Oil and gas are the backbone of Oman’s economy. The country’s hydrocarbon sector accounts for a significant portion of its GDP and government revenues. This makes it a stable and important industry, often supported by robust government policies and investments.
The industry offers diverse career opportunities ranging from engineering, geology, and project management to logistics, finance, and health and safety. Whether you’re a technical specialist or a business professional, there’s likely a role that suits your skills.
Jobs in oil and gas in Oman are generally well-compensated, with attractive salary packages, allowances, and benefits like housing, education, healthcare, and travel. This is particularly true for technical and senior roles.
Oman’s oil and gas companies (e.g., PDO—Petroleum Development Oman) invest heavily in training and development. Working in this sector often means access to world-class training programs, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities to develop skills that are valuable internationally.
Oman’s oil and gas sector is highly integrated with international partners and service companies (like Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, Schlumberger, Halliburton, etc.). This exposure offers professionals the chance to work in multicultural teams and on large-scale projects.
Many Omanis (and expatriates) find it fulfilling to work in a sector that directly contributes to the nation’s economic growth and development. The oil and gas sector plays a key role in national infrastructure, education, and economic diversification efforts.
Oman’s geographical position at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf makes it a key player in global energy logistics and trade. This adds strategic importance to the country’s energy industry and can lead to interesting projects related to pipelines, shipping, and refineries.
Many oil and gas hubs in Oman, like Muscat and Duqm, offer good quality of life with modern infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, and a welcoming community for expatriates and locals alike.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Hydrogen production (green and blue hydrogen)
Renewable energy integration
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques
Data science
Predictive maintenance
Automation and robotics
Remote monitoring systems
Large-scale oil and gas projects often involve multidisciplinary, multicultural teams. Creative professionals who excel in collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement can thrive in Oman, managing complex projects with international partners and ensuring smooth execution.
Craft compelling sustainability reports
Design public engagement strategies
Build international brand narratives
Support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives
Oman places a strong emphasis on local workforce development (Omanisation). International experts with innovative approaches to training and mentoring (e.g., e-learning, gamification, VR simulations) are in demand to help build local talent pipelines.
Sustainable design of oil and gas facilities
Eco-friendly housing for workers
Smart city planning around new energy hubs like Duqm
Geologists & Geophysicists — study rock formations to locate oil and gas.
Reservoir Engineers — analyze subsurface data to maximize extraction.
Drilling Engineers — design and manage drilling operations.
Petroleum Engineers — plan production strategies and optimize output.
Mud Engineers / Drilling Fluids Specialists — manage drilling fluids to stabilize wellbores.
Wellsite Supervisors — oversee drilling, completions, and well interventions.
Pipeline Engineers — design and maintain pipelines.
Logistics & Supply Chain Specialists — manage transportation and storage.
Operations Technicians — monitor pipeline and storage systems.
Refining and petrochemicals are key downstream sectors:
Process Engineers — design and optimize refining processes.
Chemical Engineers — work on petrochemical production.
Maintenance Engineers — keep refineries running smoothly.
Quality Control Specialists — ensure products meet standards.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Officers — manage safety and environmental compliance.
With Oman’s push towards digital transformation:
Data Scientists / Data Analysts — analyze production data to improve efficiency.
Automation & Instrumentation Engineers — implement smart systems.
IT & Cybersecurity Specialists — protect operational technology and data.
With Oman aiming to diversify its energy mix:
Carbon Capture & Storage Specialists — design and manage CO₂ reduction projects.
Renewable Energy Engineers — integrate solar, wind, and hydrogen into existing operations.
Environmental Scientists — ensure sustainable development.
Supporting the core operations are roles like:
Project Managers — oversee complex projects.
Contract & Procurement Specialists — manage supply chains and vendor relationships.
Finance & Accounting Professionals — handle budgets, investments, and compliance.
Human Resources — manage talent acquisition and training (including Omanisation efforts).
Legal & Compliance Officers — ensure adherence to regulations and contracts.
Essential for day-to-day production:
Mechanical, Electrical & Instrumentation Technicians — maintain equipment.
Control Room Operators — monitor production systems.
Production Supervisors — manage on-site teams.
Many international professionals work in advisory capacities:
Strategy Consultants — help companies navigate industry shifts.
EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) Specialists — innovate new extraction methods.
Training & Capacity Development — build local talent pipelines.
Job Profile |
Annual Salary (USD) |
Annual Salary (INR) |
Annual Salary (OMR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Petroleum Engineer |
$90,000 – $120,000 |
₹75 – 100 lakh |
35,000 – 46,000 OMR |
|
2. Drilling Engineer |
$95,000 – $125,000 |
₹79 – 104 lakh |
37,000 – 48,000 OMR |
|
3. Reservoir Engineer |
$90,000 – $115,000 |
₹75 – 95 lakh |
35,000 – 44,000 OMR |
|
4. Production Engineer |
$80,000 – $100,000 |
₹66 – 83 lakh |
31,000 – 38,500 OMR |
|
5. Geologist/Geophysicist |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
₹62 – 79 lakh |
29,000 – 37,000 OMR |
|
6. Process Engineer |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
₹62 – 79 lakh |
29,000 – 37,000 OMR |
|
7. Project Manager |
$110,000 – $140,000 |
₹91 – 116 lakh |
42,000 – 54,000 OMR |
|
8. HSE Manager |
$80,000 – $110,000 |
₹66 – 91 lakh |
31,000 – 42,000 OMR |
|
9. Maintenance Engineer |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
₹58 – 75 lakh |
27,000 – 35,000 OMR |
|
10. Pipeline Engineer |
$80,000 – $100,000 |
₹66 – 83 lakh |
31,000 – 38,500 OMR |
|
11. Automation Engineer |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
₹58 – 75 lakh |
27,000 – 35,000 OMR |
|
12. Instrumentation Engineer |
$65,000 – $85,000 |
₹54 – 71 lakh |
25,000 – 33,000 OMR |
|
13. Data Scientist / Analyst |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
₹58 – 75 lakh |
27,000 – 35,000 OMR |
|
14. EOR Specialist |
$90,000 – $115,000 |
₹75 – 95 lakh |
35,000 – 44,000 OMR |
|
15. Contracts & Procurement Manager |
$85,000 – $110,000 |
₹70 – 91 lakh |
33,000 – 42,000 OMR |
|
16. Financial Analyst |
$65,000 – $85,000 |
₹54 – 71 lakh |
25,000 – 33,000 OMR |
|
17. HR Manager |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
₹58 – 75 lakh |
27,000 – 35,000 OMR |
|
18. Control Room Operator |
$50,000 – $65,000 |
₹41 – 54 lakh |
19,000 – 25,000 OMR |
|
19. Mechanical Technician |
$40,000 – $55,000 |
₹33 – 46 lakh |
15,000 – 21,000 OMR |
|
20. Production Supervisor |
$55,000 – $75,000 |
₹45 – 62 lakh |
21,000 – 29,000 OMR |
Eligibility Factor |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualifications |
Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field (e.g. Engineering, Geology, Finance). |
|
Experience |
Typically 3–5+ years for mid-level roles; 10+ years for senior positions. |
|
Work Permits & Visas |
Employer sponsorship required; company applies for work visa and residence permit. |
|
Language Skills |
English proficiency required; Arabic is a plus but not mandatory. |
|
Certifications |
Relevant professional certifications (e.g. PMP, NEBOSH, API, IWCF) often preferred. |
|
Medical Fitness |
Must pass a medical exam; typically required for work permit approval. |
|
Background Check |
Clean criminal record; companies often request background checks and references. |
|
Specialized Skills |
Technical skills aligned with the job (e.g. drilling, HSE, digital transformation). |
|
Age Requirements |
Typically 21–60 years; some roles may have company-specific limits for safety reasons. |
|
Security Clearances |
For certain sensitive roles, additional clearances may be required (project-specific). |
|
Employer Sponsorship |
Must have an Omani employer willing to sponsor the visa and work permit process. |
|
Licensing (if required) |
Some roles (e.g. certain engineering positions) may require registration with Omani authorities or professional societies. |
|
Omanisation Compliance |
Certain positions are prioritized for Omani nationals; employers must comply with quotas but can hire expats where local skills are insufficient. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Petroleum Engineer |
Design and optimize oil and gas production methods, monitor well performance, develop field plans, recommend EOR techniques. |
|
2. Drilling Engineer |
Plan and supervise drilling operations, select drilling equipment, ensure well integrity, manage drilling budgets. |
|
3. Reservoir Engineer |
Model reservoirs, estimate reserves, design production strategies, monitor fluid flow and recovery methods. |
|
4. Production Engineer |
Oversee daily production operations, troubleshoot equipment, optimize production rates, manage surface facilities. |
|
5. Geologist/Geophysicist |
Conduct seismic surveys, interpret subsurface data, identify hydrocarbon reserves, support exploration planning. |
|
6. Process Engineer |
Design and optimize processing facilities, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, troubleshoot systems. |
|
7. Project Manager |
Plan and manage oil and gas projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure timelines and budgets are met. |
|
8. HSE Manager |
Develop and implement health, safety, and environmental policies, conduct audits, ensure regulatory compliance. |
|
9. Maintenance Engineer |
Plan and execute maintenance schedules, troubleshoot mechanical/electrical equipment, ensure asset integrity. |
|
10. Pipeline Engineer |
Design, construct, and maintain pipelines, ensure safety and efficiency, manage pigging and integrity checks. |
|
11. Automation Engineer |
Implement and maintain automation systems, integrate digital solutions, optimize operational efficiency. |
|
12. Instrumentation Engineer |
Calibrate and maintain measurement/control instruments, support safe and reliable operations, troubleshoot faults. |
|
13. Data Scientist/Analyst |
Analyze operational data, create predictive models, support decision-making on production and maintenance. |
|
14. EOR Specialist |
Develop and implement enhanced oil recovery techniques (e.g. water flooding, CO2 injection), monitor performance. |
|
15. Contracts & Procurement Manager |
Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with procurement policies. |
|
16. Financial Analyst |
Prepare budgets, analyze financial performance, support investment decisions and cost control initiatives. |
|
17. HR Manager |
Oversee recruitment and onboarding, support training and Omanisation, ensure compliance with labor laws. |
|
18. Control Room Operator |
Monitor process systems, respond to alarms, coordinate with field operators, maintain safe operations. |
|
19. Mechanical Technician |
Install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot machinery. |
|
20. Production Supervisor |
Supervise field production teams, manage daily operations, ensure HSE compliance, report production metrics. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Petroleum Engineer |
Design and optimize oil and gas production methods, monitor well performance, develop field plans, recommend EOR techniques. |
|
2. Drilling Engineer |
Plan and supervise drilling operations, select drilling equipment, ensure well integrity, manage drilling budgets. |
|
3. Reservoir Engineer |
Model reservoirs, estimate reserves, design production strategies, monitor fluid flow and recovery methods. |
|
4. Production Engineer |
Oversee daily production operations, troubleshoot equipment, optimize production rates, manage surface facilities. |
|
5. Geologist/Geophysicist |
Conduct seismic surveys, interpret subsurface data, identify hydrocarbon reserves, support exploration planning. |
|
6. Process Engineer |
Design and optimize processing facilities, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, troubleshoot systems. |
|
7. Project Manager |
Plan and manage oil and gas projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure timelines and budgets are met. |
|
8. HSE Manager |
Develop and implement health, safety, and environmental policies, conduct audits, ensure regulatory compliance. |
|
9. Maintenance Engineer |
Plan and execute maintenance schedules, troubleshoot mechanical/electrical equipment, ensure asset integrity. |
|
10. Pipeline Engineer |
Design, construct, and maintain pipelines, ensure safety and efficiency, manage pigging and integrity checks. |
|
11. Automation Engineer |
Implement and maintain automation systems, integrate digital solutions, optimize operational efficiency. |
|
12. Instrumentation Engineer |
Calibrate and maintain measurement/control instruments, support safe and reliable operations, troubleshoot faults. |
|
13. Data Scientist/Analyst |
Analyze operational data, create predictive models, support decision-making on production and maintenance. |
|
14. EOR Specialist |
Develop and implement enhanced oil recovery techniques (e.g. water flooding, CO2 injection), monitor performance. |
|
15. Contracts & Procurement Manager |
Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with procurement policies. |
|
16. Financial Analyst |
Prepare budgets, analyze financial performance, support investment decisions and cost control initiatives. |
|
17. HR Manager |
Oversee recruitment and onboarding, support training and Omanisation, ensure compliance with labor laws. |
|
18. Control Room Operator |
Monitor process systems, respond to alarms, coordinate with field operators, maintain safe operations. |
|
19. Mechanical Technician |
Install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot machinery. |
|
20. Production Supervisor |
Supervise field production teams, manage daily operations, ensure HSE compliance, report production metrics. |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Engineer |
3–5+ years in oilfield development/production |
|
Drilling Engineer |
5–7+ years in drilling operations |
|
Reservoir Engineer |
5–7+ years in reservoir modeling/management |
|
Production Engineer |
3–5+ years in production operations |
|
Geologist/Geophysicist |
3–5+ years in exploration/subsurface studies |
|
Process Engineer |
3–5+ years in refining or gas processing |
|
Project Manager |
10+ years (including supervisory/project leadership) |
|
HSE Manager |
7–10+ years in safety management |
|
Maintenance Engineer |
3–5+ years in mechanical/electrical maintenance |
|
Pipeline Engineer |
5–7+ years in pipeline design/operations |
|
Automation Engineer |
3–5+ years in process automation/instrumentation |
|
Instrumentation Engineer |
3–5+ years in industrial instrumentation |
|
Data Scientist/Analyst |
3–5+ years in oil and gas data analytics |
|
EOR Specialist |
7–10+ years in enhanced oil recovery |
|
Contracts/Procurement Manager |
7–10+ years in contracts/supply chain |
|
Financial Analyst |
3–5+ years in finance within oil and gas |
|
HR Manager |
5–7+ years in HR management |
|
Control Room Operator |
3–5+ years in process control operations |
|
Mechanical Technician |
2–4+ years in maintenance/mechanical systems |
|
Production Supervisor |
5–7+ years in production operations |
Company |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) |
The largest oil and gas operator in Oman, with a focus on exploration, production, and enhanced oil recovery. Regularly hires international engineers, geoscientists, project managers, and specialists. |
|
OQ |
Oman’s integrated energy company — covers upstream, downstream, petrochemicals, and renewable energy. Seeks international expertise in refining, chemicals, and digital transformation. |
|
BP Oman |
Focused on tight gas developments in Block 61 (Khazzan and Ghazeer fields). Hires experienced international professionals in drilling, production, and project management. |
|
Shell Oman |
Involved in both upstream and downstream. Regularly recruits international specialists in operations, project management, and sustainability roles. |
|
TotalEnergies |
Active in upstream exploration and downstream marketing. Hires expatriates for technical and managerial positions. |
|
CC Energy Development (CCED) |
An independent E&P operator, focusing on Blocks 3 & 4. Often hires international engineers, geoscientists, and field operations staff. |
|
Occidental Oman (Oxy Oman) |
Focuses on enhanced oil recovery (Mukhaizna field). Seeks international specialists in EOR, HSE, and project management. |
|
Petrofac |
Provides engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services in Oman. Hires international project engineers, construction managers, and commissioning specialists. |
|
Worley |
Engineering and project management services; hires international professionals in engineering design, project controls, and HSE. |
|
Schlumberger |
Oilfield services — hires drilling engineers, wireline specialists, and data analysts for onshore and offshore projects. |
|
Halliburton |
Oilfield services — similar to Schlumberger, focuses on drilling, completions, and well services. |
|
Baker Hughes |
Oilfield services — works on upstream and midstream projects, often hiring international specialists. |
|
Technip Energies |
Engineering and project management for large-scale projects like refineries and LNG. |
|
Duqm Refinery & Petrochemical Industries (DRPIC) |
A joint venture developing Oman’s largest refinery; hires international specialists in refining, process engineering, and HSE. |
|
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
EPC contractor on oil and gas and infrastructure projects; hires construction managers and engineers. |
|
Saipem |
Engineering, construction, and offshore projects — seeks international project managers and engineers. |
|
Jacobs |
Engineering consultancy — supports various oil and gas projects, recruits international project engineers and consultants. |
|
Eni Oman |
Italian oil major — holds exploration licenses and hires exploration and drilling specialists. |
|
CGG |
Provides geoscience services — hires international geoscientists and seismic data specialists. |
|
Weatherford |
Oilfield services — hires international professionals in drilling, completions, and artificial lift. |
Job Profile |
Typical Salary (USD) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Petroleum Engineer |
$90,000 – $120,000 |
BSc+ in Petroleum Engineering, 3–5+ years exp. |
PDO, BP Oman, Shell Oman |
Optimize production, develop field plans, monitor well performance, recommend EOR techniques. |
|
2. Drilling Engineer |
$95,000 – $125,000 |
BSc+ in Mechanical/Petroleum Eng, 5–7+ years |
PDO, CCED, Schlumberger |
Design and manage drilling operations, ensure safety and cost efficiency. |
|
3. Reservoir Engineer |
$90,000 – $115,000 |
BSc+ in Petroleum Eng/Geoscience, 5–7+ years |
PDO, BP Oman, Shell Oman |
Model reservoirs, design production strategies, monitor recovery. |
|
4. Production Engineer |
$80,000 – $100,000 |
BSc+ in Mechanical/Petroleum Eng, 3–5+ years |
PDO, Oxy Oman, OQ |
Oversee production systems, troubleshoot issues, optimize flow. |
|
5. Geologist/Geophysicist |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
BSc+ in Geology/Geophysics, 3–5+ years |
PDO, Eni Oman, CGG |
Interpret seismic data, identify reserves, support exploration planning. |
|
6. Process Engineer |
$75,000 – $95,000 |
BSc+ in Chemical Eng, 3–5+ years |
OQ, DRPIC, Technip Energies |
Design/refine processing plants, ensure safe/efficient operation. |
|
7. Project Manager |
$110,000 – $140,000 |
BSc+ in Eng, PMP preferred, 10+ years |
Petrofac, Saipem, Worley |
Lead projects, manage budgets and teams, ensure timely delivery. |
|
8. HSE Manager |
$80,000 – $110,000 |
BSc+ in Safety/Engineering, NEBOSH, 7–10+ years |
PDO, Shell Oman, OQ |
Develop HSE policies, conduct audits, ensure compliance. |
|
9. Maintenance Engineer |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
BSc+ in Mechanical/Electrical, 3–5+ years |
PDO, OQ, BP Oman |
Manage maintenance schedules, troubleshoot equipment. |
|
10. Pipeline Engineer |
$80,000 – $100,000 |
BSc+ in Mechanical/Civil Eng, 5–7+ years |
OQ, Saipem, L&T |
Design/maintain pipelines, ensure integrity/safety. |
|
11. Automation Engineer |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
BSc+ in Electrical/Automation, 3–5+ years |
PDO, BP Oman, Worley |
Implement digital solutions, integrate process automation. |
|
12. Instrumentation Engineer |
$65,000 – $85,000 |
BSc+ in Instrumentation Eng, 3–5+ years |
PDO, Schlumberger, Technip Energies |
Maintain instrumentation systems, ensure accuracy/reliability. |
|
13. Data Scientist/Analyst |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
BSc/MSc in Data Science/Engineering, 3–5+ years |
PDO, Shell Oman, Schlumberger |
Analyze data, create predictive models, support operations. |
|
14. EOR Specialist |
$90,000 – $115,000 |
BSc+ in Petroleum Eng, 7–10+ years |
Oxy Oman, PDO |
Implement enhanced oil recovery methods, monitor performance. |
|
15. Contracts & Procurement Manager |
$85,000 – $110,000 |
BSc+ in Business/Supply Chain, 7–10+ years |
OQ, Petrofac, PDO |
Manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, ensure compliance. |
|
16. Financial Analyst |
$65,000 – $85,000 |
BSc+ in Finance/Accounting, 3–5+ years |
OQ, PDO, BP Oman |
Analyze financial data, support investment decisions, budgeting. |
|
17. HR Manager |
$70,000 – $90,000 |
BSc+ in HR or Business, 5–7+ years |
PDO, Shell Oman, Technip Energies |
Lead recruitment, training, Omanisation efforts, ensure HR compliance. |
|
18. Control Room Operator |
$50,000 – $65,000 |
Diploma/Technical Cert., 3–5+ years |
PDO, BP Oman, CCED |
Monitor process systems, respond to alarms, coordinate field ops. |
|
19. Mechanical Technician |
$40,000 – $55,000 |
Diploma in Mechanical, 2–4+ years |
PDO, OQ, Halliburton |
Install, maintain, repair mechanical equipment. |
|
20. Production Supervisor |
$55,000 – $75,000 |
Diploma/Degree, 5–7+ years in production |
PDO, Oxy Oman, BP Oman |
Supervise field teams, manage operations, ensure safety compliance. |
Visa Type |
Description |
Who Can Apply |
Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Employment Visa |
Main visa category for oil and gas professionals working for Omani employers. |
Sponsored by Omani company (PDO, OQ, BP Oman, etc.) |
Requires job offer; employer handles paperwork; valid for 2 years, renewable. |
|
Family Joining Visa |
For dependents (spouse, children) of the primary employment visa holder. |
Spouse, children of the employee. |
Requires proof of relationship; employer often assists with processing. |
|
Temporary Work Permit |
For short-term assignments or project-based work (usually <6 months). |
Contractors, consultants. |
Usually sponsored by a local partner; can be extended; best for short-term specialists. |
|
Investor Visa |
For individuals investing in a local oil and gas venture or EPC firm. |
Investors (minority partners or joint ventures). |
Minimum investment threshold; allows running business but not direct employment without separate permits. |
|
Consultant Visa |
Sometimes used for senior experts hired as external consultants. |
Senior technical consultants. |
Usually sponsored by a local company; short-term; subject to approval by Ministry of Manpower. |
|
Visit Visa (Business) |
For attending meetings, conferences, or short business trips. |
Business visitors, project scoping, interviews. |
Not for paid employment; short-term (up to 30 days, renewable once); employer or local sponsor required. |