How much salary does an accountant earn in UAE? Freshers & experienced salary, city-wise pay, companies, skills, growth & tips – 2026 guide.
How Much Salary Does an Accountant Earn in UAE? (2026 Complete Guide)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains one of the most attractive destinations for accounting and finance professionals. With a tax-free salary structure, strong demand across industries, and international exposure, many job seekers frequently ask:
“How much salary does an accountant earn in UAE?”
This in-depth 2026 guide answers that question with realistic salary figures, experience-based breakdowns, city-wise pay, industry differences, required skills, career growth, and practical tips to increase your earning potential.
📊 Average Accountant Salary in UAE (2026)
In 2026, the average monthly salary of an accountant in the UAE ranges between:
- Freshers: AED 2,500 – AED 4,500
- Mid-Level (3–5 years): AED 6,000 – AED 9,000
- Senior Accountants: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
- Finance Managers / Controllers: AED 18,000 – AED 35,000+
Actual salary depends on experience, qualifications, location, and industry.
🎓 Accountant Salary in UAE for Freshers
Fresh graduates or candidates with 0–2 years of experience usually start at entry-level roles such as:
- Junior Accountant
- Accounts Assistant
- Finance Executive
Freshers’ Salary Range: AED 2,500 – AED 4,500 per month
Freshers with UAE VAT knowledge, Tally/Zoho Books experience, or internships often receive higher offers.
👉 You can explore fresher openings here:
Latest Fresher Accounting Jobs in UAE
🏙️ City-Wise Accountant Salary in UAE
| City | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|
| Dubai | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | 5,500 – 11,000 |
| Sharjah | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Ajman | 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 4,000 – 7,000 |
Dubai generally offers the highest salaries due to multinational companies and high business activity.
🏢 Industry-Wise Accountant Salary
Your industry plays a major role in determining salary:
- Audit & Consulting Firms: AED 5,000 – 12,000
- Real Estate: AED 6,000 – 14,000
- Hospitality: AED 4,500 – 9,000
- Construction: AED 7,000 – 15,000
- Oil & Gas: AED 12,000 – 30,000+
Professionals working in Oil & Gas or large group companies earn significantly higher packages.
📈 Salary Based on Qualification
| Qualification | Expected Salary (AED) |
|---|
| B.Com / BBA | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| M.Com / MBA Finance | 5,000 – 9,000 |
| CA / ACCA / CPA | 10,000 – 25,000+ |
International certifications like ACCA, CPA, CMA significantly increase earning potential.
💼 Skills That Increase Accountant Salary in UAE
Accountants with the following skills command higher salaries:
- UAE VAT & Corporate Tax compliance
- IFRS reporting
- Tally, SAP, Oracle, Zoho Books
- Advanced Excel & Power BI
- Financial modeling & forecasting
👉 Check current high-paying roles here:
Latest Accounting Jobs in UAE
📑 Accountant Job Titles & Salaries
- Accounts Assistant – AED 3,000 – 5,000
- Accountant – AED 5,000 – 9,000
- Senior Accountant – AED 9,000 – 14,000
- Finance Manager – AED 18,000 – 30,000
- Group Financial Controller – AED 25,000 – 40,000+
💡 How to Increase Your Accountant Salary in UAE
- Gain UAE VAT & Corporate Tax experience
- Switch companies after 2–3 years strategically
- Upskill with ERP systems
- Target high-paying industries
- Build strong LinkedIn & professional profile
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is accountant salary tax-free in UAE?
Yes, UAE offers tax-free income.
Can freshers get accounting jobs in UAE?
Yes, especially in SMEs and audit firms.
Which city pays the highest salary?
Dubai.
🔍 Final Verdict
The salary of an accountant in UAE in 2026 is highly competitive, especially for professionals with UAE experience, certifications, and industry-specific skills. With the right career strategy, accountants can grow rapidly and enjoy long-term financial stability.
Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on market trends and job postings. Actual compensation may vary depending on employer, experience, and qualifications.
