GITNUXREPORT 2025

Saudi Arabia Workforce Statistics

Saudi Arabia’s workforce totals 13 million with increasing female and local participation.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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The Saudi labor market unemployment rate was around 8.3% in 2022

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Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) in Saudi Arabia was roughly 25% in 2022

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The unemployment rate among Saudi nationals aged 30-39 is approximately 6%, lower than the national average

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The rate of graduate unemployment in Saudi Arabia is approximately 10%, indicating a mismatch between education and job market needs

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The national workforce planning strategy aims to reduce unemployment among youth to below 10% by 2030

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Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2022, impacting workforce development

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The reliance on expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is nearing 80%

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The number of international companies establishing regional offices in Saudi Arabia increased by 40% in 2022, boosting sector employment

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The rate of foreign worker approvals for Saudi firms has decreased by 20% in 2023 due to localization policies

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The participation rate of Saudi nationals in the private sector was approximately 10% in 2023

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Saudi Arabia's expatriate workforce accounts for nearly 70% of the total workforce

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The median age of the Saudi labor force is about 30 years old

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The employment rate for Saudi nationals aged 15 and above was approximately 65% in 2022

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The average weekly working hours in Saudi Arabia were around 48 hours in 2022

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The education level of the Saudi workforce has seen a rise, with over 40% holding university degrees as of 2023

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The government sector employs approximately 25% of Saudi nationals in the workforce

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The majority of Saudi private sector employers (about 60%) indicated difficulties in recruiting skilled Saudi workers in 2022

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Saudi Arabia has a youth bulge with over 60% of its population below the age of 30, impacting the workforce dynamics

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Approximately 75% of Saudi workers are employed in the services sector as of 2023

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The industrial sector accounts for roughly 20% of employment in Saudi Arabia

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The percentage of Saudi workers in managerial positions has increased to about 15% in 2023

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The average salary for Saudi employees in the private sector was around SAR 8,000 per month in 2022

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The Saudi workforce has an annual dropout rate of about 10% between secondary and tertiary education, impacting talent availability

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The share of freelancers and gig economy workers in Saudi Arabia’s workforce was estimated at 15% in 2023

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The median weekly earnings of Saudi workers are approximately SAR 1,200, with some sectors paying significantly higher

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45% of the Saudi workforce holds temporary or contract employment arrangements as of 2023

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The percentage of Saudi workers with vocational training is about 35%, highlighting the focus on skill development

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The proportion of Saudi expatriates working in the government sector has decreased slightly to 10% in 2023, from previous higher levels

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The rise of remote working in Saudi Arabia surged by 25% in 2022 due to digital transformation

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The employment rate for Saudis in the retail sector reached 40% in 2023, as part of Saudization initiatives

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Approximately 80% of Saudi youth express interest in digital and tech careers, according to 2023 surveys

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Employment of Saudi nationals in logistics has increased by 18% over the past three years, signaling sector growth

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The Saudization policy has led to the hiring of over 300,000 Saudi nationals in various sectors since its inception

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Approximately 20% of Saudi workers are engaged in informal employment or gray economy sectors, impacting economic data accuracy

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The literacy rate among Saudi adults has increased to near 95% as of 2023, contributing positively to workforce quality

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The participation of Saudi nationals in the agricultural sector is approximately 15%, mainly in rural regions

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The average age of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia is about 35 years old, impacting workforce renewal strategies

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The percentage of Saudis working in financial services reached 12% in 2023, reflecting sector development

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The employment rate of Saudi nationals in the energy sector is around 30%, primarily in renewable energy projects

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The turnover rate in the Saudi retail sector was about 15% in 2023, indicating workforce stability efforts

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Approximately 25% of Saudi expatriates in the workforce have been employed in the country for over 10 years, showing workforce stability

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The proportion of Saudi employees working remotely increased to 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many continuing flexible arrangements

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The employment rate among Saudi nationals aged 20-29 is approximately 58%, showing significant engagement in the job market

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Women constitute about 33% of the Saudi workforce as of 2023

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Female participation in the Saudi workforce increased by 5% from 2021 to 2023

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The labor force participation rate for Saudi women was approximately 20% in 2022

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The share of Saudi women in leadership roles is approximately 10%, showing gradual improvement

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Women’s average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia’s private sector increased to SAR 7,200 in 2023, up from SAR 6,500 in 2021

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According to reports, approximately 50% of Saudi women in the workforce are employed in education and healthcare sectors

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The number of Saudi women starting their own businesses increased by 12% in 2022, supporting entrepreneurship in the workforce

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Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of women in the workforce by 50% through various reforms by 2030

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The number of Saudi women enrolled in technical colleges increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, supporting skill diversification

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The employment participation rate of Saudi women in the public sector increased to 50% in 2023, up from 35% in 2020

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The labor force participation rate among Saudi women has doubled since 2018, reaching approximately 20%

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The number of Saudi women in STEM fields increased by 35% between 2019 and 2022, supporting diversification

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The share of Saudi women entrepreneurs increased by 18% in 2023, contributing to economic diversification

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Saudi Arabia's total workforce was approximately 13 million in 2022

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Saudi Arabia's non-oil sectors have been growing at an average of 4% annually over the past five years

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The Saudi government announced plans to Saudize 70% of jobs in retail and hospitality sectors by 2025

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The number of Saudi professionals working in the ICT sector has grown by 20% annually over the past three years

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The number of Saudi graduates entering the workforce annually exceeds 200,000, contributing to workforce supply

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Saudi Arabia launched a national initiative to increase workforce localization, aiming to create 1 million Saudi jobs by 2030

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Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in upskilling its workforce; over SAR 10 billion was allocated in 2022 for training programs

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The Saudi government has invested over SAR 5 billion into SME support programs, creating numerous employment opportunities

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The Saudization efforts have created more than 1 million new jobs since 2016, predominantly in retail, hospitality, and construction sectors

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Saudi Arabia's labor laws have undergone reforms to enhance worker protections and improve labor market flexibility

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60% of Saudi workers reported increased productivity through vocational training programs in 2022

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Saudi Arabia's digital economy initiatives have created approximately 200,000 jobs in tech and digital sectors since 2020

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Training programs targeted at Saudi youth's digital skills increased by 50% in 2022, supporting employment in tech fields

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The incidence of workplace injuries in Saudi Arabia has decreased by 12% over the past three years, reflecting safety improvements

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The Saudi government allocated SAR 3 billion specifically for youth employment programs in 2022, aiming to create 500,000 jobs

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Saudi Arabia plans to increase its workforce size by 2 million by 2030 as part of Vision 2030 development strategy

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Key Highlights

Saudi Arabia's total workforce was approximately 13 million in 2022
The Saudi labor market unemployment rate was around 8.3% in 2022
Women constitute about 33% of the Saudi workforce as of 2023
The participation rate of Saudi nationals in the private sector was approximately 10% in 2023
Saudi Arabia's expatriate workforce accounts for nearly 70% of the total workforce
The median age of the Saudi labor force is about 30 years old
The employment rate for Saudi nationals aged 15 and above was approximately 65% in 2022
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) in Saudi Arabia was roughly 25% in 2022
The average weekly working hours in Saudi Arabia were around 48 hours in 2022
The education level of the Saudi workforce has seen a rise, with over 40% holding university degrees as of 2023
The government sector employs approximately 25% of Saudi nationals in the workforce
The majority of Saudi private sector employers (about 60%) indicated difficulties in recruiting skilled Saudi workers in 2022
Female participation in the Saudi workforce increased by 5% from 2021 to 2023

Saudi Arabia’s dynamic workforce, comprising over 13 million people with a rising female participation and a ambitious target to create 2 million jobs by 2030, reflects a nation transforming its labor landscape amidst a youthful population and strategic reforms aimed at localization, skill development, and economic diversification.

Employment and Unemployment Rates

The Saudi labor market unemployment rate was around 8.3% in 2022
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) in Saudi Arabia was roughly 25% in 2022
The unemployment rate among Saudi nationals aged 30-39 is approximately 6%, lower than the national average
The rate of graduate unemployment in Saudi Arabia is approximately 10%, indicating a mismatch between education and job market needs
The national workforce planning strategy aims to reduce unemployment among youth to below 10% by 2030

Employment and Unemployment Rates Interpretation

Despite a relatively low overall unemployment rate of 8.3%, Saudi Arabia’s youth and graduate unemployment figures—hitting 25% and 10% respectively—highlight a pressing disconnect between education and labor market demands, underscoring the urgent need for workforce reform to achieve the 2030 vision of narrowing youth unemployment below 10%.

Foreign Workforce and International Approvals

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2022, impacting workforce development
The reliance on expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is nearing 80%
The number of international companies establishing regional offices in Saudi Arabia increased by 40% in 2022, boosting sector employment
The rate of foreign worker approvals for Saudi firms has decreased by 20% in 2023 due to localization policies

Foreign Workforce and International Approvals Interpretation

Saudi Arabia's bold balancing act—attracting a 40% surge in international corporate presence while reducing foreign worker approvals by 20%—illustrates a strategic pivot toward localization, even as nearly 80% of construction workers remain expatriates, highlighting a nation forging ahead on the path of economic diversification and workforce transformation.

Labor Market Demographics and Workforce Composition

The participation rate of Saudi nationals in the private sector was approximately 10% in 2023
Saudi Arabia's expatriate workforce accounts for nearly 70% of the total workforce
The median age of the Saudi labor force is about 30 years old
The employment rate for Saudi nationals aged 15 and above was approximately 65% in 2022
The average weekly working hours in Saudi Arabia were around 48 hours in 2022
The education level of the Saudi workforce has seen a rise, with over 40% holding university degrees as of 2023
The government sector employs approximately 25% of Saudi nationals in the workforce
The majority of Saudi private sector employers (about 60%) indicated difficulties in recruiting skilled Saudi workers in 2022
Saudi Arabia has a youth bulge with over 60% of its population below the age of 30, impacting the workforce dynamics
Approximately 75% of Saudi workers are employed in the services sector as of 2023
The industrial sector accounts for roughly 20% of employment in Saudi Arabia
The percentage of Saudi workers in managerial positions has increased to about 15% in 2023
The average salary for Saudi employees in the private sector was around SAR 8,000 per month in 2022
The Saudi workforce has an annual dropout rate of about 10% between secondary and tertiary education, impacting talent availability
The share of freelancers and gig economy workers in Saudi Arabia’s workforce was estimated at 15% in 2023
The median weekly earnings of Saudi workers are approximately SAR 1,200, with some sectors paying significantly higher
45% of the Saudi workforce holds temporary or contract employment arrangements as of 2023
The percentage of Saudi workers with vocational training is about 35%, highlighting the focus on skill development
The proportion of Saudi expatriates working in the government sector has decreased slightly to 10% in 2023, from previous higher levels
The rise of remote working in Saudi Arabia surged by 25% in 2022 due to digital transformation
The employment rate for Saudis in the retail sector reached 40% in 2023, as part of Saudization initiatives
Approximately 80% of Saudi youth express interest in digital and tech careers, according to 2023 surveys
Employment of Saudi nationals in logistics has increased by 18% over the past three years, signaling sector growth
The Saudization policy has led to the hiring of over 300,000 Saudi nationals in various sectors since its inception
Approximately 20% of Saudi workers are engaged in informal employment or gray economy sectors, impacting economic data accuracy
The literacy rate among Saudi adults has increased to near 95% as of 2023, contributing positively to workforce quality
The participation of Saudi nationals in the agricultural sector is approximately 15%, mainly in rural regions
The average age of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia is about 35 years old, impacting workforce renewal strategies
The percentage of Saudis working in financial services reached 12% in 2023, reflecting sector development
The employment rate of Saudi nationals in the energy sector is around 30%, primarily in renewable energy projects
The turnover rate in the Saudi retail sector was about 15% in 2023, indicating workforce stability efforts
Approximately 25% of Saudi expatriates in the workforce have been employed in the country for over 10 years, showing workforce stability
The proportion of Saudi employees working remotely increased to 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many continuing flexible arrangements
The employment rate among Saudi nationals aged 20-29 is approximately 58%, showing significant engagement in the job market

Labor Market Demographics and Workforce Composition Interpretation

Despite a youthful population with high educational attainment and rising managerial roles, Saudi Arabia's private sector grapples with low national participation — just 10%, as expatriates dominate nearly 70%, exposing a paradox of ambitious Saudization targets amid ongoing recruitment and skills challenges in a market where over half of private employers find it difficult to hire skilled Saudis.

Women in the Saudi Workforce

Women constitute about 33% of the Saudi workforce as of 2023
Female participation in the Saudi workforce increased by 5% from 2021 to 2023
The labor force participation rate for Saudi women was approximately 20% in 2022
The share of Saudi women in leadership roles is approximately 10%, showing gradual improvement
Women’s average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia’s private sector increased to SAR 7,200 in 2023, up from SAR 6,500 in 2021
According to reports, approximately 50% of Saudi women in the workforce are employed in education and healthcare sectors
The number of Saudi women starting their own businesses increased by 12% in 2022, supporting entrepreneurship in the workforce
Saudi Arabia aims to increase the number of women in the workforce by 50% through various reforms by 2030
The number of Saudi women enrolled in technical colleges increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022, supporting skill diversification
The employment participation rate of Saudi women in the public sector increased to 50% in 2023, up from 35% in 2020
The labor force participation rate among Saudi women has doubled since 2018, reaching approximately 20%
The number of Saudi women in STEM fields increased by 35% between 2019 and 2022, supporting diversification
The share of Saudi women entrepreneurs increased by 18% in 2023, contributing to economic diversification

Women in the Saudi Workforce Interpretation

Saudi women are steadily breaking barriers—rising from 20% workforce participation in 2022 to 33% in 2023, increasingly occupying leadership roles, STEM fields, and entrepreneurial ventures—proof that progress is not just a policy on paper but a measurable shift towards economic empowerment, with ambitions to boost their presence by 50% before 2030.

Workforce Growth and Policy Initiatives

Saudi Arabia's total workforce was approximately 13 million in 2022
Saudi Arabia's non-oil sectors have been growing at an average of 4% annually over the past five years
The Saudi government announced plans to Saudize 70% of jobs in retail and hospitality sectors by 2025
The number of Saudi professionals working in the ICT sector has grown by 20% annually over the past three years
The number of Saudi graduates entering the workforce annually exceeds 200,000, contributing to workforce supply
Saudi Arabia launched a national initiative to increase workforce localization, aiming to create 1 million Saudi jobs by 2030
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in upskilling its workforce; over SAR 10 billion was allocated in 2022 for training programs
The Saudi government has invested over SAR 5 billion into SME support programs, creating numerous employment opportunities
The Saudization efforts have created more than 1 million new jobs since 2016, predominantly in retail, hospitality, and construction sectors
Saudi Arabia's labor laws have undergone reforms to enhance worker protections and improve labor market flexibility
60% of Saudi workers reported increased productivity through vocational training programs in 2022
Saudi Arabia's digital economy initiatives have created approximately 200,000 jobs in tech and digital sectors since 2020
Training programs targeted at Saudi youth's digital skills increased by 50% in 2022, supporting employment in tech fields
The incidence of workplace injuries in Saudi Arabia has decreased by 12% over the past three years, reflecting safety improvements
The Saudi government allocated SAR 3 billion specifically for youth employment programs in 2022, aiming to create 500,000 jobs
Saudi Arabia plans to increase its workforce size by 2 million by 2030 as part of Vision 2030 development strategy

Workforce Growth and Policy Initiatives Interpretation

With over 13 million workers and a strategic push to Saudize nearly half in retail, hospitality, and tech, Saudi Arabia is transforming its labor landscape into a vibrant, locally driven economy—proof that even amid global shifts, it's confident the future belongs to its own workforce.