How Much Salary Increment Can You Expect with a Job Change in the UAE?

What’s the average increment in salary that you can expect after changing your job in the UAE? Earning a salary increment is one of the top reasons why professionals consider job changes in the country. There are several trends and influencing factors that you should know to navigate your future career path more effectively.

Reports highlight an average increment of 2.5-5% across roles in the UAE, while some other reports state that increments up to 20-30% may also be possible with strong performance and in-demand skills. Several factors may influence these hikes, including timely upskilling, economic and market conditions, and individual performance and track record. The UAE also has several initiatives, like the Golden Visa and Nafis scheme, to encourage companies to offer attractive salaries to retain talent in line with the strategic goals of the UAE.

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Average Salary Increment in the UAE After a Job Switch

So, how much can you expect as an average increment after a career switch? Here is a guide to stay updated on the same.

Technology & IT

A mid-career switch in the UAE technology and IT sector may help you get an average increment of 4.1%, although this varies as per experience and particular job roles. Some of the typical job positions include software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, AI/ML engineer, IT manager, DevOps engineer, cloud architect, and AI specialist.

Finance & Accounting

A mid-career change may help you earn an average increment of 4%. Some of the top job roles include internal auditor, accounting manager, chief financial officer, and financial analyst. Other notable positions include senior accountant, financial controller, and finance manager.

Healthcare

The UAE healthcare sector typically offers salaries ranging from 3-4% increments, which may increase to approximately 10-15% with additional skills and experience. Some of the top job roles include healthcare manager, AI healthcare specialist, medical coding auditor, specialist doctor, nurse, and clinical documentation improvement specialist.

Marketing & Media

The average increments in the marketing & media sector depend on skills, the industry, and other factors. Top job positions in this sector include social media manager, digital marketing manager, marketing manager, brand marketing expert, digital marketing analyst, and chief marketing officer. Other roles include marketing executive, head of marketing and head planner, and merchandiser.

Engineering & Construction

The engineering and construction sector is anticipated to witness sizable increases in salaries, based on industry demand. Some of the main job roles include project manager, electrical engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, and construction procurement manager. Other positions include supervisor and quantity surveyor.

Human Resources

Human Resources is one of the flourishing job sectors in the UAE. Some of the top job roles include HR generalist, HR business partner, HR director, CHRO, and HR manager. Salary increments are affected by several aspects, including performance, experience, market demand, and other factors. Other positions include recruitment specialist, analytics and rewards analyst.

Education

The UAE education sector is expected to witness a handsome increment in salary in the years to come. Top job positions include lecturer, professor, teacher, curriculum developer, special education specialist, educational psychologist, online educator, and STEM educator. Other job roles include specialist teachers for arts, languages, and other subjects.

Logistics & Supply Chain

The logistics and supply chain sector in the UAE is one of the highest-paying industries for professionals. Some of the top job roles include supply chain manager, procurement manager, logistics manager, inventory manager, logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst, and freight forwarder.

What Influences Your Salary Increment in the UAE?

Several factors influence your average salary increment in the UAE. They include:

• Experience Level- Higher experience will help you get more lucrative salaries and bigger increments.
• Industry Demand- Coveted and high-demand industries like finance, technology, and healthcare often provide better increments and salaries for skilled professionals.
• Certifications and Qualifications – Your academic qualifications play a significant role in influencing your increment, along with relevant certifications like PMP or CFA, to name a few.
• Negotiation Skills- You should have strong negotiation skills to secure better salary increments while bagging new job offers.
• Present Salary Package- Your present salary package will be considered by the new company before determining your increment.
• Skill Gaps- If you have requisite skills that fill up gaps in the company or sector, expect higher increments for skilled talent retention.

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FAQs on Salary Increment with Job Change in UAE

Q: What is the average salary increment after a job change in the UAE? 
Ans: The average increment in salaries after a job change varies in the UAE. It depends on factors like your experience, performance, current salary package, industry demand, and economic conditions. It can start from 2-3% and go up to 4-5% and more.

Q: How often do professionals change jobs for better pay in the UAE? 
Ans: Changing jobs in the UAE depends on multiple factors, including available opportunities, upskilling, industry demand, market trends, and the average increment available at other companies. The average timeframe for job changes may be 1-2 years or even 3-4 years.

Q: Is a 30% salary hike realistic with a job switch?
Ans: It can be realistic with a job switch in the UAE, but only for those at a higher level (senior management or executive leadership position) who fill up massive skill gaps and are hugely in demand due to their performance and achievements.

Q: Does upskilling help get better job offers in the UAE? 
Ans: Yes, it is necessary to upskill and gain knowledge and credentials to get better job offers in the UAE. Consider upgrading your skills through timely and relevant courses to help you advance your career and get better salary increments.

Q: Do startups or MNCs offer higher increments in the UAE? 
Ans: Both MNCs and startups may offer higher increments in the UAE. It all depends on the company’s financial position, sector, industry trends, economic conditions, and the professional’s experience, skills, performance, and track record.