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Whether you're negotiating a new job offer or reflecting on your current paycheck, one question comes up again and again:
“What’s a good salary for my role?”
The answer isn’t as simple as a number. A “good” salary depends on many factors — your industry, city, years of experience, and even your personal expenses.
In this blog, we’ll help you break it down so you can better understand your worth and make smarter career decisions in the GCC and MENA region.
One of the best ways to know if your salary is competitive is to compare it to others in your field.
How to do it:
Use platforms like Bayt.com to browse job listings with disclosed salaries
Speak with peers or mentors in your industry
Look at annual salary reports published for your region
What to watch for:
Location: Salaries in Dubai or Riyadh are often higher than in smaller cities
Sector: Private sector salaries can differ drastically from public or nonprofit sectors
Company size: Larger organizations may offer more competitive packages
A high salary means little if your monthly expenses eat it all up. For example, AED 20,000/month may be excellent in one city but average in another.
Think about:
Rent and housing costs
Transportation (car, fuel, metro)
School fees if you’re a parent
Healthcare and insurance
Groceries and lifestyle
A good salary should comfortably cover your essential expenses and allow room for saving or leisure.
Sometimes, a slightly lower salary is offset by excellent perks. On the other hand, a high salary with zero benefits might not be as attractive as it seems.
Key benefits to consider:
Housing or transportation allowance
Health insurance for you and your family
Annual flight tickets
Paid leave (vacation, sick days, maternity/paternity)
End-of-service benefits
Training and career development support
Always evaluate the total compensation package, not just the base pay.
The more experience and specialized skills you have, the more you should expect to earn.
Ask yourself:
Do I have skills that are in high demand in my field?
Have I managed teams, budgets, or high-impact projects?
Am I bilingual or do I have certifications that add value?
Your salary should reflect the value you bring — not just the role you’re hired for.
Sometimes, a “good salary” isn’t just about the number today — it’s about what it leads to.
For example:
Does the role offer promotion potential?
Is the company known for internal mobility and merit-based raises?
Will this job improve your future earning power?
A slightly lower salary now may be acceptable if the role gives you clear pathways to growth.
If any of these apply, it might be time to rethink your compensation:
Your pay hasn’t increased in over 2 years
New hires with less experience are earning more
You’re doing work far beyond your job title
You feel underpaid compared to peers in the same city or company
No — it depends on your industry, city, seniority, and lifestyle. A fresh graduate’s “good salary” will be very different from a mid-level engineer’s.
Only if the role offers long-term benefits, like strong learning opportunities or a strategic career move. But always ask yourself: will this hold back my future earning potential?
Keep improving your skills, track your achievements, and don’t shy away from negotiating during performance reviews or when changing jobs.
A “good salary” is not just about the number. It’s about what that number means for your life, your career, and your peace of mind.
Use your salary not just to survive — but to grow, invest, and build the life you want.
Want to find jobs that match your expectations and value your skills?
Start applying now on Bayt.com
