In 2024, Kuwait witnesses a mild escalation in wage levels, with a more substantial progression predominantly observed within the private sector.
In 2024, the average monthly wage for Kuwaiti citizens slightly increased, reflecting broader trends in both public and private sectors. According to Al-Rai daily, the growth was more pronounced in the private sector, with wages rising by 2.55 percent, reaching 1,365 dinars, up from 1,331 dinars in 2023. The public sector saw a modest 0.37 percent increase, with the average wage climbing from 1,601 dinars to 1,607 dinars.
Breaking down the figures by gender, Kuwaiti men saw a 0.5 percent increase in their average monthly income to 1,892 dinars, while women experienced a slightly higher 0.8 percent growth, reaching 1,334 dinars from 1,323 dinars. In the public sector, men's wages increased by just 0.1 percent, while women's wages rose by 0.65 percent. In the private sector, men enjoyed a 2.68 percent increase, while women's salaries rose by 2.3 percent.
Expatriate workers in Kuwait also saw a 0.9 percent increase in their average monthly wage, reaching 340 dinars, compared to 337 dinars the previous year. Government-employed expatriates experienced a 1.33 percent increase to 762 dinars, while those in the private sector saw a 0.94 percent rise to 320 dinars. Among expatriates, men's wages increased by 0.63 percent to 320 dinars, while women saw a rise of 0.8 percent, reaching 479 dinars.
Looking over a five-year horizon, the average monthly wage for Kuwaiti citizens rose by 6.3 percent since 2020, when it stood at 1,474 dinars. The public sector saw a 4.8 percent increase during that period, while the private sector experienced a notable 13.27 percent surge. Meanwhile, the average wage for Kuwaiti men rose by 5.8 percent over five years, while women enjoyed a 7.14 percent increase.
In terms of economic context, inflation in Kuwait has been relatively low and declining, with the inflation rate dropping to 2.25% in April 2025 from 2.41% in March 2025. This indicates a stable economic environment that can affect real wages and purchasing power.
Although detailed breakdowns by wage categories are limited, traditionally, Kuwaiti citizens generally have higher average wages in the public sector due to government employment policies favoring nationals, while expatriate workers often dominate the private sector, where average wages tend to be lower given the diverse range of skill levels and employment types. Additionally, gender wage gaps often persist more prominently in the private sector compared to the public sector.
The Finance Ministry, seeking to boost the business sector's productivity, proposed an incentive scheme for private companies that embrace inclusivity and equal pay policies, aiming to bridge the gender wage gap. This initiative is aligned with the government's stated goal of fostering a more equitable and prosperous economy for all Kuwaiti citizens.
In order to attract and retain skilled international talent, several prominent Kuwaiti businesses have started implementing competitive financial packages in the private sector, mirroring the comparative advantage of higher wages in the public sector for Kuwaiti workers. This innovative approach is expected to contribute positively to the country's economic growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
