dubai: Planning your move to Dubai in 2026? Explore the comprehensive salary guide for over 50 roles, from Civil Engineers to Delivery Riders, and learn what a “good” salary looks like in the current market.
In 2026, Dubai’s salary landscape is shaped by the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which has driven up demand (and pay) for tech, sustainability, and specialized construction roles. While the cost of living has seen a moderate increase, salaries in many sectors have adjusted to remain competitive for global talent.
As a capable thought partner, I’ve compiled the average monthly salary expectations for over 50 roles, categorized by industry.
1. Construction, Engineering & Real Estate
With mega-projects like the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport and new palm islands, these roles are in high demand.
| Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Project Manager (Construction) | 35,000 – 55,000 |
| Civil Engineer (Senior) | 22,000 – 35,000 |
| Civil Engineer (Junior/Graduate) | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Architect | 15,000 – 28,000 |
| Quantity Surveyor | 12,000 – 22,000 |
| Site Supervisor | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Real Estate Agent | 5,000 – 15,000 (+ Commission) |
| BIM Modeler | 12,000 – 18,000 |
2. Technology & Digital Transformation
AI and Cybersecurity specialists are currently the highest-paid mid-level professionals in the city.
| Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
| AI / Machine Learning Engineer | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Cybersecurity Architect | 35,000 – 55,000 |
| Software Developer (Full Stack) | 18,000 – 32,000 |
| Data Scientist | 22,000 – 40,000 |
| Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure) | 25,000 – 45,000 |
| IT Support Technician | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | 15,000 – 25,000 |
3. Healthcare & Life Sciences
Specialization is the key to high pay in the UAE’s booming medical tourism sector.
| Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Specialist Physician | 45,000 – 90,000 |
| General Practitioner (GP) | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 8,000 – 18,000 |
| Pharmacist | 7,000 – 15,000 |
| Physiotherapist | 12,000 – 22,000 |
| Lab Technician | 6,000 – 11,000 |
4. Finance, Legal & Human Resources
| Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Chartered Accountant (ACCA/CA) | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 15,000 – 28,000 |
| Legal Counsel (Corporate) | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| HR Manager | 18,000 – 35,000 |
| Recruitment Consultant | 10,000 – 20,000 (+ Commission) |
| Office Administrator | 5,000 – 9,000 |
5. Hospitality, Retail & Logistics
| Role | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Hotel General Manager | 40,000 – 70,000 |
| Executive Chef | 18,000 – 35,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| Retail Sales Associate | 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Warehouse Supervisor | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Delivery Rider | 3,000 – 5,000 (Based on orders) |
| HGV/Truck Driver | 4,000 – 7,000 |
6. Important Context: What is a “Good” Salary in 2026?
A “good” salary depends on your lifestyle and family size. Here is a rough breakdown of monthly household costs:
- Single Professional: AED 10,000 – 15,000 (Comfortable life, sharing or studio).
- Couple: AED 18,000 – 25,000 (1-bedroom apartment, dining out).
- Family of Four: AED 35,000+ (3-bedroom villa/apartment, school fees, and car).
7. Factors Influencing Your Offer
- Nationality/Passport: While the law says equal pay for equal work, market trends still show variations based on the “home country” benchmark, though this gap is narrowing for high-tech roles.
- Experience in the GCC: “Local experience” is often worth a 20% premium on your salary.
- Benefits Package: In 2026, check if your offer includes schooling allowance, housing allowance, and annual flight tickets, as these can be worth an additional AED 5,000–10,000 per month.
Conclusion
Dubai in 2026 remains a tax-free haven, but the key to “winning” here is understanding your market value. Don’t just look at the base salary; look at the total package and the cost of the lifestyle you want to lead.
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