Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to boost construction, oil & gas, and infrastructure development projects, leading to a steady increase in safety professionals’ demand. One of the most commonly asked questions by professionals seeking to work in the Gulf region is: “What is the salary of a safety officer in Saudi Arabia?” This comprehensive article covers salary ranges for different safety roles, certifications such as NEBOSH and IOSH, and the career outlook for health and safety professionals in the Kingdom.
Average Safety Officer Salary in Saudi Arabia (2025)
For more specialized or senior roles such as HSE Managers or NEBOSH-certified professionals, salaries can exceed SAR 15,000 per month.
Salary by Experience Level
1. Fresher / Entry-Level Safety Officer
- Salary Range: SAR 3,000 – SAR 5,000 per month
- Profile: Diploma holders, recent NEBOSH/IOSH certification achievers
- Typical Sectors: Small construction projects, sub-contractor roles
Entry-level professionals usually begin in assistant or junior safety roles. Employers may offer accommodation and transportation separately, especially in remote project areas.
2. Junior Safety Officer
- Salary: SAR 4,500 – SAR 7,500 per month
- Profile: 1–3 years of experience in industrial safety
- Job Nature: Supervising field workers, reporting minor incidents, ensuring PPE compliance
This stage often involves working under an HSE Supervisor or Safety Engineer while gaining site-level experience across construction or oilfield projects.
3. Mid-Level Safety Officer / HSE Inspector
- Salary Range: SAR 6,500 – SAR 10,000 per month
- Profile: Three to Seven years of experience, NEBOSH certified, solid industry exposure
- Typical Sectors: Oil & Gas, manufacturing plants, road and infrastructure projects
These professionals are tasked with conducting site audits, preparing HSE reports, and ensuring full compliance with Saudi labor and environmental regulations.
4. Senior Safety Officer
- Salary Range: SAR 10,000 – SAR 15,000+ per month
- Profile: 7+ years of experience, advanced certifications (NEBOSH IGC, Lead Auditor ISO 45001, etc.)
- Job Scope: Developing HSE policies, managing site inspections, training staff
At this level, leadership and multilingual communication skills play a vital role, especially in multinational companies.
NEBOSH Safety Officer Salary in Saudi Arabia
Holding a NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) significantly boosts a candidate’s job prospects and salary. Employers in Saudi Arabia recognize NEBOSH as a global standard for HSE professionals.
- NEBOSH Certified Fresher: SAR 4,500 – SAR 6,000/month
- Mid-Level NEBOSH Holder: SAR 7,000 – SAR 10,000/month
- Senior NEBOSH Professionals: SAR 12,000 – SAR 18,000/month
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Salary in Saudi Arabia
Those with the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) credential, issued by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), are considered elite safety practitioners.
- Average Salary: SAR 14,000 – SAR 22,000/month
- Industries: Oil & Gas, petrochemicals, mining, aviation
- Roles: Safety Lead, Senior HSE Engineer, Project Safety Manager
This certification is most beneficial for those aiming for leadership positions or working in high-risk sectors.
Construction Safety Officer Salary in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s booming construction sector requires safety officers on virtually every project. Salaries depend on project scale, location, and employer.
- Residential/Commercial Projects: SAR 4,000 – SAR 8,000/month
- Industrial/Infrastructure Projects: SAR 7,000 – SAR 12,000/month
- Mega Projects (e.g., NEOM, The Line): SAR 12,000 – SAR 18,000/month
Site-based jobs often include accommodation, food, medical insurance, and annual air tickets, adding more value to the salary package.
HSE Inspector Salary in Saudi Arabia
HSE Inspectors focus on compliance auditing, hazard analysis, and regulatory enforcement:
- Salary Range: SAR 6,000 – SAR 11,000/month
- Required Experience: 3–6 years
- Certifications: NEBOSH IGC, Fire Safety, Risk Assessment Training
Inspectors working under Saudi Aramco or SABIC projects can earn above-average salaries due to stricter safety protocols and higher standards.
IOSH Certified Safety Officer Salary
While it’s not as valued as NEBOSH in Saudi Arabia, it still helps boost fresher-level salaries:
- IOSH Only (Fresher): SAR 3,500 – SAR 5,000/month
NEBOSH Salary for Freshers in Saudi Arabia
Fresh graduates who hold NEBOSH or equivalent HSE training can expect:
- Starting Salary: SAR 4,000 – SAR 6,000/month
- Growth Opportunity: With 2+ years of experience, salaries typically increase by 30%–50%
- Industries Hiring Freshers: Facility management, manpower agencies, entry-level construction firms
Additional Benefits for Safety Professionals
Most HSE positions in Saudi Arabia include benefits beyond the monthly salary:
- Free accommodation or housing allowance
- Medical insurance
- Transportation
- Annual vacation and air ticket to home country
- Overtime pay or site allowance
These perks make working in Saudi Arabia especially attractive to expatriates.
Career Path & Promotions in HSE Field
A typical safety officer career in Saudi Arabia can evolve as follows:
- Safety Assistant / Trainee (SAR 3,000 – 4,000)
- Junior Safety Officer (SAR 4,000 – 6,500)
- Safety Officer / HSE Inspector (SAR 6,000 – 10,000)
- Senior Safety (SAR 10,000 – 15,000)
- HSE Engineer (SAR 15,000 – 20,000)
- HSE Manager / Corporate Safety Advisor (SAR 20,000 – 30,000+)
Promotions depend heavily on technical qualifications, communication skills, and site experience.
Job Outlook for Safety Professionals in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s focus on mega-infrastructure projects and regulatory enforcement ensures strong demand for qualified safety professionals:
- Vision 2030 Projects: NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Global are creating thousands of HSE job openings.
- Industrial Growth: Cement factories, mining operations, and chemical plants all require skilled safety personnel.
With global emphasis on workplace safety, job security in this field remains high.
Conclusion
Salaries vary widely based on experience, location, industry, and especially professional certifications like NEBOSH, IOSH, and CSP. While freshers can expect modest pay to start, rapid growth and international exposure make this a lucrative long-term career. With the Kingdom’s ambitious infrastructure plans and emphasis on safety compliance, the future looks very promising for HSE professionals.