Index GUPI - Global University Presence 2027
The accredited platform for measuring and developing international competitiveness and academic capabilities
The Most In-Demand and Highest-Paying Majors in the Saudi Labor Market
Analysis of market trends based on the Vision and government indicators
A reading of **National Labor Observatory (NLO)** data, integrated with **General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)** bulletins and **Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development** initiatives, reveals a deep strategic transformation in the Kingdom's job structure. This transformation comes in line with the targets of the **Human Capability Development Program** (one of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs), which aims to bridge the gap between higher education outputs and the needs of mega-projects (such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea).
The **engineering and manufacturing sector** leads overall employment rates with an absorption rate of **82%**, while the **health and welfare sector** records the highest average starting salary for bachelor's graduates at **7,800 riyals**. The **information technology and artificial intelligence** and **business administration and finance** sectors are also seeing steady demand, supported by decisions to localize specialized professions and expand partnerships with major global companies within the Kingdom.
First: Table of Majors, Sectors, Demand Levels, and Salaries
* Figures represent the average starting salary subject to social insurance for 2022 bachelor's graduates and their employment through the end of 2023.
| Educational Field / Major | Target Sector | Employment Rate | Average Starting Salary | Official Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, manufacturing, and construction | Mega-projects, energy, mining | 82% (highest absorption) | 7,600 riyals | NLO / Social Insurance |
| Health and Welfare (Medicine and Nursing) | Hospitals, medical complexes, insurance | 63% | 7,800 riyals (highest paid) | NLO / Ministry of Health |
| Information and Communications Technology | Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity | 53% | 6,500 riyals | NLO / GASTAT |
| Business, Administration, and Law | Financial firms, consulting, governance | 58% | 5,400 riyals | NLO / Human Resources |
| Hospitality and Logistics Services | Tourism, hospitality, supply management | 52% | 4,900 riyals | NLO / Ministry of Tourism |
| Education and the Humanities | Schools, social sciences, and languages | 42% - 47% | 4,200 - 4,700 riyals | NLO / GASTAT |
Second: Linking the Most In-Demand Fields to Saudi Universities
Engineering, manufacturing, and construction
- King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- King Saud University (College of Engineering)
- King Abdulaziz University
- King Fahd University in Dhahran / King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
the health and medical sciences
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
- King Saud University (Riyadh)
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
- Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- King Saud University (College of Computer Science)
- Princess Sumaya University / Prince Sultan University
- King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
- Umm Al-Qura University / Jouf University
Business, Administration, and Law
- King Saud University (College of Business Administration)
- Prince Sultan University (PSU)
- King Faisal University
- Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
Third: Frequently Asked Questions about Majors and Salaries in Saudi Arabia
📌 Official Government References for the Report Data
- 1. National Labor Observatory (NLO): Graduate Employment Report in the Saudi Labor Market for 2024.
- 2. General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT): Labor force and labor market survey bulletin for Saudi Arabia.
- 3. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development: Decisions on localizing engineering, technical, and health professions.
- 4. Human Capability Development Program: Saudi Vision 2030 outputs and strategy.
The Most In-Demand and Highest-Paying Majors in Saudi Arabia: National Labor Observatory Report