By digitalxfuture 
It is diversifying and modernizing. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in the labor market. One of the key transformations has been the empowerment of women in the labor market, moving away from traditionally restrictive norms.
Saudi Arabia’s leaders emphasize that the involvement of women is vital to the country’s economic growth. They aim to increase women’s labor market participation from 22% in 2016 to over 30% by 2030. However, in 2023, this figure was already achieved ahead of schedule: the level of women’s involvement in the workplace is approximately 36%. This growth is particularly noticeable in the healthcare and care sectors, where female employment has increased due to growing demand and progressive labor policies. Popular platforms such as Layboard have a lot of vacancies in these fields.
Women’s Employment
Historically, Saudi women have faced barriers to self-realization through work. In particular, they had limited educational and career opportunities, had to meet cultural expectations, and had limited mobility. However, the country has taken numerous measures to overcome these barriers, including allowing women to drive (since 2018) and introducing anti-discrimination laws in hiring practices.
In addition, the government has launched initiatives to encourage the private sector to hire more women, especially in positions that support public welfare, such as healthcare, nursing, and social work. This policy change has resulted in the percentage of Saudi women in the labor market nearly doubling in a few years. This policy change has resulted in the percentage of Saudi women in the labor market almost doubling in a few years. This is also evidenced by the popularity of such vacancies in the labor market. Details can be found in the descriptions of offers from employers: https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-saudi-arabia/speciality/caregiver
Key Job Positions and Salaries in the Healthcare Sector
The healthcare sector has become the most popular for women to work in Saudi Arabia, driven by the government’s significant investment in healthcare infrastructure. As of 2022, women accounted for more than 40% of the kingdom’s healthcare workforce, with a growing number of them holding positions in nursing, medical administration, and even specialized medical fields. Many Saudi women are pursuing medical degrees and education in healthcare, aided by the expansion of local universities and scholarships that support medical research.
Nursing is one of the most common career options. Here, women make up almost 70% of nurses. The profession is considered a very stable and respected field for women. Salaries for medical positions vary depending on qualifications, experience, and specialization. On average, registered nurses earn between AED 9,000 and 15,000 per month, with salaries increasing in management positions or in specialized fields.
Pharmacists typically earn between AED 12,000 and 20,000 per month, depending on the type of healthcare facility and level of qualifications. Medical technologists – from 8,000 to 14,000 dirhams.
There is also a growing number of female doctors in Saudi Arabia, particularly in fields such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and family medicine. Physicians often command higher salaries, starting from SAR 15,000 for junior doctors and reaching SAR 50,000 or more for consultants and specialists in private hospitals.
To encourage women to enter and stay in the healthcare field, the Saudi government has introduced several support mechanisms. Flexible working hours, childcare facilities within hospitals, and financial support for further education are among the incentives offered. Hospitals are increasingly adopting family-friendly policies, acknowledging the need to balance work with family responsibilities, which is a significant factor for many Saudi women.
Who Needs Care Specialists and What Conditions Employers Offer
The care sector in Saudi Arabia encompasses care for the elderly, children, and specialized support for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The demand for caregivers is growing, driven by social change, an aging population, and a growing recognition of the importance of skilled care. Traditionally, caregiving functions were often performed by family members, but as more Saudi women enter the labor market, there is a need for external caregivers, which opens up new opportunities in this area.
Caregivers are needed in a variety of settings, including private homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and specialized day care centers for people with disabilities. The main employers in the care sector are healthcare facilities, private care agencies, and increasingly government programs that support the elderly and people with special needs.
Salaries also vary widely depending on the role and skill level. Childcare workers typically earn between AED 3,000 and 5,500 per month, depending on whether they work full or part-time. Elderly care professionals earn between AED 5,000 and 8,000 per month. Caregivers for people with special needs can earn between SAR 6,000 and SAR 10,000 per month due to the specialized skills required.
In order to attract and retain more Saudi women in the care sector, employers offer paid vacation, health insurance, and sometimes even a housing subsidy for female caregivers who live with their caregivers.
Many organizations also offer ongoing training programs to improve the skills of their staff, which is especially useful for caregivers working with people with disabilities, where specific techniques and skills are often required.
Conclusion
The employment landscape in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly, expanding opportunities for women, especially in the health and care sectors. Government initiatives under Vision 2030 have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive workforce by breaking down barriers for women and promoting sectors such as healthcare and nursing where female employment is important and highly valued. As Saudi Arabia continues its modernization journey, the health and care sectors are expected to provide women with stable, respected, and well-supported career paths, reinforcing their critical role in the country’s economic and social development.