineer earning SAR 25,000 who stays for six years, this amounts to approximately SAR 87,500.

GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance): Saudi nationals receive employer contributions to GOSI at 12% of salary (employer portion). Non-Saudi employees contribute 2% for workplace hazard insurance only. This is a mandatory deduction but provides workplace injury coverage.

Top Employers for Network Engineers

• STC: The Kingdom’s telecommunications giant, offering the broadest range of network engineering roles from 5G core to enterprise SD-WAN. Structured career paths, comprehensive training, and competitive benefits.
• Mobily: Strong 5G investment creates demand for RAN and core network engineers. Competitive salaries with generous performance bonuses.
• Zain Saudi: Offers broader role scope with opportunities to work across multiple network domains in a growing operator environment.
• Huawei Saudi: Massive engineering presence supporting network deployments at all three Saudi operators. Premium salaries for vendor-specific expertise with regional career mobility.
• Cisco Saudi: Growing presence in Riyadh supporting enterprise and government network modernization. Global career mobility and comprehensive certification support.
• Saudi Aramco IT: Premium compensation packages for engineers working on one of the world’s most complex industrial networks. Exceptional benefits including housing compounds, education, and healthcare.
• NEOM: Cutting-edge smart city networking roles that are among the most innovative in the world. Competitive packages designed to attract top global talent.

Career Progression and Growth

Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital expansion means that career progression for Network Engineers is faster than in more mature markets. Engineers who demonstrate strong technical skills and obtain advanced certifications can progress from junior to senior roles within five to six years. The sheer volume of greenfield projects means that mid-career engineers regularly have opportunities to lead network design from scratch rather than merely maintaining existing infrastructure.

The Saudization programme creates additional dynamics. Companies actively seek to develop Saudi national talent in networking roles, providing accelerated training programmes, certification support, and mentorship. For expatriate Network Engineers, demonstrating the ability to train and develop local talent adds value to your profile and supports longer-term employment stability.

Salary Negotiation Strategies

• Reference Vision 2030 demand: The transformational scale of Saudi Arabia’s projects creates genuine talent scarcity. Use this market dynamic to negotiate from a position of strength, particularly if you have experience with large-scale greenfield deployments.
• Leverage CCIE status: CCIE-certified engineers are scarce in Saudi Arabia, and the certification commands a 25–35% premium. If you hold or are close to achieving CCIE, use it as a primary negotiation lever.
• Negotiate compound housing or allowance: In Saudi Arabia, the housing benefit can represent a massive portion of total compensation. Compound accommodation with family amenities, or a generous cash allowance, should be a key negotiation priority.
• Consider Riyadh premium: As the capital centralizes corporate headquarters, Riyadh roles typically pay 10–15% more than equivalent positions in Jeddah or Dammam. Factor location into your salary expectations.
• Evaluate long-term project commitments: Multi-year contracts on giga-projects like NEOM or Saudi Aramco expansions may offer higher total compensation including completion bonuses, retention incentives, and accelerated gratuity calculations.

Market Outlook

Saudi Arabia’s network engineering market is projected to be the fastest-growing in the GCC through 2030. The convergence of 5G nationwide rollout, giga-project construction, cloud infrastructure expansion, smart city deployments, and Saudization training programmes creates demand that significantly outpaces current supply. For Network Engineers with strong certifications, multi-vendor experience, and willingness to contribute to the Kingdom’s transformation, Saudi Arabia offers not just competitive compensation but the opportunity to shape the digital infrastructure of an entire nation. The market rewards engineers who commit to multi-year tenures, build local expertise, and develop relationships within the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem.

Detailed Employer Salary Benchmarks

Access exact salary ranges at top Saudi employers including STC, Mobily, Zain, Saudi Aramco IT, NEOM, Huawei Saudi, and Cisco Saudi. Data covers base salary, housing allowances, certification bonuses, performance bonuses, and total compensation by experience level and certification tier.

Vision 2030 Project Network Roles Guide

Comprehensive breakdown of network engineering opportunities across all major Saudi giga-projects, including NEOM, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, and Diriyah Gate. Covers role types, salary ranges, contract structures, and application strategies for each project.