Saudi Arabia has become one of the most attractive destinations for healthcare professionals who seek clinical progression, financial growth and international exposure. With the country’s healthcare sector expanding rapidly under Vision 2030, the need for skilled general surgeons has increased across public and private hospitals.
For many foreign trained surgeons, Saudi Arabia offers an appealing mix of tax free income, advanced surgical facilities and structured pathways under the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Achieving SCFHS classification opens the door to stable employment, consultant progression and long term career development.
For more on national healthcare reform, you can refer to the official Vision 2030 portal:
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the fastest healthcare expansions in the region. This growth is driven by national health reforms and rising demand for surgical services.
Population growth and lifestyle changes
The increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic disease and trauma has created sustained demand for general surgeons.
Healthcare infrastructure expansion
New public and private hospitals, medical cities and specialised surgical centres continue to open across major regions and secondary cities.
High reliance on international surgeons
Saudi Arabia recruits foreign trained surgeons to fill gaps in general surgery, trauma, acute care surgery, bariatric surgery and oncologic surgery.
For data and official annual reports, see the Ministry of Health statistics section:
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en
The result is a job market where general surgeons are consistently sought after, with strong incentives for specialists and consultants.
Competitive earnings are a major attraction for surgeons pursuing SCFHS licensing. Salaries vary by experience, hospital type and region.
| Position | Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (SAR) | Annual Equivalent (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident or Junior Surgeon | 0 to 3 years | 18,000 to 25,000 | 57,000 to 79,000 |
| Specialist | 3 to 8 years | 30,000 to 45,000 | 95,000 to 142,000 |
| Consultant | 8+ years | 55,000 to 80,000+ | 174,000 to 253,000+ |
These figures are approximate estimates, based on aggregated information from salary and job portals and public frameworks, including:
• Saudi Ministry of Health publications:
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en
• Salary Explorer (Saudi Arabia medical salary surveys):
https://www.salaryexplorer.com
• PayScale:
https://www.payscale.com
• Glassdoor (Saudi Arabia healthcare job listings):
https://www.glassdoor.com
Most employers provide
• Tax free income
• Housing and transport allowances
• 30 to 45 days of paid annual leave
• Health insurance for the surgeon and family
• Annual airfare allowance
• End of service benefits and performance bonuses
These benefits significantly increase overall annual compensation compared with base salary alone.
| Parameter | Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | Moderate | Often higher and performance linked |
| Benefits | Comprehensive and stable | Variable and negotiable |
| Case exposure | High volume and diverse | More selective and specialised |
| Career stability | Strong long term security | Faster progression in some facilities |
Public institutions usually offer strong job security, consistent benefits and broad case mix. Private hospitals may provide higher immediate earnings, faster promotions and more focused subspecialty practice.
The SCFHS provides a clear, structured progression pathway for general surgeons.
• Typically 5 to 6 years of structured general surgery training
• Acquisition of core surgical and peri operative skills
• Preparation for SCFHS written and oral examinations
After completing recognised board certification, surgeons are classified as Specialists. They
• Perform independent surgeries
• Supervise and teach residents
• Begin to focus on subspecialty interests
Consultant status represents the highest clinical rank under SCFHS classification. Requirements usually include
• Several years of independent surgical practice
• Completion of the SCFHS Consultant Interview
• Evidence of ongoing competence and professionalism
Consultants lead services, influence hospital policy and contribute to training future surgeons.
More detail on classification rules is available through the SCFHS portal and professional classification sections:
https://www.scfhs.org.sa
For international surgeons, the licensing path generally involves:
While core general surgery remains in demand, certain subspecialties are particularly sought after:
• Bariatric and metabolic surgery
• Trauma and acute care surgery
• Breast and endocrine surgery
• Colorectal surgery
• Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery
• Minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery
Job advertisements and recruitment firms frequently highlight these areas as priority needs in large cities and tertiary centres.
You can explore current job trends via regional job portals and recruiter sites, for example:
https://www.gulfTalent.com
https://www.bayt.com
Surgeons aiming for consultant level often need to clear the SCFHS Consultant Interview, which is a structured oral examination typically consisting of:
• Case based clinical discussions
• Scenario driven questions on emergencies and complications
• Ethical and professionalism scenarios
• Questions on local healthcare context and team communication
Panels are usually composed of senior consultants appointed by SCFHS. The focus is on whether the candidate’s reasoning, communication and judgement are suitable for independent consultant practice in Saudi Arabia.
General information on consultant classification and interviews can be found via SCFHS:
https://www.scfhs.org.sa
While there is no single official list, the following textbooks are commonly used by surgeons preparing for SCFHS and consultant level practice. Instead of specific product links, candidates can search these titles on major platforms such as Amazon, Elsevier or local distributors:
• Bailey and Love’s Short Practice of Surgery
• Sabiston Textbook of Surgery
• Schwartz Principles of Surgery
• Clinical Surgery by Michael Henry
• Surgical Recall
• ATLS 10th Edition information and courses
https://www.facs.org
• UpToDate (evidence based clinical summaries)
https://www.uptodate.com
• NICE Guidelines (for structured management pathways)
https://www.nice.org.uk
• SCFHS and Mumaris Plus for official rules, classification and exam updates
https://www.scfhs.org.sa
• Strong earning potential with tax free salary structures
• Clear career progression from Resident to Specialist to Consultant
• High demand for both general and subspecialty surgeons
• Access to expanding, modern surgical infrastructure
• Long term career stability and international recognition of experience
For surgeons who want to combine financial growth with clinical advancement, Saudi Arabia offers a compelling option.
Building a successful career as a general surgeon in Saudi Arabia requires more than clearing exams. It requires understanding SCFHS expectations, local practice patterns and long term planning.
PrepMedico offers
• Structured preparation for SCFHS written and oral exams
• Case based teaching relevant to Saudi practice
• Mock interviews and consultant level viva practice
• Guidance on classification, documentation and licensing
• Ongoing mentoring to help you build your consultant career in the Kingdom
Start your SCFHS journey with a clear plan and experienced guidance.
Most general surgeons earn between SAR 18,000 and SAR 80,000 per month, depending on experience, classification, and hospital type. Consultants in high-demand subspecialties or private hospitals may earn more, especially when on-call duties and overtime allowances are included.
For market salary surveys, refer to: SalaryExplorer
Yes. All surgeons must obtain SCFHS classification and registration before they can legally practise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Official authority: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
Typically required documents include a recognised medical degree, completed surgical training, a valid medical licence, and successful Primary Source Verification (PSV). Additional board certifications can strengthen the classification level.
On average, the SCFHS process takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on document completeness, DataFlow verification timelines, and exam scheduling.
SCFHS-certified surgeons can progress from resident to specialist and consultant roles, pursue subspecialty training, lead departments, and participate in research and teaching. Many also advance into leadership positions within hospitals or healthcare systems over time.
