UAE salary guide 2025: See how much you should be earning

Emirates Woman

28-02-2025

And see which are the most in-demand jobs for 2025…
Global recruitment firm Michael Page has published its UAE salary guide for 2025 – providing an insightful and comprehensive guide to the UAE job market and the most in-demand roles for the year ahead.
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The UAE Salary Guide 2025 also gives an idea of how much sectors are earning on average, allowing you to better understand where the highest and lowest paid salaries are.
The salary guide looks at 17 key industry sectors, covering everything from banking and legal to property, retail and digital.
According to the Michael Page data, from those surveyed, 52% of employees are satisfied with their salary, up from 44% the previous year. And while there has been a decline from 74%, 65% of the workforce is still considering a job switch in 2025.
See below for what you should be earning in your sector in the UAE in 2025.
Banking and financial services
Average salaries for entry level roles in the banking sector for relationship managers and client services officers sit at AED25,000 per month. Top senior roles of Managing Director level average between AED100,000 and AED120,000 monthly. With a surge in UHNWI's moving to the UAE and a growing asset management industry, there's increased demand for two main roles: fundraising/institutional sales and compliance professionals.
Data and analytics
The data landscape is evolving rapidly, largely with the rise of AI, and while classic data roles remain in demand, there's now a need in the UAE for new-age AI and machine learning skills. Data analysts and data quality analysts are averaging AED25,000 per month, while data science managers can expect around AED50,000 per month. Those in AI specialist roles can expect anywhere between AED35,000 and AED45,000.
Digital
The region continues to make its mark as a global hub for innovation, and demand for skilled digital professionals has never been higher. But with demand comes selectivity – and employers are seeking digital pioneers rather than just the basics. Digital marketing executives can expect anywhere between AED12,000 and AED18,000 monthly, while digital marketing managers should expect between AED18,000 and AED35,000. Graphic designer salaries range from AED12,000 to AED25,000, while a head of digital marketing can look for a salary between AED35,000 and AED60,000.
Human Resources
Traditional HR roles are in much less demand than those who can offer specialized HR services, like learning and development, talent acquisition, organisational design and talent management to drive strategic growth. General HR roles average salaries of AED25,000, while talent acquisition specialists averaging AED25,000, AED40,000 or AED65,000 depending on their level.
Legal
Private law firms in the UAE – like they are globally – are looking to add strength and depth to their practices. Existing regional experience is essential for the better paid roles. Entry level legal secretaries are earning an average of AED22,500, while newly qualified lawyers average AED37,000. Partners at private legal practices average between AED90,000 and AED180,000.
Retail
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Identifying and attracting talent with the right mix of expertise and adaptability are key in the retail sector. The most in-demand roles are those with expertise in omni-channel marketing and e-commerce. Sales associate roles average between AED11,000 and AED14,000 per month, while store managers earn between AED25,000 and AED35,000. Retail directors and general managers can expect salaries of between AED50,000 and AED80,000.
Sales and Marketing
While there's been a noticeable surge in recruitment for B2B roles, consumer marketing hiring was quieter in the last year – so those with multi-country experience and more senior levels are the ones most in-demand. In consumer roles, entry level salaries start from AED14,000 on average, while CMOs can expect AED70,000 to AED120,000. In B2B marketing, executive and research roles start from AED10,000 per month, ranging up to AED90,000 average monthly salary for COO's and heads of marketing.
Secretarial
The competition in the secretarial sector is fierce, and having traditional skills is no longer enough. To stand out, candidates need to up skill and tailor applications to market needs. Those that are bilingual, have UAE experience, and project management skills are most in-demand. Receptionists can expect anywhere between AED8,000 and AED16,000 depending on their sector, while personal assistants can look at AED14,000 to AED30,000 depending on sector and experience.
Images: @jesshunt2