Saudi Aramco is the world's most valuable company by market capitalization, and one of the most sought-after employers in Saudi Arabia. Working there means more than a high salary — it comes with a full benefits package that often makes total compensation far higher than the number written in the contract. This guide lays out the real numbers, without exaggeration.
Aramco's "Grade" Job-Level System
Aramco uses a numbered internal job-grade system that employees commonly call the "Grade". It runs roughly from Grade 7 for entry-level and trainee roles up to Grade 18+ for senior management and executive positions. A new graduate engineer typically enters at Grade 10 or 11 depending on their degree and GPA, while a seasoned engineer reaches Grade 14-15 after years of specialized experience, with Grade 16 and above reserved for department heads, technical consultants, and senior management.
Aramco does not publish an official public table linking each grade number to a specific salary. By cross-referencing reports from current and former employees with data from Cooper Fitch and GulfTalent, the following ranges can be estimated:
| Grade | Approximate Career Stage | Estimated Base Salary (SAR/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 7 - 9 | Trainee / entry-level role | 10,000 - 16,000 |
| Grade 10 - 11 | New graduate engineer | 16,000 - 24,000 |
| Grade 12 - 13 | Mid-level engineer | 24,000 - 38,000 |
| Grade 14 - 15 | Senior engineer / advanced specialist | 38,000 - 55,000 |
| Grade 16 - 17 | Department head / technical consultant | 55,000 - 75,000 |
| Grade 18+ | Senior management / executive | 75,000+ |
These figures are estimates based on matching years of experience to the Grade system as described by employees, not an official table published by Aramco. Actual pay per grade varies by discipline, qualifications, and hire date.
Salary by Discipline and Experience
The figures below represent total monthly base salary for Aramco employees, based on reports from Cooper Fitch, GulfTalent, and current and former employee data:
| Discipline | Entry (0-3 yrs) | Mid (4-9 yrs) | Senior (10+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering | 22,000 - 28,000 | 35,000 - 50,000 | 55,000 - 80,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 18,000 - 24,000 | 28,000 - 42,000 | 45,000 - 65,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | 20,000 - 26,000 | 30,000 - 44,000 | 48,000 - 70,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | 18,000 - 23,000 | 27,000 - 40,000 | 44,000 - 62,000 |
| IT / Software | 15,000 - 22,000 | 25,000 - 38,000 | 40,000 - 60,000 |
| Civil Engineering | 16,000 - 21,000 | 24,000 - 36,000 | 38,000 - 55,000 |
Benefits and Perks
What really sets Aramco apart isn't just the base salary — it's the complete benefits system that pushes actual compensation much higher:
- Housing: Free housing in Aramco's secured, fully-equipped residential compounds, or a housing allowance of 6,000-10,000 SAR/month.
- Education: Free or fully subsidized schooling for employees' children at Aramco schools or approved private schools.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical insurance for the employee and their entire family, with no cost cap, at Aramco hospitals and outside providers.
- Annual leave: 30 working days plus at least one home-country flight ticket per year.
- Savings plan: Aramco contributes a percentage of base salary to an employee savings plan every month.
- End-of-service benefit: Calculated on years of service, at some of the best rates in the market.
- Transport allowance: Free or subsidized transport for remote work sites.
When the full value of benefits is factored in, an Aramco employee effectively earns 30-50% above their written base salary — especially if living in company housing with their family.
Aramco vs. the Private Sector
For a mid-experience engineer (5-8 years), Aramco's base salary exceeds the private-sector average by 40-60% in the same discipline. The gap narrows against international oil companies operating in the Kingdom like Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies, where base pay is relatively close but the benefits package differs in the details.
On the other hand, some Saudi tech startups compete for talent with higher base-salary offers, but without the stability and comprehensive benefits Aramco provides.
Hiring Requirements at Aramco
Aramco hires thousands of new employees every year. Basic requirements for engineers include: a bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized university, a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (US equivalent) or its equivalent, and professional working proficiency in English.
Applications go through Aramco's official careers portal. Acceptance rates are lower for general disciplines but better for rare specializations like reservoir engineering, advanced drilling engineering, and renewable-energy specializations.
Is Aramco Worth It?
The answer depends on your priorities. For anyone looking for long-term stability, a benefits package few companies can match, and a structured work environment within an integrated community system, Aramco is an exceptional choice. For those seeking rapid growth, frequent job changes, and startup-style culture, the private sector may be a better fit.
What's certain is that an Aramco salary, combined with its benefits, guarantees a high standard of living and allows for real savings compared to most work alternatives in Saudi Arabia.
Sources
Related reading: Average Salary in Saudi Arabia and Petroleum Engineer Salary (Arabic).