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October 4, 2024
The ultimate salary guide for hiring remote talent in the Middle East (2024 Edition)

By 2030, global digital jobs are estimated to grow by around 25% to over 90 million roles (World Economic Forum). As global remote work continues to rise, more companies are discovering the exceptional skills and expertise available from regions like MENA. At TAP, we believe in building meaningful connections between global companies and talented professionals in the Middle East, empowering both to thrive.

The Middle East, particularly Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon, is emerging as a leading hub of highly skilled remote talent, with expertise spanning Digital Marketing, Sales, and Software Development. At TAP, we focus on discovering this immense talent potential and connecting it to global opportunities. With a highly educated workforce, the Middle East offers global companies unmatched expertise and value. At TAP, we see this as more than just a cost-saving opportunity – it's about making a lasting economic impact while empowering a talented, underutilized workforce.

We’ve designed this salary guide to provide insights into the competitive compensation packages for remote workers in the Middle East based on our experience and hires. While salary levels in the Middle East differ from those in Western markets, TAP ensures that talent is compensated competitively and fairly according to local standards, so your company can attract and retain top professionals who deliver high-quality work. This guide is designed to help HR professionals and hiring managers make informed decisions when building their remote teams.

Why hire remote talent from the Middle East?

Before we dive into salary figures, it’s worth highlighting why so many companies are increasingly choosing to hire remote talent from Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. Beyond cost savings, remote talent from the Middle East is often more motivated and driven to succeed. High unemployment rates are a result of economic and political factors that are oftentimes out of one individual's control. This means that professionals from this region bring a strong sense of motivation and resilience and are eager to prove their skills on a global stage while in turn providing a living for themselves and their families. The positive ripple effects of local job creation are vast, from local economic development, improved quality of life and healthcare services as well as youth empowerment and retention. 

Cost-effective hiring: One of the most significant advantages of hiring remote professionals from the Middle East is the cost savings. Compared to Western Europe or North America, salaries are generally lower, but the quality of work remains high. We’ve seen companies experience up to 40% savings per month in their salaries. While salaries are lower compared to European and US salaries, it’s essential to offer competitive wages that match the local market to attract the best talent

  

Skilled workforce: The Middle East is home to a growing number of highly skilled professionals eager to showcase their talents. TAP doesn't just help companies hire but also helps transform lives by giving talented individuals from underserved regions the opportunity to contribute to global innovation. Majority of these individuals are proficient in English, have University degrees, international work experience, and are familiar with Western business practices.To attract the right talent, clearly outline the skills, experiences, and tools needed. MENA professionals, particularly those we've worked with at TAP, are adept at using global platforms like Slack,  Zoom,  Github, Notion and Trello, ensuring seamless integration into your team.

Time zone: Offering flexibility in working hours is key to retaining remote talent. While time zones may differ, professionals in this region are used to accommodating various schedules.: Time zones in the Middle East are based in the EEST time zone, just an hour ahead of CET, making real-time collaboration easy. The standard workweek is Sunday-Thursday, meaning you can have your teams operations covered 6 days a week giving you a competitive advantage, with that said, many remote workers have shifted to the EU's Monday-Friday schedule. It's all about what works for you and your team, and this can often be arranged individually.

Salary guidelines: 

1. Remote Digital Marketing Salaries in the Middle East

Hiring remote digital marketing talent from Palestine, Jordan, or Lebanon gives companies access to highly qualified professionals at a fraction of the cost of hiring locally in Western countries. For example, a remote SEO specialist in Palestine might charge significantly less than their counterpart in the U.S. or the U.K., yet deliver results on par with global standards.

By tapping into MENA-based digital marketing specialists, your company can benefit from lower costs while maintaining quality output. Whether you're seeking to hire remote social media managers or content creators, the Middle East provides access to top professionals who bring fresh, innovative perspectives to your team. At TAP, we help you find the right talent that aligns with your business goals.

Roles:

  • SEO Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • PPC Specialist
  • Content Marketer

Average Annual Salaries (USD):

  • Junior Digital Marketer: $12,000 – $18,000
  • Mid-Level Digital Marketer: $18,000 – $35,000
  • Senior Digital Marketing Manager: $35,000 – $60,000

2. Remote Software Developer Salaries in the Middle East

Hiring remote software developers from Palestine, Jordan, or Lebanon offers a compelling cost-benefit advantage with a high retention rate. Not only do remote software developers in the MENA region bring expertise in cutting-edge technologies, but their compensation is also significantly more competitive compared to developers in the U.S. or Europe.

There are also compelling statistics that will make it easier for companies to attract more Women in Tech. According to UNESCO data, in the MENA region, 34-57% of STEM graduates are women. This is considerably higher than in regions like Europe and North America, where women represent around 25-35% of STEM graduates. In some MENA countries, the proportion of women in computer science and software engineering is particularly high. For example, in countries like:

  • Jordan: Women make up around 33% of engineering and technology graduates.
  • Palestine: Women represent approximately 47% of STEM graduates.
  • Lebanon: Women’s participation in STEM degrees, including software engineering, is close to 38%.

These numbers highlight that, despite cultural challenges, women in the MENA region are increasingly participating in technical fields like software engineering.

For companies looking to scale their tech teams, remote software developers from MENA provide an ideal solution. TAP has placed developers from MENA in high-growth startups and global enterprises, with 90% of clients reporting increased project delivery efficiency within the first six months. Whether you need front-end, back-end, or full-stack developers, the region boasts a pool of qualified professionals who are familiar with global coding standards and technologies like JavaScript, AI and Cloud technologies. 

Roles:

  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Front-End Developer
  • Back-End Developer
  • Mobile App Developer

Average Annual Salaries (USD):

  • Junior Software Developer: $14,000 – $25,000
  • Mid-Level Software Developer: $25,000 – $45,000
  • Senior Software Engineer: $45,000 – $70,000

3. Remote Sales Salaries in the Middle East

Hiring Considerations:

At TAP, we connect you with remote sales professionals from Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon who bring exceptional communication skills, bilingual fluency, and a strategic understanding of local and international markets. Their results-driven mindset ensures they can close deals and drive revenue effectively within one TAP client reporting hiring 3 TAP students resulted in sales increasing by 4X. 

By hiring remote sales talent from the Middle East, companies can build efficient sales teams that generate business globally while saving on labor costs. Remote business development managers from this region can also assist in expanding into new markets, offering unique insights into both the MENA region and global business practices.

Roles:

  • Sales Development Representative
  • Business Development Manager
  • Account Executive
  • Sales Manager

Average Annual Salaries (USD):

  • Junior Sales Representative: $12,000 – $18,000
  • Mid-Level Sales Executive: $18,000 – $35,000
  • Senior Sales Manager: $35,000 – $55,000

Summary: 

Hiring remote talent from Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon is a cost-effective and efficient way for companies to scale their teams with highly skilled professionals. Whether you’re looking for digital marketing experts, software developers, or sales professionals, the MENA region offers a diverse talent pool that can help drive your business forward. 

By offering competitive salaries and fostering a remote-friendly environment, your company can tap into a hidden pool of top talent from MENA that will help drive global growth. Let TAP be your partner in making these connections seamless and impactful.

Ready to take the next step in building your remote team? Let TAP’s expertise guide you in hiring exceptional talent from Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon. Schedule a call today to explore how we can transform your workforce and fuel your company’s growth.

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