Physiotherapist Salary in Saudi Arabia: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Physiotherapist Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is in the midst of a sweeping transformation under Vision 2030, and physiotherapy stands at the intersection of several high-priority investment areas: sports medicine development tied to the kingdom’s ambitious sporting calendar, rehabilitation infrastructure expansion to serve a growing and diversifying population, and a national wellness agenda that positions preventive and rehabilitative care as central pillars of the future healthcare system. For qualified physiotherapists, Saudi Arabia represents one of the most significant career opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council, combining tax-free salaries, substantial employer-provided benefits, and a rapidly expanding market where skilled rehabilitation professionals are in high and growing demand.

The kingdom’s healthcare landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade. The Ministry of Health operates the majority of government hospitals and primary care centers, while a vibrant private sector led by hospital groups such as Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Saudi German Hospital, and Mouwasat Medical Services has expanded to meet the needs of a population that increasingly expects international-standard healthcare. Specialty institutions like King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh and Jeddah, and the National Guard Health Affairs medical cities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Ahsa, provide tertiary and quaternary care with dedicated rehabilitation departments that employ large physiotherapy teams.

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host major international sporting events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Dakar Rally, and Formula 1 races, coupled with massive investments in sports infrastructure through NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Saudi Pro League, has catalyzed unprecedented demand for sports physiotherapy professionals. This trend, combined with the kingdom’s aging population demographics and rising prevalence of lifestyle-related musculoskeletal conditions, creates a market environment where qualified physiotherapists have strong negotiating power and excellent long-term career prospects.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Physiotherapist salaries in Saudi Arabia are structured around clinical experience, SCFHS classification, specialization, and employer type. The following ranges represent monthly base salaries in Saudi Riyals (SAR) and reflect the current 2026 market across the kingdom.

Entry-Level (0–2 years): SAR 6,000–10,000 per month. Newly qualified physiotherapists entering the Saudi market typically start within this band. The SCFHS classification process evaluates educational qualifications, clinical training, and post-graduation experience to assign a professional grade that directly influences salary placement. Graduates from recognized institutions in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the United States generally receive higher SCFHS classifications and correspondingly higher starting salaries, often in the SAR 8,000–10,000 range. Physiotherapists from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Egypt who have passed the SCFHS Prometric examination enter competitively, typically at SAR 6,000–8,000, and can progress quickly with demonstrated clinical competence. Entry-level roles at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and National Guard Health Affairs offer particularly strong benefits packages that enhance the effective value of the starting salary.

Mid-Level (3–5 years): SAR 10,000–17,000 per month. Physiotherapists at this stage have established clinical proficiency, often hold specialty certifications in manual therapy, sports rehabilitation, or neurological physiotherapy, and are expected to manage complex patient cases independently. The range reflects the gap between general outpatient physiotherapy roles (SAR 10,000–13,000) and specialized positions in sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, and intensive care physiotherapy (SAR 14,000–17,000). Mid-level physiotherapists at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, which operates a network of hospitals across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities, earn at the mid-to-upper end of this range, particularly if they hold credentials valued in the Saudi market such as certified manual therapy qualifications or sports physiotherapy diplomas.

Senior Level (6–10 years): SAR 17,000–27,000 per month. Senior physiotherapists, clinical specialists, team leaders, and physiotherapy educators occupy this bracket. These professionals are expected to lead clinical teams, develop evidence-based treatment protocols, mentor junior staff, participate in quality improvement programs, and manage complex multi-disciplinary rehabilitation cases. Senior physiotherapists at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre who have progressed through the institution’s clinical grading system, hold master’s degrees or DPT qualifications, and demonstrate research output regularly earn SAR 20,000–27,000. National Guard Health Affairs facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah pay competitively within this range for experienced specialists, particularly those with expertise in post-surgical rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, and neurological recovery.

Executive / Director Level (10+ years): SAR 27,000–40,000 per month. Rehabilitation Department Directors, Heads of Physical Therapy Services, Clinical Program Managers, and physiotherapists who have transitioned into senior administrative or consultancy roles command packages at this level. These roles involve strategic service planning, budget oversight, workforce development, accreditation preparation, and representation of rehabilitation services at the institutional leadership level. At Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Dhahran, which serves the healthcare needs of Saudi Aramco employees and dependents, Director-level rehabilitation roles offer compensation at the upper end of this bracket. Mouwasat Medical Services and Saudi German Hospital group also offer executive-level packages for physiotherapy leaders overseeing multi-site rehabilitation operations.

SCFHS Licensing: The Essential Credential

Every physiotherapist intending to practice in Saudi Arabia must obtain classification and licensing from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The SCFHS classification process is comprehensive and directly determines your professional grade, which in turn influences your salary band at most employers.

The SCFHS evaluation process involves verification of your physiotherapy degree from a recognized institution, assessment of your clinical training program, review of your post-graduation clinical experience, and verification of your professional registration in your home country. Primary source verification is conducted through the DataFlow Group, and this process typically takes four to eight weeks. Following verification, physiotherapists must pass the SCFHS Prometric examination, which covers musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, pediatric physiotherapy, professional ethics, and Saudi healthcare regulations.

The SCFHS assigns professional classifications ranging from Technician to Consultant, with each classification corresponding to specific salary bands at government and many private employers. A physiotherapist classified as a Specialist (requiring a master’s degree or equivalent and several years of specialized experience) will be placed in a significantly higher salary band than one classified as a Practitioner. This makes the SCFHS classification one of the most important determinants of physiotherapy compensation in Saudi Arabia, and physiotherapists planning a Saudi career should ensure their qualifications and experience are thoroughly documented to achieve the highest possible classification.

Specialization Impact on Earnings

Sports Physiotherapy: Premium of 15–30% above general rates. Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in sports infrastructure, including the preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the expansion of the Saudi Pro League, and the development of sporting facilities at NEOM and Qiddiya, has created extraordinary demand for sports physiotherapy professionals. Physiotherapists with experience treating professional athletes, post-surgical sports rehabilitation, and competition-day pitch-side management are commanding premium salaries. Several Saudi Pro League football clubs have established in-house physiotherapy teams, offering contract-based positions that can exceed standard hospital salaries.

Neurological Physiotherapy: Premium of 10–25%. Stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury recovery, and spinal cord injury management are growing specialties in Saudi Arabia, driven by the expansion of dedicated neurorehabilitation centers and the increasing capacity of institutions like King Faisal Specialist Hospital to provide comprehensive neurological care. Practitioners with Bobath, PNF, or neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) certifications are particularly valued.

Pediatric Physiotherapy: Premium of 10–20%. The kingdom’s young population demographics create sustained demand for pediatric physiotherapy services, including developmental physiotherapy, early intervention programs, and rehabilitation for children with genetic and congenital conditions. Specialized pediatric physiotherapy roles at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital and other pediatric facilities offer salaries at the higher end of the range.

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy: Premium of 10–20%. Critical care physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and respiratory physiotherapy are essential services at Saudi Arabia’s major hospitals, particularly in ICU settings where physiotherapists play a crucial role in early mobilization, ventilator weaning, and post-cardiac surgery recovery. Practitioners with ICU physiotherapy experience and certification in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy are in high demand.

City-Level Salary Variation

Physiotherapist salaries vary across Saudi Arabia’s major cities. Riyadh, the capital and largest city, offers the broadest range of opportunities and the highest average salaries, with mid-level roles typically paying SAR 11,000–17,000. Jeddah follows closely, with mid-level salaries of SAR 10,000–16,000, reflecting the city’s growing private healthcare sector. The Eastern Province, particularly Dammam and Khobar, offers competitive salaries driven by the presence of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare and other oil-sector-affiliated employers, with mid-level ranges of SAR 11,000–16,500. Medina, Tabuk, and other secondary cities typically offer base salaries 10–15% below Riyadh levels, but the significantly lower cost of living in these areas can make them financially attractive for physiotherapists focused on maximizing savings.

Benefits That Enhance Total Compensation

Saudi Arabia’s employment framework, governed by the Saudi Labour Law, mandates several benefits that significantly increase total compensation for physiotherapists.

Housing Allowance: Most healthcare employers in Saudi Arabia provide either furnished accommodation or a monthly housing allowance. At King Faisal Specialist Hospital, physiotherapists are commonly offered furnished staff accommodation in dedicated residential compounds with amenities including gyms, pools, and recreation facilities. The equivalent cash value is typically SAR 3,000–7,000 per month. Private hospital groups like Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib and Saudi German Hospital typically provide housing allowances of SAR 3,000–6,000 for mid-level physiotherapists. Accommodation in compound-style housing is particularly valued in Saudi Arabia for the community environment and lifestyle amenities it provides.

Transport Allowance: Monthly transport allowances of SAR 800–2,000 are standard across most Saudi healthcare employers. Senior physiotherapists and department heads may receive higher allowances or company vehicles. In cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where distances are significant and public transportation is still developing, a transport allowance or employer-provided transport is essential for daily commuting.

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance (mandatory under the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance regulations) covers the employee and typically extends to dependents. Healthcare employers generally provide premium coverage including specialist consultations, dental care, and maternity benefits. The estimated employer cost is SAR 5,000–12,000 per year.

Annual Flights: Employers provide annual return airfare to the physiotherapist’s home country. Coverage typically extends to the employee and immediate family members. The value ranges from SAR 2,000–8,000 per year depending on destination and family size. Some employers offer two annual flights for physiotherapists serving long contracts.

End-of-Service Gratuity: Under Saudi Labour Law, employees are entitled to a half-month’s salary for each of the first five years and one month’s salary for each subsequent year. For a mid-level physiotherapist earning SAR 13,500 base salary who works in Saudi Arabia for five years, this amounts to approximately SAR 33,750 as a lump sum. The annual equivalent value is SAR 5,600–16,000 depending on salary level and tenure.

Top Employers for Physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia

• King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre: Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the Middle East, with campuses in Riyadh and Jeddah. The rehabilitation department handles complex cases across all physiotherapy specializations. Offers structured career progression, research opportunities, and premium benefits including compound housing. Salaries for mid-level physiotherapists range from SAR 12,000–17,000.
• Saudi German Hospital: A major private hospital group with facilities across Saudi Arabia. Offers physiotherapists a dynamic multi-specialty environment with competitive private sector salaries and benefits. Known for its outpatient rehabilitation clinics that handle high patient volumes across musculoskeletal and post-surgical caseloads.
• Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group: One of the kingdom’s most respected private healthcare brands, operating hospitals and medical centers across Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, and other cities. Offers excellent facilities, modern rehabilitation equipment, and competitive salaries. Career progression opportunities are strong given the group’s expansion trajectory.
• National Guard Health Affairs: Operating the King Abdulaziz Medical City campuses in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Ahsa, National Guard Health Affairs employs large physiotherapy teams across its hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Benefits are among the most comprehensive in Saudi Arabia, including premium housing, education allowances for children, and generous leave policies.
• Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare: Based in Dhahran, this joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Medicine provides healthcare to Aramco employees and dependents. Physiotherapists benefit from American-standard clinical practices, competitive compensation, and a unique community environment within the Aramco residential compound. Sports and occupational physiotherapy roles are particularly well-developed.
• Mouwasat Medical Services: A publicly listed hospital group with facilities in Riyadh, Dammam, Jubail, Qassim, and Medina. Mouwasat offers physiotherapists stable employment with growing rehabilitation service lines and competitive private sector compensation.

Career Progression and Professional Development

Saudi Arabia offers meaningful career advancement pathways for physiotherapists, driven by the kingdom’s massive healthcare expansion and the growing recognition of rehabilitation services as essential to quality healthcare delivery. The SCFHS framework supports career progression through its classification system, allowing physiotherapists to advance from Practitioner to Specialist to Senior Specialist to Consultant based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competence.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital operates a dedicated research program that encourages physiotherapists to participate in clinical research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present at international conferences. National Guard Health Affairs supports physiotherapists pursuing postgraduate qualifications, including funding for master’s degrees and DPT programs at international institutions. Private groups like Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib invest in continuing education through internal training academies and partnerships with international physiotherapy education providers.

The Saudization policy, which requires an increasing proportion of healthcare professionals to be Saudi nationals, is gradually changing the workforce composition. For international physiotherapists, this means that roles requiring advanced specialization, leadership responsibilities, or rare clinical expertise will remain accessible and in demand, while more general entry-level positions may become more competitive. Building specialized credentials and moving into leadership or training roles is a wise long-term strategy for international physiotherapists working in Saudi Arabia.

2026 Market Trends

The Saudi physiotherapy market in 2026 is shaped by several powerful trends. Sports medicine is the most prominent growth driver, with the kingdom’s hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup creating a decade-long demand surge for sports physiotherapy professionals at every level from community sports clinics to elite performance centers. Telehealth physiotherapy has gained significant traction, with the Saudi Ministry of Health actively encouraging virtual rehabilitation consultations to extend physiotherapy access to remote regions of the kingdom. Workplace wellness programs, mandated under evolving occupational health regulations, are creating new career paths for physiotherapists in corporate ergonomics and injury prevention. The growing medical tourism sector, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah, is attracting international patients seeking rehabilitation services, further expanding demand for multilingual, internationally certified physiotherapists.

Salary Negotiation Strategies

• Maximize your SCFHS classification: The single most impactful step you can take to increase your salary in Saudi Arabia is ensuring you achieve the highest possible SCFHS classification. Document all clinical experience meticulously, obtain verification letters from every employer, and submit your specialty certifications and postgraduate qualifications as part of the classification application.
• Negotiate compound housing: If offered shared accommodation, request a single unit or a higher-grade housing option within the employer’s residential compound. The quality of life difference is significant, and many employers have flexibility in housing allocation for candidates with strong credentials.
• Highlight sports medicine credentials: Given the current demand surge, any experience or certification related to sports physiotherapy carries substantial negotiating weight. Even general physiotherapists with some sports rehabilitation experience should highlight this in their applications.
• Consider the total package: Government sector positions at King Faisal Specialist Hospital or National Guard Health Affairs may offer lower base salaries than some private sector employers, but the comprehensive benefits (premium housing, family medical insurance, education allowances, research funding, generous leave) often make the total package more valuable. Calculate the full annual value before comparing offers.
• Negotiate contract renewal terms upfront: Include annual salary increments, loyalty bonuses, and enhanced benefits for contract renewal in your initial negotiation. Some Saudi employers offer retention bonuses of one to two months’ salary for physiotherapists who renew their contracts.

Saudi Arabia Physiotherapy Salary Database by Employer

Access our verified salary database featuring exact compensation bands at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Saudi German Hospital, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, National Guard Health Affairs, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and other major Saudi employers. Includes base salary ranges broken down by physiotherapy specialization, SCFHS classification grade, years of experience, and qualification level. Updated quarterly with data from verified physiotherapy professionals and recent contract offers. See how sports physiotherapists, neurological specialists, and cardiopulmonary physiotherapists compare across employers. Includes compound housing valuations, education allowance data for dependents, and historical salary trend analysis showing year-over-year changes in Saudi physiotherapy compensation.