The Saudi public‑health system publishes a salary framework that differentiates pay by professional grade, academic qualification and country of training, covering doctors, dentists, pharmacists, specialists and health assistants.

Consultant physicians holding doctoral qualifications can earn more than SAR 22,000 a month under the public‑sector structure.

Pharmacists and other specialists start at just above SAR 2,400 per month for bachelor‑level holders, with senior and consultant grades offering higher pay for master’s and doctoral qualifications.

Health assistants, who typically hold secondary education plus diploma‑level training, occupy the lower end of the scale, with earnings varying by length of diploma programme.

Nurses are not listed as a separate category; they are classified according to academic qualifications, with market surveys indicating entry‑level salaries between SAR 4,000 and SAR 6,500, mid‑career earnings up to SAR 10,000 and senior positions reaching SAR 16,000.

Allowances, benefits and tax status

All salaries are tax‑free and include a 15 percent cost‑of‑living allowance; many contracts also provide housing support, transport allowances and an annual air ticket, enhancing the overall compensation package.

These benefits are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to attract foreign healthcare workers as it expands medical services under its economic modernisation programme.

Licensing, visa and recruitment steps

Kenyan professionals must register with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, have their qualifications verified and may need to pass professional examinations before employment.

An employer‑sponsored work visa and residence permit are also required, with the processing period potentially extending over several months.