Earning A Living: Decent Salaries In Bahrain

The definition of a decent salary in Bahrain depends on a variety of factors, including industry, job role, qualifications, and cost of living. The average monthly salary in Bahrain ranges from 450 BHD to 4,000 BHD, with a median of 1,500 BHD. This variation is due to differences in expertise, occupation type, and sector. Employment packages often include benefits such as housing, transport, education, and health insurance, which can significantly augment the total compensation package. Expatriates typically command higher salaries than locals due to the global demand for their skills, but Bahrain has been taking measures to balance this through initiatives to increase employment of nationals in the private sector.

Salary expectations for a single person

As a general guideline, the average monthly salary in Bahrain ranges from approximately 450 BHD to 4,000 BHD. The median monthly salary is around 1,500 BHD. However, salaries can be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of the individual.

For example, a single person with a senior position in the fintech industry asked about a salary of 3,000 BHD. They were advised that this would be a good salary for a comfortable living if they were living alone, but they may not be able to save a significant amount. Expenses such as housing (500-1000 BHD), electricity (30-100 BHD), mobile (30-50 BHD), internet (20-60 BHD), groceries (100-300 BHD), eating out (100-300 BHD), and car/fuel (200-300 BHD) were outlined as factors to consider.

In another example, a software developer with 4.3 years of experience was offered a salary of 1,100 BHD per month. This salary was considered good enough to live in a decent, clean, and safe home, eat average Indian food, visit India once a year, and save at least 50,000 INR (Indian Rupees) per month.

It is important to note that salaries in Bahrain can also vary based on gender, with men earning slightly more than women on average. Additionally, certain sectors like finance, IT, and engineering tend to offer higher wages due to the specialized skills required. Expatriates often earn higher salaries than locals, but Bahrain has been taking measures to balance this through initiatives to increase the employment of nationals in the private sector.

When considering salary expectations in Bahrain, it is essential to take into account the benefits and allowances that are typically included in employment packages, such as housing, transport, education, and health insurance. These benefits can significantly augment the total compensation package.

Salary expectations for supporting a family

The salary needed to support a family in Bahrain depends on several factors, including the size of the family, the cost of housing, and the desired standard of living. Additionally, the industry, job role, qualifications, and experience of the breadwinner can significantly impact the expected salary.

According to sources, the average monthly salary in Bahrain ranges from 450 BHD to 4,000 BHD, with a median of 1,500 BHD. This variation is due to differences in expertise, occupation type, and sector. Some sectors, like finance, IT, and engineering, tend to offer higher wages due to the specialized skills required. Expatriates often earn higher salaries than locals, but Bahrain has been working to balance this through initiatives to increase the employment of nationals in the private sector.

For context, a single person can live comfortably in Bahrain with a salary of 700-800 BHD, which can cover rent, utilities, groceries, dining out, and entertainment. However, supporting a family would likely require a higher income. A salary of 3,000 BHD is considered good for a single person to live and save money, but it may be more challenging to support a family on this income.

To live a decent life in Bahrain, a family may need an income of 5,000 BHD or more. This income would need to cover expenses such as rent, groceries, education, transportation, and other essentials. Additionally, it's important to consider the cost of healthcare, as medical expenses can be high.

When planning for a family, it's essential to factor in additional costs such as childcare or education expenses. The salary needed to support a family in Bahrain will depend on the specific needs and expenses of the family in question. It's also worth noting that the salary expectations for a family may vary depending on cultural norms, social status, and personal preferences.

In conclusion, supporting a family in Bahrain would typically require a salary higher than what a single person would need. The specific salary expectation depends on various factors, including the size of the family, the desired standard of living, and the breadwinner's qualifications and industry. It's important to carefully consider these factors when evaluating salary expectations for supporting a family in Bahrain.

Salary comparisons with other Gulf countries

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its high salary packages, ranking among the top countries in the world for this. The UAE is followed by Saudi Arabia and Oman, which are also known for their highly paid jobs. However, Bahrain and Qatar have seen significant salary increases in recent years.

In terms of salary levels, Qatar is reported to pay higher salaries than other Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. This may be due to the higher cost of living in Qatar compared to other Gulf countries. However, it is worth noting that salaries in the Gulf Countries may not always compensate for the inflation rate.

In the competitive job market of Dubai, salaries can differ based on qualifications, experience, background, and negotiation skills. Two people in the same job may earn different salaries due to the value they bring to the role or other factors. Additionally, certain nationalities may be paid more than others for the same job, and some industries, such as government and multinational franchises, offer the best-paying jobs.

When comparing salaries across Gulf countries, it is important to consider the cost of living, inflation rate, and other benefits offered by employers. Employers in the Gulf region often provide attractive benefits such as accommodation, medical insurance, and paid leave. The tax-free salary in Gulf countries also results in a higher disposable income compared to other regions with similar salary levels.

Overall, the Gulf countries offer attractive salary packages and benefits that attract expatriates from around the world. However, the job market is highly competitive, and expatriates may face challenges in finding employment even with high qualifications and experience.

Salary by sector

The salary range for employees in Bahrain typically falls between 372 BHD and 1,321 BHD per month, including bonuses. However, salaries can vary significantly within different sectors and job positions. Here is a breakdown of salaries in various sectors:

Finance and Oil & Gas

The finance and oil & gas sectors are known to offer higher wages due to their profitability and the specialized skills required. Expatriates often earn higher salaries than locals in these sectors, reflecting the global demand for their skills. The salary range for the finance sector specifically falls between 100 BHD and 1,513 BHD per month.

Information Technology (IT)

IT is another sector that offers competitive salaries in Bahrain, with professionals in directorial positions earning some of the highest wages. The salary range for IT professionals can vary from 100 BHD to 1,513 BHD per month.

Engineering

Engineering managers, particularly in fields like chemical, petroleum, and electrical engineering, tend to have high salaries in Bahrain. The salary range for engineers can fall between 100 BHD and 1,513 BHD per month.

Medicine & Social Care

Doctors and surgeons in Bahrain command high salaries due to the critical nature of their work and the extensive training they undergo. However, other positions in the medical field, such as medical records clerks and medical advisors, tend to have lower salaries. The salary range for the medicine and social care sector can be between 100 BHD and 1,513 BHD per month.

Education, Science & Research

Nursery school teacher assistants and assistant teachers in this sector are among the lowest-paid positions in Bahrain. The salary range for education-related jobs can vary from 100 BHD to 1,513 BHD per month.

Top Management

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and managing directors are among the highest-paid positions in Bahrain, given their strategic decision-making and leadership roles. The salary range for top management positions can start from 100 BHD and go up to 1,513 BHD per month or more.

Legal

Experienced lawyers and legal consultants, especially those with expertise in international or corporate law, are well-compensated for their complex and high-stakes work. The salary range for legal professionals can be between 100 BHD and 1,513 BHD per month.

Human Resources (HR)

HR directors and managers are crucial to any organization and are therefore offered competitive salaries. The salary range for HR professionals can vary from 100 BHD to 1,513 BHD per month.

Real Estate

Real estate development managers who oversee projects from planning to completion are key players in Bahrain's property sector and are remunerated accordingly. The salary range for real estate jobs can start from 100 BHD and go up to 1,513 BHD per month or more.

Other Sectors

Other sectors in Bahrain, such as agriculture, food industry, arts & culture, car industry, construction, customer support, marketing, advertising, PR, mechanical engineering, journalism, and more, also offer varying salary ranges. The average monthly salary across all sectors in Bahrain is around 1,500 BHD, with the annual average salary ranging from 6,000 BHD to 48,000 BHD, including bonuses and additional compensation.

Salary by experience

In Bahrain, salary is largely determined by experience. Employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers across all industries and fields. Those with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience. After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

For example, in the software development field, an Indian citizen with 4.3 years of experience was offered 1,100 BHD per month (approx. $2,900 USD) for a role in Bahrain. This is higher than the average salary of a software developer in Bahrain, which is 10,100 BHD per year.

In the finance sector, a senior role in fintech was offered at 3,000 BHD per month, which was deemed a good salary for someone with 7-8+ years of experience in a managerial position.

In general, a good compensation in Bahrain is estimated to range from 1,360 BHD to 2,050 BHD per month. The average monthly salary across all sectors is 1,480 BHD, with the lowest average being 370 BHD and the highest average being 6,600 BHD (excluding bonuses and additional compensation).

It is important to note that salaries in Bahrain can vary significantly depending on other factors such as industry, job role, qualifications, company size, economic health, and government policies.

Frequently asked questions