Bahrain’s skilled workforce, cost-effective labor, and strategic location make it an excellent outsourcing destination. Employers looking to hire in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Bahrain?” This information will help them prepare a competitive hiring offer.

The average salary in Bahrain is 892 Bahraini dinar (BHD), about USD 2,370. However, salaries vary by experience, education, position, industry, and location. Comparing wages in the country to earnings worldwide provides additional insight.

This guide will explore all aspects of Bahraini salaries to prepare employers for international partnerships.

What is the Average Salary in Bahrain?

The average salary in Bahrain is 892 BHD, about $2,370. Wages in the country are moderate due to a diverse economy driven by lucrative industries like oil, gas, tech, and finance. However, they are limited by a lack of minimum wage for the private sector and a large expatriate workforce that creates a competitive landscape.

Median Income

The median salary in Bahrain is 757 BHD, about $2007. Half the country’s population earns higher wages; the other half earns less.

Salary Range

Salaries in Bahrain span from 433 BHD (roughly $1,148) to 1,434 BHD (about $3,803) monthly. However, wages vary significantly by industry.

Salary Comparisons in Bahrain

Average salaries provide insight, but you must consider how wages vary by experience, industry, position, education, and location. The following sections will explore how these factors impact wages.

Salary by Position

This salary comparison chart reveals how wages vary by position.

Position
Average Monthly Salary (BHD)
Chief Executive Officer
2,685
IT Director
2,301
Call Center Director
2,300
IT Architect
2,248
Lead Developer
1,930
Head of Product Development
1,855
Finance Manager
1,853
Software Engineer
1,838
Sales Director
1,793
IT Manager
1,662
General Laborer
462
Packer
458
Banking Cashier
446
Seamstress
438
Accountant
423
Porter
423
Medical Records Clerk
422
Tailor
418
Social Counselor
409

Average Wage in Bahrain Based on Education

Education plays a huge role in Bahraini wage determination and contributes heavily to income inequality. Families in rich areas have access to better education, ensuring children are skilled to qualify for high-paying jobs when they get older.

Meanwhile, families in poor areas don’t have access to education and are unable to qualify for positions with better wages, resulting in a vicious cycle. 

Additionally, the minimum wage in the country varies according to educational degree.

Salary Comparison by Experience

Experience impacts salaries in Bahrain as follows:

Experience Level
Typical Monthly Salary (BHD)
Entry-level
300 – 450
Mid-level
750 – 1,200
Senior-level
1,333 – 2,083

Salary Comparison by Location

Location impacts salaries as workers in urban areas tend to earn more than rural workers due to higher living costs and proximity to large companies offering high-paying job opportunities.

For example, workers in the capital city of Manama tend to earn more than those in the country’s towns and cities. Hidd, Riffa, and Maharraq also offer decent job opportunities. 

Studies on education also reveal that 18% of families in the Northern governorate have a high monthly income between 9,600 and 72,000 dinars. This compares to:

Location
Salary Difference from National Average
Muharraq
+11%
Central
+9%
Southern
+9%
Capital
+6%

Compare the average salary with the minimum wage in Bahrain by checking out our guide to the minimum wage in Bahrain.

Education Level
Average Monthly Salary (BHD)
High school graduates
300
Diploma holders
380
Bachelor’s degree holders
450

Average Salary in Bahrain vs. the Rest of the World

To provide more insight, the following charts compare Bahrain salaries to wages in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries.

Bahrain vs. Developed Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Bahrain Salary
Japan
340,000 JPY (approx. $2,300)
6%
United Kingdom
£3,000 (approx. $4,100)
− 40%
Norway
50,000 NOK (approx. $4,700)
− 48%
Germany
€4,300 (approx. $4,470)
− 45%
Austria
€3,700 (approx. $4,050)
− 40%

Bahrain vs. Developing Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Bahrain Salary
Romania
4,000 RON (approx. $835)
192%
Russia
73,700 RUB (approx. $700)
249%
Albania
83,330 ALL (approx. $860)
184%
Kazakhstan
342,000 KZT (approx. $645)
278%
Ukraine
18,000 Hryvnia (approx. $500)
388%

Bahrain vs. Undeveloped Countries

Country
Average Salary
Comparison to Average Bahrain Salary
Afghanistan
13,200 AFN (approx. $150)
1,527%
Philippines
15,000 PHP (approx. $265)
821%
Cambodia
1,150,000 Riel (approx. $280)
771%
Egypt
3,900 EGP (approx. $125)
1,852%
Pakistan
60,000 PKR (approx. $210)
1,062%

Bahrain is a developed country with a high-income economy and a High Human Development Index. It boasts a well-developed infrastructure and a diverse and stable workforce. Major sectors include oil, gas, finance, manufacturing, and tourism.

The country is emerging as an effective outsourcing destination due to its cost-effective labor, skilled workforce, and government support. It offers lower operating costs than established outsourcing markets in the MENA region, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Strategically situated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) center, it offers easy access to major regional markets.

What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Bahrain?

Employers seeking remote opportunities in the country will benefit most when focusing on the following sectors.

Finance

Bahrain is considered a central financial hub in the Middle East, attracting various foreign investors and businesses. It especially stands out for its fintech innovations and regulatory framework, which supports open banking, crowdfunding, and cryptocurrency. The Central Bank of Bahrain regulates the sector, which offers optimal stability and integrity.

Construction and Engineering

The country offers a robust and rapidly developing construction and engineering sector. Government policies like Vision 2030 and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan are driving growth in the industry. Bahrain focuses on infrastructure projects such as creating new cities, leading to more opportunities in the sector.

IT Services

Bahrain’s tech industry is growing at lightning speed due to government initiatives and digital transformation investments. Key growth areas include fintech, cybersecurity, AI, cloud computing, and IoT. It offers a business-friendly environment with 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes.

IT managers in Bahrain earn about 1,663 BHD monthly, about $4,408, while their American counterparts earn closer to $8,333, giving employers plenty of bargaining power.

Conclusion

Bahrain’s cost-effective labor, skilled workforce, and strategic location make it an excellent outsourcing destination. Its moderate average salary results in reduced expenses for employers in many countries. The exceptional products and services can help some organizations become industry leaders.