Norway offers some of the highest wages in the oil and gas sector globally. Employees benefit from strong compensation packages, including health insurance, pension schemes, and generous vacation time.
The industry in Norway is known for its commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards. This ensures a safer working environment compared to many other oil-producing regions.
Norway has a well-regulated oil and gas industry with clear rules, government oversight, and transparency, providing stability and long-term career opportunities.
With major international and Norwegian companies operating in the region, professionals can find numerous opportunities for advancement, training, and specialization.
Norway is a global leader in offshore and subsea technologies. Working here means access to advanced equipment, practices, and research in energy technology.
Norway consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life. Workers enjoy clean environments, excellent public services, and a strong work-life balance.
Norway is investing in low-emission technologies and sustainable energy solutions. Professionals in the oil and gas industry often work on innovative projects tied to carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable integration.
Norway’s oil and gas sector is not just about traditional extraction—it’s a center for cutting-edge innovation in offshore engineering, digital oilfields, automation, and green technologies. International professionals can contribute to pioneering solutions with global impact.
Norwegian energy companies actively recruit talent from around the world, creating diverse, inclusive teams where international experience and perspectives are valued and welcomed.
Creative minds are needed in areas such as sustainability strategy, digital transformation, environmental science, project management, and data analytics. There's space for professionals from varied backgrounds, not just technical fields.
With Norway's commitment to reducing emissions and expanding into renewables, international candidates have opportunities to join creative projects in carbon capture, offshore wind, and hydrogen development within the traditional oil and gas infrastructure.
Many oil and gas projects in Norway involve partnerships with top universities, research centers, and tech companies. This opens doors for candidates interested in research, innovation, and long-term industry transformation.
Norway combines high living standards with a strong culture of work-life balance. International professionals can grow their careers while enjoying a safe, scenic, and supportive environment for themselves and their families.
Experience in Norway’s energy sector enhances global employability. The country’s reputation for high standards, sustainability, and technological leadership makes it a strong foundation for an international career in energy.
Petroleum Engineers – Focus on extraction methods and reservoir performance.
Drilling Engineers – Plan and oversee drilling operations onshore and offshore.
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – Design, maintain, and improve machinery and electrical systems.
Subsea Engineers – Specialize in equipment and infrastructure beneath the ocean surface.
Geologists – Analyze rock formations and help locate oil and gas reserves.
Geophysicists – Use seismic and other data to map subsurface structures.
Reservoir Engineers – Evaluate reservoir behavior to maximize recovery.
Production Technicians – Operate and monitor oil and gas production systems.
Process Operators – Manage processing equipment and ensure efficiency.
Offshore Installation Managers (OIMs) – Oversee safety and operations on offshore platforms.
HSE Advisors – Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Environmental Engineers – Focus on minimizing environmental impact.
Emergency Response Coordinators – Prepare and manage safety protocols and crisis responses.
Project Managers – Lead large-scale oil and gas projects from planning to execution.
Procurement Specialists – Manage supply chain and vendor relations.
Contract Managers – Handle legal and commercial aspects of project agreements.
Data Scientists & Analysts – Optimize operations using big data and predictive analytics.
Automation & Control Engineers – Develop systems for remote operation and control.
Cybersecurity Specialists – Protect critical infrastructure from digital threats.
Welders & Pipefitters – Perform fabrication and installation work.
Riggers & Scaffolders – Support offshore construction and maintenance.
Maintenance Technicians – Ensure equipment reliability and performance.
Human Resources Professionals – Recruit and manage talent across the industry.
Finance & Accounting Specialists – Oversee budgets, costs, and financial reporting.
Logistics Coordinators – Manage transportation, shipping, and material flow.
Job Title |
Salary (NOK) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
1,150,000 |
109,500 |
₹9,417,000 |
|
Drilling Engineer |
1,200,000 |
114,300 |
₹9,823,000 |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
1,180,000 |
112,400 |
₹9,666,000 |
|
Subsea Engineer |
1,250,000 |
119,000 |
₹10,234,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
950,000 |
90,500 |
₹7,783,000 |
|
Electrical Engineer |
970,000 |
92,400 |
₹7,946,000 |
|
Process Engineer |
1,000,000 |
95,200 |
₹8,192,000 |
|
Geologist |
1,100,000 |
104,800 |
₹9,017,000 |
|
Geophysicist |
1,130,000 |
107,600 |
₹9,241,000 |
|
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) |
1,400,000 |
133,300 |
₹11,462,000 |
|
Production Technician |
850,000 |
81,000 |
₹6,966,000 |
|
Process Operator |
900,000 |
85,700 |
₹7,370,000 |
|
HSE Advisor |
980,000 |
93,300 |
₹8,021,000 |
|
Environmental Engineer |
1,000,000 |
95,200 |
₹8,192,000 |
|
Project Manager |
1,300,000 |
123,800 |
₹10,637,000 |
|
Procurement Specialist |
950,000 |
90,500 |
₹7,783,000 |
|
Automation & Control Engineer |
1,050,000 |
100,000 |
₹8,600,000 |
|
Data Scientist |
1,200,000 |
114,300 |
₹9,823,000 |
|
Maintenance Technician |
800,000 |
76,200 |
₹6,557,000 |
|
Welder / Pipefitter (Offshore) |
750,000 |
71,400 |
₹6,140,000 |
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit / Visa |
Non-EU/EEA citizens must have a valid job offer and apply for a work visa (Skilled Worker Visa). |
|
Educational Qualification |
Relevant degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in engineering, geosciences, HSE, or related fields. |
|
Professional Experience |
Most positions require 2–5+ years of industry experience; offshore roles may require more. |
|
Language Requirements |
English is widely used; basic knowledge of Norwegian is a plus, and may be required for some roles. |
|
Recognition of Qualifications |
Foreign degrees may need approval from NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education). |
|
Certifications (Offshore Work) |
Valid offshore safety training (e.g., BOSIET or Norwegian Oil and Gas Safety Course). |
|
Medical Fitness |
Offshore and some onshore roles require approved medical fitness certificates. |
|
Background Checks |
Clean criminal record and professional references may be required. |
|
Job Offer |
A formal job offer from a Norwegian-registered company is mandatory for visa processing. |
|
Age Limit |
No official limit, but practical working age is generally 21–60 depending on role and physical demands. |
|
Trade License (Skilled Trades) |
Welders, electricians, and similar trades may require recognition of professional licenses or apprenticeships. |
|
Union Membership (Optional) |
Membership in industry unions (e.g., Industri Energi) is optional but common and can provide support. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
Design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas; monitor production and optimize recovery. |
|
Drilling Engineer |
Plan, design, and manage drilling operations; ensure cost-efficiency and safety. |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
Analyze reservoir performance; create models to estimate reserves and maximize production. |
|
Subsea Engineer |
Design, install, and maintain underwater equipment and pipelines used in offshore production. |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
Develop and maintain mechanical systems and equipment used in production facilities. |
|
Electrical Engineer |
Design and maintain electrical systems; ensure energy efficiency and system reliability. |
|
Process Engineer |
Optimize chemical and mechanical processes in refining and production; ensure safety and efficiency. |
|
Geologist |
Study rock formations to identify potential oil and gas reservoirs. |
|
Geophysicist |
Use seismic and geophysical data to locate subsurface oil and gas reserves. |
|
Production Technician |
Operate and monitor equipment on production platforms; maintain flow rates and quality control. |
|
Process Operator |
Control process systems, monitor instrumentation, and ensure plant operations are within safety limits. |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
Oversee all operations and personnel on an offshore platform; ensure safety and efficiency. |
|
HSE Advisor |
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations; conduct risk assessments. |
|
Environmental Engineer |
Monitor environmental impact; design solutions to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. |
|
Project Manager |
Lead planning, execution, and delivery of oil and gas projects within time and budget. |
|
Procurement Specialist |
Source equipment and materials; manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts. |
|
Automation & Control Engineer |
Develop and maintain automated control systems; improve safety and operational efficiency. |
|
Data Scientist |
Analyze production and exploration data; create predictive models to optimize operations. |
|
Maintenance Technician |
Perform regular maintenance and repairs on mechanical, electrical, or process equipment. |
|
Welder / Pipefitter |
Fabricate and install pipes and metal structures for platforms, refineries, and processing plants. |
Job Profile |
Education |
Experience |
Certifications |
Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
BSc/MSc in Petroleum Engineering |
2–5 years |
Offshore Safety (BOSIET), HSE |
English; Norwegian preferred |
|
Drilling Engineer |
BSc in Mechanical/Petroleum Engg. |
3–6 years |
IWCF, BOSIET, Well Control |
English; Norwegian useful |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
MSc in Reservoir/Petroleum Engg. |
3–5 years |
BOSIET (if offshore) |
English mandatory |
|
Subsea Engineer |
BSc/MSc in Mechanical/Ocean Engg. |
3–6 years |
Subsea Systems, Offshore Safety |
English mandatory |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
BSc in Mechanical Engineering |
2–5 years |
Offshore Safety (if offshore) |
English; Norwegian an advantage |
|
Electrical Engineer |
BSc in Electrical Engineering |
2–5 years |
Electrical License (if required), FSE |
English and/or Norwegian |
|
Process Engineer |
BSc/MSc in Chemical Engineering |
3–5 years |
Offshore Safety, HAZOP Knowledge |
English mandatory |
|
Geologist |
MSc in Geology/Geosciences |
2–4 years |
Seismic/Geological Software Proficiency |
English mandatory |
|
Geophysicist |
MSc in Geophysics |
3–5 years |
Experience with Petrel, Kingdom, etc. |
English; Norwegian a plus |
|
Production Technician |
Vocational/Technical Certification |
2–3 years |
Offshore Safety, Process Certification |
English mandatory |
|
Process Operator |
Technical Diploma (Process Tech) |
2–4 years |
NOGEPA/BOSIET, Control Room Experience |
English; basic Norwegian helpful |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
BSc + Management Qualification |
7–10 years |
BOSIET, Management Certification |
English & Norwegian preferred |
|
HSE Advisor |
BSc in HSE or Engineering |
3–6 years |
NEBOSH, ISO 45001, BOSIET |
English mandatory |
|
Environmental Engineer |
BSc/MSc in Environmental Engg./Science |
2–4 years |
ISO 14001, Emissions Control |
English; Norwegian helpful |
|
Project Manager |
BSc + PMP/Prince2 Certification |
5–10 years |
PMP, Offshore Safety (if required) |
English mandatory |
|
Procurement Specialist |
BBA/BSc in Supply Chain/Business |
3–5 years |
Contract Law, ERP Tools (SAP) |
English mandatory |
|
Automation & Control Engineer |
BSc in Electrical/Automation Engg. |
3–5 years |
PLC, SCADA, Offshore Safety |
English; Norwegian an advantage |
|
Data Scientist |
BSc/MSc in Data Science/Statistics |
2–4 years |
Python, SQL, Machine Learning Tools |
English mandatory |
|
Maintenance Technician |
Vocational Certificate in Trade |
2–5 years |
Offshore Safety, Trade Certification |
English; basic Norwegian useful |
|
Welder / Pipefitter |
Trade Certificate (Welding/Piping) |
3–5 years |
Welding Licenses (EN, ISO), BOSIET |
English; Norwegian preferred |
Job Profile |
Experience Level |
Years of Experience Required |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
Mid-Level |
2–5 years |
Field experience and reservoir exposure preferred. |
|
Drilling Engineer |
Mid to Senior |
3–6 years |
Offshore drilling experience usually required. |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Experience with reservoir modeling tools like Eclipse or Petrel preferred. |
|
Subsea Engineer |
Mid-Level |
3–6 years |
Experience with subsea production systems and deepwater operations needed. |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
Entry to Mid-Level |
2–5 years |
Industry-specific experience valued; offshore experience is a plus. |
|
Electrical Engineer |
Entry to Mid-Level |
2–5 years |
Experience with hazardous area systems (ATEX) is often required. |
|
Process Engineer |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Knowledge of offshore or refining operations is typically required. |
|
Geologist |
Entry to Mid-Level |
2–4 years |
Exploration or development project experience preferred. |
|
Geophysicist |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Seismic interpretation and software experience required. |
|
Production Technician |
Entry-Level |
2–3 years |
Offshore rotation or refinery experience preferred. |
|
Process Operator |
Entry-Level |
2–4 years |
Must be experienced in operating and monitoring control systems. |
|
Offshore Installation Manager |
Senior |
7–10 years |
Leadership and prior offshore supervisory roles are essential. |
|
HSE Advisor |
Mid-Level |
3–6 years |
HSE site experience and certifications (NEBOSH, ISO) required. |
|
Environmental Engineer |
Entry to Mid-Level |
2–4 years |
Experience with environmental impact and compliance monitoring required. |
|
Project Manager |
Senior |
5–10 years |
Proven leadership in offshore/onshore oil and gas projects expected. |
|
Procurement Specialist |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Oil & gas-specific supply chain and vendor negotiation experience preferred. |
|
Automation & Control Engineer |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Experience with PLC/SCADA and offshore systems preferred. |
|
Data Scientist |
Entry to Mid-Level |
2–4 years |
Data modeling experience in industrial/oil & gas datasets ideal. |
|
Maintenance Technician |
Entry-Level |
2–5 years |
Skilled trades experience in offshore/onshore maintenance is key. |
|
Welder / Pipefitter |
Mid-Level |
3–5 years |
Offshore welding/fabrication experience and certification required. |
Company Name |
Sector |
Hiring Focus Areas |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Equinor ASA |
Upstream & Energy |
Engineering, Drilling, HSE, Project Management, Subsea, Renewables |
State-owned; largest energy company in Norway; actively invests in green energy. |
|
Aker Solutions |
Oilfield Services |
Subsea, Mechanical, Project Management, Automation, Fabrication |
Strong presence in offshore projects and renewable engineering. |
|
Vår Energi |
Exploration & Production |
Petroleum Engineering, Geosciences, Production Operations |
Joint venture with Eni; invests in sustainability and digital innovation. |
|
SLB (Schlumberger) |
Oilfield Services |
Drilling Services, Geoscience, Field Engineers, Data Analysts |
Global service company with R&D and offshore operations in Norway. |
|
Baker Hughes |
Oilfield Services |
Completion Tools, Drilling, Maintenance, Subsea Systems |
Recruits international technical talent; strong offshore project base. |
|
Halliburton |
Oilfield Services |
Cementing, Drilling, Production Services, Geoscience |
Offers rotational roles and expat opportunities in offshore Norway. |
|
TechnipFMC |
Subsea & Services |
Subsea Engineering, Project Execution, Manufacturing |
Known for hiring engineers and offshore field personnel globally. |
|
Kongsberg Gruppen |
Marine & Energy Tech |
Automation, Subsea Control, Software Development |
Works with offshore oil, maritime, and renewable energy systems. |
|
Subsea 7 |
Offshore Construction |
Subsea Engineering, Welding, Pipe Laying, ROV Operations |
Major EPC contractor; recruits international offshore personnel. |
|
DNV |
Certification & Risk |
HSE, Environmental Audits, Risk Management, Engineering Services |
Provides third-party services to oil & gas and renewables. |
|
NOV (National Oilwell Varco) |
Equipment & Tech |
Maintenance, Equipment Design, Field Technicians |
Recruits technical roles; operations in Stavanger and Kristiansand. |
|
Odfjell Drilling |
Drilling Contractor |
Drilling Engineers, Rig Crew, Offshore Maintenance |
Specializes in deepwater drilling and mobile offshore units. |
|
Fred. Olsen Energy |
Offshore Operations |
Offshore Crewing, Marine Engineering, Technical Maintenance |
Hires expats for marine and rig roles. |
|
Aibel AS |
EPC & Maintenance |
Electrical, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Project Control |
Delivers maintenance and modifications for offshore platforms. |
|
KCA Deutag |
Drilling Services |
Rig Operations, Toolpushers, Safety Supervisors |
Operates land and offshore rigs; offers international career paths. |
|
Seadrill |
Offshore Drilling |
Drilling, Marine, Subsea, Safety Officers |
Recruits for international offshore assignments. |
|
PGS (Petroleum Geo-Services) |
Seismic & Data |
Geophysicists, Data Processing, Software, Surveyors |
Known for high-tech geophysical services and international hires. |
|
AGR (Aker GeoResources) |
Well Services |
Well Engineering, Drilling Supervision, Subsurface Consultants |
Hires specialists on project and contract basis. |
|
Island Offshore |
Marine & Logistics |
ROV Operators, Deck Crew, Marine Engineers |
Works in subsea, light well intervention, and logistics support. |
|
Reach Subsea |
Subsea Services |
ROV Pilots, Subsea Engineers, Offshore Coordinators |
Growing subsea company with focus on international teams. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
$109,500 |
BSc/MSc in Petroleum Engg., 2–5 yrs exp., BOSIET |
Design extraction methods, monitor production, optimize recovery |
Equinor, Aker BP, Vår Energi |
|
Drilling Engineer |
$114,300 |
BSc in Engg., 3–6 yrs exp., IWCF, Well Control Cert. |
Plan and supervise drilling operations; cost and safety control |
SLB, Halliburton, Odfjell Drilling |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
$112,400 |
MSc in Reservoir/Petroleum Engg., 3–5 yrs exp. |
Analyze reservoir data, forecast production, maximize recovery |
Equinor, DNV, AGR |
|
Subsea Engineer |
$119,000 |
BSc/MSc in Mech/Ocean Engg., 3–6 yrs exp. |
Install/maintain subsea systems and infrastructure |
Aker Solutions, Subsea 7, TechnipFMC |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
$90,500 |
BSc in Mechanical Engg., 2–5 yrs exp. |
Design and maintain mechanical systems for platforms and plants |
Aibel, NOV, Kongsberg |
|
Electrical Engineer |
$92,400 |
BSc in Electrical Engg., 2–5 yrs exp., FSE Cert. |
Maintain electrical systems, ensure safety and compliance |
Aker Solutions, Equinor, Aibel |
|
Process Engineer |
$95,200 |
BSc/MSc in Chemical Engg., 3–5 yrs exp. |
Optimize production processes, improve safety and efficiency |
Equinor, Vår Energi, TechnipFMC |
|
Geologist |
$104,800 |
MSc in Geosciences, 2–4 yrs exp. |
Analyze rock formations, identify exploration opportunities |
PGS, Equinor, Halliburton |
|
Geophysicist |
$107,600 |
MSc in Geophysics, 3–5 yrs exp. |
Use seismic data to assess subsurface formations |
PGS, SLB, DNV |
|
Production Technician |
$81,000 |
Technical diploma, 2–3 yrs exp., BOSIET |
Operate equipment, monitor production, ensure quality control |
Equinor, Aibel, Vår Energi |
|
Process Operator |
$85,700 |
Technical diploma, 2–4 yrs exp., Control Room Skills |
Manage processing systems, perform shutdown/start-up operations |
Aibel, TechnipFMC, Equinor |
|
OIM (Offshore Manager) |
$133,300 |
BSc + Offshore exp., 7–10 yrs exp., Leadership Cert. |
Oversee platform operations, ensure safety, manage teams |
Equinor, Seadrill, Fred. Olsen Energy |
|
HSE Advisor |
$93,300 |
BSc in HSE/Engg., NEBOSH, 3–6 yrs exp. |
Monitor safety systems, ensure regulatory compliance |
DNV, Halliburton, SLB |
|
Environmental Engineer |
$95,200 |
BSc/MSc in Environmental Engg., ISO 14001, 2–4 yrs exp. |
Analyze environmental impact, implement sustainability measures |
DNV, Equinor, Aker Solutions |
|
Project Manager |
$123,800 |
BSc + PMP/Prince2, 5–10 yrs exp. |
Manage project timelines, budgets, coordination of cross-functional teams |
TechnipFMC, Aibel, Equinor |
|
Procurement Specialist |
$90,500 |
BBA/BSc in Supply Chain, ERP (SAP), 3–5 yrs exp. |
Manage vendor contracts, procurement processes, logistics |
Aker Solutions, Equinor, Kongsberg |
|
Automation Engineer |
$100,000 |
BSc in Automation/Controls Engg., PLC/SCADA, 3–5 yrs exp. |
Develop control systems, support digital transformation |
Kongsberg, Aker Solutions, TechnipFMC |
|
Data Scientist |
$114,300 |
MSc in Data Science/Engg., Python/SQL, 2–4 yrs exp. |
Analyze big data, support predictive maintenance and field optimization |
Equinor, DNV, SLB |
|
Maintenance Technician |
$76,200 |
Technical diploma, 2–5 yrs exp., Trade Certification |
Conduct inspections, repairs, preventive maintenance |
NOV, Aibel, KCA Deutag |
|
Welder / Pipefitter |
$71,400 |
Trade Certificate, 3–5 yrs exp., Offshore/ISO Welding Certs |
Fabricate/install pipes and metalwork for rigs and processing units |
Subsea 7, Aibel, Fred. Olsen Energy |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Duration |
Renewable? |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Job offer in a skilled oil & gas role; relevant education and experience |
1–3 years |
Yes |
Most common visa; requires job offer from a Norwegian employer |
|
Job Seeker Visa (EU Citizens only) |
EU/EEA citizens can work without a visa |
Unlimited (with registration) |
Not applicable |
EU/EEA citizens only need to register with police and tax office |
|
Residence Permit for Skilled Workers |
Long-term employment; higher qualifications or specialist role |
1–3 years |
Yes |
Converts to permanent residency after 3 years if criteria are met |
|
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit |
Employee of multinational oil & gas company relocating to Norway |
Up to 3 years |
Yes (with employer) |
For transfers within the same company; must meet ICT rules |
|
Seasonal Work Permit |
Temporary/rotational low-skilled oil & gas support roles (rare) |
Up to 6 months |
No |
Not commonly used in oil & gas sector |
|
Short-Term Work Visa |
Offshore rotation/consulting for less than 90 days |
Up to 90 days |
No |
Requires invitation letter, contract, and justification for short-term need |
|
Family Reunification Visa |
Family of skilled worker living and working in Norway |
Linked to worker’s visa |
Yes |
Spouse/children can also apply for work or study in Norway |
|
Permanent Residency |
After 3 years of continuous legal stay and employment |
Permanent |
Not required |
Must meet income, language, and residency requirements |