Salary trends in Kuwait - What you need to know

legacy · 2011-04-07T12:33:59+02:00

Good day all, In hopes of helping a few newcomers to Kuwait with the idea of salary expectations, living costs etc. I am preparing this post. Unfortunately, there really is no nominal value I can give for average salaries. No one can, that information does not exist online because in this part of the world, it is a bit of a taboo to ask someone how much they make (much like it is to ask a woman her age), and as you will read later, there are alot of factors to consider for salary. e.g. http://www.worldsalaries.org/kuwait.shtml (these are ficticious) And also, there are many intrinsic factors that go into selecting a job, like the ones discussed here: http://www.askmen.com/money/career_400/440_the-value-of-your-work.html First off, a brief about companies in Kuwait. There are 4 types of companies here in Kuwait: W.L.L - With Limited Liability (no taxes) K.S.C - Kuwait Shareholding Co. (pay zakat tax and KFAS) K.S.C (Closed) - Companies listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange (pay zakat tax, National Labor Support Tax and Kuwait Fund for Advancement of Science) International companies - with Kuwaiti Partners, pay income tax For more info regarding doing business in Kuwait and setting up a company here, please visit http://en.mof.gov.kw/ There are also foreign companies operating in Kuwait, but they MUST have a Kuwaiti partner, and before anyone says anything, I have worked with the Ministry of Finance and this is a practice in other countries around the world, you cannot start a business without a local partner. There are differences in benefits given by the government, size of contracts one company can assume, number of employees etc. as you can see, the above would appear to be a scale for companies in Kuwait, start off as WLL, become KSC then KSCC and get traded on the stock exchange. But it is not. Al-Ghanim - WLL, Al-Sayer - WLL, Al-Mulla - WLL. Family owned businesses. Now, for salaries, please visit this website and ACTUALLY read this report, prepared annually, on average costs and salary raises in the ENTIRE Gulf. Ok? Please read it: http://www.gulftalent.com/home/Employment-and-Salary-Trends-in-the-Gulf-2010-2011-Report-26.html Also, Gulftalent is a recruitment website for those seeking to work in Kuwait. Now, the whole idea about asking for "salary quotes" for working in Kuwait is redundant. Here is why, nationality plays a key role in determining Salary, the salary of a Kuwaiti working the same job as an expat (of certain origins) will be always be more, that is why you have NLSTax. Also, the following factors affect salary: 1) Nationality (not all the time but sometimes) 2) Experience 4) Age 4) Gender 5) Size of Company 6) Nationality of Company 7) Competition in the job market 8) Type of job (contract, full-time etc) 9) Duration of contract (some people do not get residency [Western expats] and instead work for 3-months, leave the country, and come back in) So it is not a nominal figure you are looking for when it comes to salary. There is also rent to consider, and living costs. I would say the average rent is 250KD, I know people making less than that, or a bit more, and surviving (no savings ofcourse), and some of them have wives etc. Part-time jobs are not legal in Kuwait per se (you need a residency to work here unless you are a Western expat, and even then you are not allowed to work on a tourist visa [technically]) Some companies offer higher salaries than others, some offer more benfits than others, some offer other allowances (housing, transport, car, fuel, phone etc), some do not. For all interested in working in Kuwait, do not ask what the average salary is, as that is irrelevant. Salaries in Kuwait are not set according to some pre-existing standard or average. ALSO, some companies will factor in the fact that they have to pay to give you an iqama (residency), and it will be deducted from your base salary, they won't tell you about this but, it happens. Thats why people who are already here and are merely transferring to another job will get better packages than those coming from abroad (for the same job ofcourse). Plus, not all companies have "raises" and "bonuses", despite it being a requirement (in some companies), they just claim they are going through financial difficulties. I hope this clears up the confusion regarding salaries in Kuwait, its not a matter of "what salary can I get" or "what salary should I ask for", with every recruitment companies have a threshold, if you go above it, they will tell you, if you go beneath it, well, it depends on them (I did sit in an interview where I was asked for my expected salary, I threw a figure, and the counter offer was higher). So, best of luck to all, enjoy the read and sorry for rambling. If you are going to be working in Kuwait, make yourself familiar with the Kuwait Labor Law: http://www.kuwaitiah.net/visa5.html There are 3 types of over-time calculated for workers as per the labor law: 1) NOT- Normal OT, extra hours during weekdays. 1.25X basic salary 2) FOT - Friday OT, 1.5X basic salary if working on friday 3) HOT - Holiday OT, 2X basic salary if working on public holiday Some companies give a lump-sum for over-time, some do not give over-time all together, some have a standard rate. They will include this in the contract you sign, and that supercedes the labor law. Companies also require a 3-month notice period (per labor law), but this can be agreed upon with manager, even if contract states 3 months. Nothing is set in stone. *www.bayt.com offers a salary inquiry for jobs in Kuwait, you will need to sign up and enter your current package wherever you are in the world, you can also view salary inquiries in the Gulf region, and as always, those that pay for the extra service get extra info. It also helps when looking for a new job in the Gulf Region as it is a recruitment website.

Last activity 11 September 2022 by tiwitizma

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Abdul MusauvirMember08 August 2017 11:12:54

#121

Amazzzing Article...
Will be a wealth of help for a newbie in kuwait..
Very patiently composed .. Appreciate it.

Tito-81New member27 August 2017 01:02:16

#122

Hello Everyone,

Just received a job offer from an Oil company in Kuwait and I was wondering if this sounds reasonable to have a good life standard for western expat with wife and two kids and to make some savings. Monthly salary of 2000 KWD + benefits as per below;

- Children Education.
- Medical care for the family.
- Car with fuel.
- Economy class airfare.
- One time furnishing grant up to 2000 KD.
- Housing Allowance up to 650 KD/ month.

Thanks in advance!

jakeagambaMember17 September 2017 04:05:25

#123

@Tito-81, what grade are you being offered?

dhirajContributor18 September 2017 11:41:15

#124

124

Moderated by Chris 7 years ago
Reason : Please drop your advert under the Jobs in Kuwait section
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

sathi2803New member11 October 2017 19:14:40

#125

Is 300KD is ok for a bachelor to live there? There are no other allowances.

HalahabibiMember06 November 2017 11:28:59

#126

Good one Legacy

Kevork SeissianMember10 November 2017 12:53:36

#127

very useful subject

hafizkwNew member03 January 2018 06:07:33

#128

Moderated by Christine 6 years ago
Reason : Please register your business in the appropriate section. Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

Vkunal_92Member05 March 2018 11:39:23

#129

Yes it's is Okey but you can not save more then 100 kd.... If your salary is 300kd bacharal

EmamisuperMember15 June 2018 12:49:35

#130

Very elaborative and helpful post.

MMRIGNITEMember03 September 2018 15:07:47

#131

Hi. I need to know about the company UOGEI of kuwait. Can anyone guide me regarding the company type, its location in kuwait and salary for engineers?

anshuka085Member23 October 2018 18:44:20

#132

Hi There,

I have been offered a position as a physiotherapist in kuwait havent received the offer letter yet but the salary is 450 kwd / month no other allowances no accomodation. will i be able to survive in this amount.
I am married too in future how will i bring my wife to kuwait?
What would be the monthly expenses ?
My biggest concern is whether 450 will be enough or not ? for a single person

Zp3535New member27 October 2018 18:39:39

#133

For Family its difficult with the salary as rent is on d sky

Hax157Member30 October 2018 10:32:53

#134

Quite some info on here

Much appreciated, sure many will find this quite useful, cheers!

bumbum03Member31 October 2018 02:58:23

#135

Hi everyone,

I do have a question, I'm a nurse from the Philippines and I have an job offer of 280kd plus 25kd for food allowance from a medical clinic (derma nurse). free accommodation and transportation. Is the offer enough? or is it a good start?

Looking forward to a response. thanks

Zp3535New member05 November 2018 08:45:32

#136

its an average start pay for nurse
if u r single its fine
if u do have family u can stay but savings may not b enough.

GuestPoster03695Guest06 November 2018 11:35:09

#137

214245

Good information for job seekers... cheers...

SSD_2019Member07 November 2018 06:22:13

#138

with a salary of 3000 and no other benefit, what is the advised location to look for rent if workplace is pepsi cola street?

GuestPoster03695Guest08 November 2018 04:48:55

#139

214245

Hi,

How is the salary structure in Kuwait..

AlfredPaulMember14 November 2018 11:42:24

#140

Wow... great info... Thanks for this task taken to put forth all the points...

Thanks again...

Rainmaker21Active member02 January 2019 20:06:46

#141

Well done for this great post! It's really very helpful.

Regarding the labour law, I was told that employers provide pension benefits which are often not disclosed unless you ask them, and that this is claimable after a certain period of employment. Do you (or anyone else on here) know anything about this? I couldn't find it in the labour law link. Thanks in advance!

GuestPoster03695Guest06 January 2019 14:35:30

#142

214245

I am un dentist specialist in endodontie have received un offer to work in Kuwait . the manager proposed 1500 DK without a house renting . i want to know of its a good offer ? . he told to me the house renting cost me 300 DK . waiting for your reponse ? thanks

SemihyalcinkayaMember28 January 2019 12:09:48

#143

300 KD is cheap flats rent. If you want to find good location, good condition flat you will pay 850 KD/month. Or you want to find cheap one, you will pay 200 KD/month, it's mean, this is very subjective things.

Also salary, I think 1500 KD is cheap for dentist. I know some dentist salary more than 2000.

Miss_ramsheed98Member21 November 2019 00:14:18

#144

Can u please help me come study in Kuwait through scholarships?

nawazd2006Member28 July 2021 17:58:14

#145

Thank you for your comprehensive mail.
I want to get information about medical tests.
For example if some one is tested medical and declared fit from medical centers from his /her country, would he/she be again tested medically or not? Your reply will be highly appreciated

HKMZNew member12 June 2022 14:23:01

#146

Hello,

A company in Banking sectore in Kuwait is offering me :

> basic salary 4 500 Kd

> Medical for 4 people

> School fees for 2 children

> Annual flight for the family

> Bonus around 2 or 3 month salary

Could you please tell me if this is ok for a family of 4. My wife will leave her job in france.

MedoAhmedNew member12 June 2022 16:04:47

#147

@HKMZ if you do not mind can i ask you what is this company name?

HKMZNew member12 June 2022 17:48:48

#148

Sorry I will not share what the name of the company. Any feedback regarding the package ?

legacyKuwait Expert13 June 2022 05:22:25

#149

3426

@HKMZ Yes, c'est tres bien.

not that its a deal breaker, but for that amount, and the education allowance, you should also be receiving rent allowance, vehicle allowance and phone allowance. all these you can afford easily with that package, however, if they have a compensation structure, these should be included.

tiwitizmaNew member11 September 2022 07:32:13

#150

@aaakol hi , please share with us your experiences , what kind of decision you make ( after 10 years ) , I wish all goes well.

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