So you’re interested in medical coding jobs in Saudi Arabia – smart move. The Kingdom is investing billions in healthcare as part of Vision 2030, hospitals are digitizing their systems, and there’s genuine demand for qualified medical coders right now.
But here’s what you need to know: medical coding in Saudi Arabia isn’t exactly like medical coding in the US, UK, or India. The systems are different, the requirements are specific, and the process has its own quirks. Understanding these differences before you apply can mean the difference between landing a great position and wasting months on applications that go nowhere.
I’m going to walk you through everything – the current job market, what you’ll actually earn, the specific certifications and registrations you need, which employers are hiring, and the step-by-step process for getting hired as a medical coder in Saudi Arabia.
The Current Job Market: Real Numbers
Let’s start with the actual opportunities available right now.
Bayt.com currently lists over 120 medical coding jobs in Saudi Arabia, while Glassdoor shows 25 open medical coding positions. GulfTalent advertises 174 medical coder vacancies, and Jooble reports 2,519 current vacancies for medical coding-related positions.
That’s hundreds of legitimate opportunities. But here’s the nuance not everyone understands: these positions have very specific requirements that many international candidates don’t initially meet.
The Major Cities Hiring:
Top cities with open medical coding jobs include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran.
- Riyadh – The capital has the most opportunities, particularly in government hospitals and large private healthcare groups
- Jeddah – Strong private healthcare sector with international hospitals
- Dhahran/Dammam/Khobar – Eastern Province has healthcare facilities serving Aramco and related industries
- Mecca and Medina – Growing healthcare infrastructure serving pilgrims and residents
Top Employers Currently Hiring:
Companies actively hiring include One World International School, National Blood and Cancer Center, Fluor Corporation, Emerson, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and The Cigna Group.
Other major employers include:
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center
- Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA)
- Saudi German Hospitals
- Al-Dawaa Pharmacies
- Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group
- Specialized rehabilitation and oncology centers
Salary Expectations: What You’ll Actually Earn
Let’s talk money because this matters when you’re considering relocating or changing careers.
The average monthly salary for medical coders in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 3,750 to SAR 4,583 per month for entry to mid-level positions (1-4 years experience).
However, that’s just the starting range. Let me break down the full spectrum:
Entry-Level (1-3 years experience): SAR 70,220 annually (approximately SAR 5,850 monthly)
This is for fresh graduates or those with 1-3 years of coding experience who have completed required certifications.
Mid-Level (3-5 years experience): Average salary of SAR 50,000-60,000 annually (SAR 4,165-5,000 monthly)
These professionals have solid experience with multiple coding systems and can work independently.
Senior Level (5-8 years experience): SAR 80,000-100,000 annually (SAR 6,665-8,333 monthly)
Senior coders often specialize in complex areas like oncology, cardiology, or surgical coding.
Expert Level (8+ years experience): SAR 115,265 annually (approximately SAR 9,605 monthly)
These are coding supervisors, quality assurance specialists, or coding trainers.
Location Impact:
In Dammam, the average medical coding specialist salary is SAR 94,346 annually (SAR 7,862 monthly), which is 5% higher than the Saudi Arabia average.
Major cities typically pay 5-15% more than smaller cities due to higher cost of living.
What’s Included Beyond Salary:
Saudi employment packages typically include:
- Housing allowance (often SAR 1,500-3,000 monthly)
- Transportation allowance
- Annual flight tickets home
- Health insurance
- End-of-service benefits (one month salary for each year worked)
When you add these benefits, the total compensation package is significantly higher than the base salary suggests.
The Saudi-Specific Requirements You Must Know
Here’s where many international candidates get tripped up. Saudi Arabia has specific requirements that differ from other countries.
1. SCFHS Registration (Non-Negotiable)
Valid registration with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is required.
This isn’t optional. SCFHS is the regulatory body governing all healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. You cannot legally work as a medical coder without this registration.
How to get SCFHS registration:
- Apply online through the SCFHS portal
- Submit your qualifications (degree, certifications)
- Pass the SCFHS evaluation
- Pay registration fees
- Undergo document verification
The process typically takes 2-4 months, so start early.
2. ICD-10-AM Training (Saudi-Specific)
Completed HIMAA, ICD-10-AM/ACHI/ACS Introductory Course is essential.
Saudi Arabia uses the Australian coding system (ICD-10-AM), not the American ICD-10-CM/PCS that most coders worldwide learn. This is crucial to understand.
What is ICD-10-AM?
ICD-10-AM is utilized for diagnosis code reporting and remains unchanged in the Saudi Billing System (SBS).
It’s the Australian modification of ICD-10, which has different coding rules, conventions, and chapter organization than the American version.
3. Educational Requirements
Diploma Degree in Health Information Management is essential, OR Bachelor Degree from College of Science with a recognized coding-related certificate by SCFHS.
Acceptable qualifications include:
- Diploma or Bachelor’s in Health Information Management
- Bachelor’s in any health-related field + coding certification
- Medical background (nursing, pharmacy) + coding training
4. Medical Terminology Course
Medical Terminology Course is essential.
You must demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
5. English Language Proficiency
English Language Level I is essential.
Most medical records and coding software in Saudi hospitals use English, so proficiency is required.
The Saudi Billing System (SBS): What You’ll Actually Code
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s coding system is critical before applying.
The Saudi Billing System (SBS) consists of three main components: (1) ICD-10-AM for diagnoses, (2) the Saudi Classification of Health Interventions for procedures, and (3) the Saudi Billing System Coding Standards (SBSCS).
Component 1: ICD-10-AM (Diagnoses)
Used for all diagnosis coding. If you’ve only worked with ICD-10-CM (American system), you’ll need retraining for ICD-10-AM.
Key differences:
- Different chapter structure
- Australian-specific codes
- Different conventions and guidelines
Component 2: ACHI/SBS Codes (Procedures)
SBS codes are the extension of the ACHI codes and are used for coding health interventions or procedures.
This replaces the American ICD-10-PCS or CPT systems you might be familiar with.
Component 3: Additional Systems
Medical coders assign required MDMA, SFDA, GMDN, GTIN codes aligned with standard nphies and Saudi Billing System (SBS) mapping.
- GTIN – Global Trade Item Number for pharmaceuticals
- GMDN – Global Medical Device Nomenclature for medical devices
- MDMA/SFDA codes – Saudi Food & Drug Authority codes
You’ll be working with multiple coding systems simultaneously, which is more complex than single-system coding.
The Types of Medical Coding Jobs Available
Let’s break down the specific positions you’ll encounter in Saudi Arabia.
Inpatient Medical Coder
Responsibilities include assigning codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures according to the appropriate classification system for inpatient visits/encounters, and utilizing AR-DRG reimbursement expertise.
You’re coding hospital admissions, surgeries, and complex medical cases. This requires understanding AR-DRG (Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups) for hospital reimbursement.
Outpatient Medical Coder
Coders utilize specialized medical classification software to assign services and diagnosis codes for insurance billing, and review claims data to ensure assigned codes meet required legal and insurance rules.
You’re coding clinic visits, outpatient procedures, and ambulatory services.
Medical Coding Specialist
Senior position involving:
- Quality assurance of coding accuracy
- Training junior coders
- Resolving complex coding queries
- Liaising with clinical staff
Medical Coding Supervisor / Manager
Management position overseeing coding teams:
- Managing daily coding operations
- Ensuring productivity and accuracy targets
- Implementing coding updates
- Staff training and development
Claims Processing Specialist
Positions involve managing daily operations, quality assurance, stakeholder communication, and driving continuous improvement in claims processing.
You’re working with coded data to process insurance claims, resolve denials, and ensure reimbursement.
Remote Medical Coding Positions
Remote medical coding positions are available with flexible arrangements, though these are less common than on-site positions in Saudi Arabia.
How to Actually Get Hired: The Step-by-Step Process
Now for the practical part – how do you land one of these positions?
Step 1: Get the Right Certifications
Before applying to Saudi positions, obtain:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from AAPC – Internationally recognized
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) from AHIMA – Also valued
- ICD-10-AM training certificate – Specific to Saudi requirements
Certified professionals can demand higher salaries than non-certified professionals, with certifications like CPC, CCS, or CCA validating expertise.
Step 2: Register with SCFHS
Start your SCFHS registration process immediately. This takes time, and many employers want to see that you’ve already initiated registration.
Visit the SCFHS website, create an account, and begin the application process. You’ll need:
- Educational documents (attested/notarized)
- Experience certificates
- Passport copy
- Professional certifications
Step 3: Tailor Your CV for Saudi Market
Saudi employers expect specific CV formats:
- Clear professional photo (required in Saudi CVs, unlike Western standards)
- Contact information including WhatsApp number
- Professional summary emphasizing ICD-10-AM experience
- Detailed work history with specific coding volumes and accuracy rates
- Certifications prominently displayed
- SCFHS registration status clearly stated
- Willingness to relocate to Saudi Arabia
Step 4: Where to Apply
Major Job Boards:
- Bayt.com – Dominant Middle East job board with 120+ medical coding positions
- GulfTalent.com – 174 medical coder vacancies listed
- Glassdoor – International jobs including Saudi positions
- LinkedIn Jobs – Professional network with Saudi healthcare connections
- Indeed Arabia – Local Indeed version
Direct Company Applications: Visit career pages of major Saudi healthcare providers:
- King Faisal Hospital careers portal
- MNGHA careers website
- Saudi German Hospitals careers
- Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib careers
- Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
Recruitment Agencies: Middle East healthcare recruitment agencies specialize in placing medical coders:
- Michael Page Middle East
- Robert Half Saudi Arabia
- Charterhouse Middle East
- Healthcare recruitment specialists
Step 5: The Interview Process
Expect a multi-stage process:
Stage 1: Phone/Video Screening (30-45 minutes) HR verifies your qualifications, experience, salary expectations, and willingness to relocate.
Stage 2: Technical Assessment You may receive:
- Sample medical records to code
- Multiple choice questions on ICD-10-AM
- Scenario-based coding problems
- Questions about AR-DRG grouping
Stage 3: Manager Interview The coding manager or HIM director assesses:
- Your understanding of Saudi coding systems
- Experience with coding software
- Ability to work in multicultural teams
- Problem-solving approaches
Stage 4: HR Final Interview Salary negotiation, benefits discussion, visa processing timeline, and contract review.
Timeline: The entire process typically takes 1-3 months from first application to job offer.
Common Questions and Concerns
“I only know ICD-10-CM (American system). Can I still apply?”
Yes, but be upfront about needing ICD-10-AM training. Many Saudi employers will provide this training after hiring, especially if you have strong coding fundamentals. However, getting ICD-10-AM training beforehand makes you more competitive.
“Do I need to speak Arabic?”
Not required for most positions. Medical records and coding software are primarily in English. However, basic Arabic is helpful for daily life outside work.
“What’s the visa process like?”
Your employer sponsors your work visa (Iqama). They handle most paperwork. You’ll need:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Medical examination
- Police clearance certificate
- Attested educational documents
Processing takes 1-2 months typically.
“Is Saudi Arabia safe for expats?”
Yes. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in safety and security. Major cities have large expat communities, and healthcare facilities maintain international standards. Female medical coders work in Saudi hospitals without issues.
“What’s the work culture like?”
- Work week is typically Sunday-Thursday (Friday-Saturday weekend)
- Ramadan has reduced working hours
- Professional, hierarchical work environment
- Multicultural teams (Saudi, Egyptian, Indian, Filipino, Western expats)
- Segregated prayer rooms and prayer time breaks
“Can I bring my family?”
Yes, family visas are common. Your spouse and children can join you. Family housing allowances are often provided.
Career Growth Opportunities
Medical coders have the highest demand in Saudi Arabia, with increased investment in healthcare digitalization and a growing economy creating opportunities.
Career Progression Path:
Entry-Level Coder → Senior Coder → Coding Specialist → Coding Supervisor → Coding Manager → HIM Director
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties adopts training programs for medical coders and their professional classification, creating structured career advancement.
Vision 2030 Impact:
Saudi Arabia’s consistent investment in healthcare digitalization as part of Saudi Vision 2030 impacts salary ranges and demand for expert medical coders.
The government is:
- Building new hospitals and clinics
- Digitizing medical records nationwide
- Implementing advanced health information systems
- Expanding health insurance coverage
This creates sustained demand for medical coding professionals for years to come.
Your Action Plan: Start Today
Ready to pursue medical coding jobs in Saudi Arabia? Here’s your step-by-step plan:
This Week:
- Research ICD-10-AM training providers
- Start SCFHS registration process
- Update CV to Saudi format
- Set up job alerts on Bayt, GulfTalent, and LinkedIn
This Month:
- Complete ICD-10-AM introductory course
- Obtain or update coding certifications (CPC/CCS)
- Apply to 10-15 positions
- Network with medical coders currently in Saudi Arabia (LinkedIn groups)
Next 2-3 Months:
- Continue applications (aim for 5 new applications weekly)
- Prepare technical coding samples
- Research Saudi employers and hospitals
- Gather required documents (attested certificates, police clearance)
When You Get an Offer:
- Negotiate salary and benefits package
- Clarify training provided for Saudi-specific systems
- Understand visa processing timeline
- Research housing options in your city
The Bottom Line on Medical Coding in Saudi Arabia
With over 120 medical coding positions currently available on Bayt.com, 174 on GulfTalent, and hundreds more across various platforms, the opportunities are absolutely real.
Salaries range from SAR 3,750 monthly for entry-level to SAR 9,605+ monthly for experienced coders, plus substantial benefits packages including housing, flights, and healthcare.
But succeeding requires understanding Saudi-specific requirements: SCFHS registration, ICD-10-AM training, and familiarity with the Saudi Billing System. Start these processes early, get the right certifications, and position yourself as someone who understands the unique Saudi healthcare coding environment.
The Kingdom is investing billions in healthcare infrastructure, and qualified medical coders are essential to that transformation. If you’re willing to learn the Saudi systems, relocate, and bring strong coding fundamentals, the opportunities are waiting.
Start your application process today. Your medical coding career in Saudi Arabia could begin in just a few months.
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