Introduction
The Sultanate of Oman has long been known for its rich energy and mineral resources. With national strategies aimed at economic diversification, the oil and gas sector and the mining & minerals sector are seeing renewed investment, growth and job opportunities for both local and international professionals. If you are seeking a high-salary role in energy, oil-field services or mining in Oman in 2025, this comprehensive blog will guide you through everything: from the sectors and roles, to salary expectations (including the possibility of earning up to 900 OMR/month or more in some cases), to eligibility criteria, application process, challenges, and success tips.
Note: 1 OMR (Omani Rial) ≈ ~ 2.5 USD (approximate; check current conversion) and salary figures below may be monthly or annual depending on role/context.
1. Why Oman for Oil Field & Mining Jobs?
1.1 Strategic location and resources
Oman lies on the Arabian Peninsula and has both on-shore and offshore oil and gas fields, as well as growing mining & minerals activity (chromite, copper, limestone, gypsum etc.). For example, the field at Yibal is a major oil‐field in Oman.
1.2 Government focus on energy and mining
The government and its agencies (such as OQ – an Omani energy company) are making moves into value-added segments of the energy chain, upstream investments and also mineral processing. This means more investment → more jobs.
1.3 Attractive compensation and expatriate demand
Many roles in the oil & gas sector (especially skilled, engineering, field operations) command strong compensation. For example, in the “Oil & Gas” sector in Oman, annual salaries for experienced professionals can reach 35,000 OMR or more (≈ US$90k-120k) in some roles. And in mining/minerals sector, roles such as Mining Engineer or Drilling Engineer report salary ranges of OMR 18,000-26,000 (annual) for international professionals.
1.4 Career growth and global exposure
Working in Oman gives you exposure to large-scale projects, international companies, advanced technologies (drilling, mining automation, etc.). This enhances your resume for future global assignments.
2. Sectors & Job Areas: Oil Field (Energy) vs Mining & Minerals
Understanding the two broad domains will help you target the right roles.
2.1 Oil Field / Oil & Gas Sector
This covers upstream (exploration, drilling), mid-stream (processing, pipelines), downstream (refining) and oil-field services (maintenance, operations).
Key roles include: petroleum engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, reservoir engineer, HSE manager, control-room operator, field technician.
2.2 Mining & Minerals Sector
This covers extraction of minerals (chromite, copper, limestone, gypsum etc.), mineral processing, infrastructure for mines, logistics and support services.
Job profiles include mining engineer, drilling engineer (mining), blasting engineer, environmental specialist, metallurgist, surveyor, etc.
Comparison Table
| Sector | Focus | Typical Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Hydrocarbon exploration, drilling, production | National oil companies, majors, service firms |
| Mining & Minerals | Mineral extraction, processing, infrastructure | Mining firms, extractive project companies |
3. Salary Expectations & What “Up to 900 OMR” Means
When you see a headline like “Earn up to 900 OMR”, it’s important to interpret realistically.
3.1 Monthly vs Annual
- Some salary data is annual (e.g., OMR 18,000/year).
- Some is monthly (e.g., field operator monthly average ~ OMR 1,058/month).
So “900 OMR” could mean monthly in certain entry or mid-roles, or much higher annual amounts in senior roles.
3.2 Sample salary data
- In mining & minerals category, 80% of people earn between OMR 975 and OMR 2,347 monthly (gross) in Oman.
- For oil & gas, some senior engineering roles see annual salaries of 35,000-46,000 OMR.
- A “Mining Team Leader” in Oman: average annual salary ~ OMR 20,460 (~ OMR 1,700/month).
3.3 So where does “900 OMR/month” fit?
If you are entering a field support role, operator role or less-experienced role, monthly salary of OMR 900 is possible (which is ~ OMR 10,800/year). Larger roles with more experience and responsibility will significantly exceed that.
3.4 Additional compensation & benefits
Often expatriate jobs include housing, transport allowance, health benefit, bonus or overtime pay. These extras add value beyond base salary.
4. Key Roles & Their Requirements
Let’s break down some typical roles – both in oil & gas and mining – and what you need to qualify.
4.1 Oil & Gas Roles
- Petroleum Engineer: Design and optimize production methods. Require BSc in Petroleum/Mechanical Engineering, experience (3-5+ years). Salary ~ 35,000-46,000 OMR annual in some cases.
- Drilling Engineer: Plan and supervise drilling operations. Require BSc + 5-7 years experience. Salary ~ 37,000-48,000 OMR annual.
- Production Engineer: Manage daily operations of production systems. BSc Mechanical/Petroleum Eng, experience 3-5 years. Salary ~ 31,000-38,500 OMR annual.
- HSE Manager (Oil & Gas): Manage health/safety/environment. BSc in Safety/Engineering, NEBOSH/IOSH preferred, 7-10+ years experience. Salary ~ 31,000-42,000 OMR.
- Field Technician / Operator: Less senior role. For example: Field Operator monthly average ~ OMR 1,058 (~ 12,696/year) in Oman for 2 years experience.
4.2 Mining & Minerals Roles
- Mining Engineer: Design mine layouts, plan extraction, supervise drilling/blasting. BSc Mining Engineering, 3-7 years experience. Salary ~ OMR 18,000-26,000 annual.
- Drilling Engineer (Mining): Plan and supervise drilling for exploration/extraction. BSc Mechanical/Mining Eng, 3-5 years experience. Salary ~ OMR 18,000-25,000 annual.
- Environmental Specialist (Mining): Manage environmental impact, regulatory compliance. BSc Environmental Science/Engineering, 3-5 years experience. Salary ~ OMR 14,000-21,000 annual.
- Mining Team Leader: Supervisory role in mining operations. Annual salary ~ OMR 20,460 on average.
4.3 Entry-level/Support Roles
There are also many support roles (logistics, surveyor, technician, operator) that require lesser experience or diploma/secondary education. These are good entry points especially if you do not have a full engineering degree.
5. Eligibility Criteria: What Do Employers Look For?
5.1 Education & Experience
- For engineering roles: Bachelor’s degree (Mining, Petroleum, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgy) typically required.
- For senior roles: 5-10+ years of experience, sometimes master’s or specialized certification (PMP, NEBOSH).
- For entry/support roles: Diploma, technical certificate or relevant field experience may suffice.
5.2 Certifications & Skills
- Safety certifications: NEBOSH, IOSH, HSE certifications are valued (especially in field/managerial roles).
- Technical skills: drilling & blasting, mine software, GIS, automation, process engineering, data analytics.
- Language: English proficiency is a must; Arabic is a plus but not always mandatory.
- Physical fitness & health: For field/remote site roles, medical fitness is essential.
5.3 Visa & Legal Requirements
- Employment visa: Employer must sponsor. The contract must be valid.
- Age: Many roles target age below ~60. Some age-limits may be stricter depending on employer.
- For expatriates: Clean background, police clearance, health check.
- Omanisation: Localisation rules may affect hiring of non-nationals in some roles.
5.4 Soft Skills
- Adaptability: Working in remote sites, multicultural environment.
- Teamwork: Many operations are team-based.
- Problem-solving: Field/operations roles require quick decisions.
- Safety mindset: Especially in oil and mining, safety is top priority.
6. Application Process: How to Apply & What to Prepare
6.1 Job Search Sources
- Use global job portals specialised in oil/gas and mining (e.g., LinkedIn, specialised recruitment firms).
- Check the careers pages of major Omani companies in energy/mining, e.g., OQ, MB Holding (which has mining interests).
- Recruitment agencies that handle Middle East placements.
6.2 Preparing Your CV & Cover Letter
- Highlight relevant education, certifications, technical skills, and experience (with measurable achievements).
- For expatriate roles, emphasise international/remote site experience, safety record, and willingness to relocate.
- Show clear interest in Oman and understanding of the sector.
6.3 Interview Preparation
- Be ready for technical questions: e.g., drilling methods, mining extraction, ore processing, safety protocols.
- Also expect behavioural/soft skill questions: working under pressure, remote site experience, team leadership.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Oman’s energy/mining context and willingness to adapt.
6.4 After Offer: Visa, Relocation & On-boarding
- Once you receive a job offer, employer starts visa/work permit process.
- Understand your contract: salary, housing/allowances, overtime, leave policy, repatriation, medical.
- Relocation: Make sure to handle flight, visa stamping, accommodation. In remote sites you may have camp-style living.
- On-boarding/pre-employment medical: Many companies require physical and medical check-ups.
7. Living & Working in Oman: What to Know
7.1 Cost of Living & Lifestyle
- Oman is generally considered affordable compared to some other Gulf states. However remote camp living may be basic.
- Housing, transportation and allowances often provided in oil/mining jobs, especially for expatriates.
- Social life: Muscat is modern with good amenities; remote sites may have fewer facilities.
7.2 Work Environment
- Field jobs may involve shift work, extended rosters (e.g., 14 days on/7 off) depending on site.
- Safety culture is strong; you’ll often undergo rigorous training and HSE induction.
- Mining/mineral sites may operate 24/7, often in remote desert/arid conditions—heat, dust, remote living.
7.3 Cultural & Legal Considerations
- Oman is a conservative Muslim country – respect local customs, dress modestly, behaviour accordingly.
- Alcohol restrictions apply; following local regulations is essential.
- Your contract should clearly state your rights, allowances, living arrangements.
7.4 Family & Accommodation
- Many expat contracts may include family visas/housing but this depends on level and company.
- Remote camp roles may not be suitable for families (single accommodation, limited family facilities).
- Urban roles in Muscat or other cities might offer better family accommodation.
8. Challenges & How to Overcome Them
8.1 Realistic salary expectations
While “earn up to 900 OMR/month” sounds attractive, many roles may pay less initially. Entry roles might be in the OMR 900-1,200/month range; senior roles much higher.
Therefore, verify contract details: is that base salary or including allowances, overtime, bonuses?
8.2 Remoteness of job sites
Many oil/mining sites are remote (desert, isolated). You may face discomfort, long hours, camp-life.
Tip: Ask about roster (days on/off), accommodation quality, transportation to town, facilities.
8.3 Work permit / visa process
Ensure that your employment contract clearly states employer’s responsibilities. Delays or grey areas can cause issues.
Tip: Keep copies of offer, contract, visa document; clarify repatriation clause.
8.4 Omanisation/local hiring policies
Some roles prioritise Omani nationals; expatriate opportunities may focus on specialized skills only.
Tip: Demonstrate niche skills and value you bring; highlight how you support local capacity building.
8.5 Safety & environment risks
Working in oil & mining involves hazards (heavy equipment, explosives, remote operations).
Tip: Show strong safety record; obtain relevant certifications (NEBOSH, IOSH) and emphasise your safety mindset.
9. Prospects for 2025 & Beyond
9.1 Sector outlook
- Oman’s drive to diversify its economy means more mining/minerals projects are coming.
- Oil & gas majors continue to invest in enhanced oil recovery, field development, services.
- Technology & digital transformation (automation, remote monitoring, data analytics) are becoming important – increasing demand for “digital-mining” and “smart oilfield” roles. aurawoo.com
9.2 Career progression
- Entry/technician roles → supervisory roles → engineering → project management.
- If you gain 5-10 years experience in Oman, you can move into senior roles with higher pay and leadership responsibilities.
- Networking, staying updated with technology, certifications will help accelerate progression.
9.3 Salary growth potential
- Several sources indicate salary growth with experience: For example, a Mining Team Leader with 0-2 years average ~ OMR 12,180/year; with 5-10 years ~ OMR 23,400/year.
- Engineering and senior roles can reach many tens of thousands OMR annually.
- Hence, if you start now and build your profile in 2025, you could be well-positioned for high pay in coming years.
10. Step-by-Step Application Guide
Here’s a step-by-step checklist you can follow to apply for oil field & mining jobs in Oman in 2025:
- Self-Assessment:
- Do you have relevant education (engineering diploma/degree) or field experience?
- Are you willing to relocate and possibly live in a remote site?
- Do you have safety, technical certifications?
- CV & Cover Letter Preparation:
- Highlight relevant roles/experience, technical skills, safety record.
- Mention willingness to work in Oman and any previous international/remote experience.
- Job Search:
- Explore job boards focused on Gulf/Oman roles.
- Check major Omani companies (energy and mining) for open roles.
- Use recruitment agencies specialising in oil/mining.
- Apply & Follow-Up:
- Submit applications with clear role-match details.
- Follow-up politely to show interest; keep a list of applications.
- Prepare for Interview:
- Study job description details: drilling/mining operations, extraction methods, safety protocols.
- Prepare to explain how your experience or skills match Oman’s context.
- Prepare questions about site conditions, roster, allowances.
- Offer & Contract Review:
- Ensure salary, allowances (housing, transport), overtime policy are clearly stated.
- Understand visa/work permit terms, repatriation clause.
- Clarify accommodation, shift roster, site location.
- Pre-Employment & Relocation:
- Complete medical check, background checks.
- Arrange travel, accommodation, orientation.
- Get clarity on local logistics, living arrangements, camp or city.
- On-Site Integration & Performance:
- Attend induction (safety, site rules).
- Build relationships with local team, show positive attitude.
- Focus on performance, safety, learning local processes; this will help promotions.
- Career Development Strategy:
- Seek additional certifications (e.g., HSE, mine software, automation).
- Stay current with technology trends – e.g., digital mining, remote operations.
- Build a strong safety and reliability track record; this is highly valued in the sector.
- Long-Term Vision:
- Plan for 3-5 years: which role do you want to move into (supervisor, engineer, manager)?
- Network within Oman and regionally.
- Make yourself indispensable by offering skills that local staff may lack (multicultural experience, special technical know-how).
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can a candidate with only a high-school diploma get a job in oil/mining in Oman?
A1. Yes, in support/operator roles (field operator, technician) you may get in. But engineering roles generally require a degree. Also expect lower starting salary in diploma/technician track.
Q2. What are typical working hours/rosters?
A2. In remote field/mining sites you may have 14 days on/7 days off or similar. In urban roles, 40-48 hours/week is typical. Confirm with employer.
Q3. Is Arabic required?
A3. Not always. English is typically the working language. However knowledge of Arabic can give you an edge, especially in interacting with local teams.
Q4. Will family be allowed to accompany me?
A4. That depends on the contract and the employer. Urban roles are more likely to allow family visas; remote site roles may be single accommodation only. Always check your offer.
Q5. What about overtime/bonus?
A5. Many jobs in oil/mining include overtime or shift allowances. Bonus structures vary. Review your contract for details.
Q6. Is the “up to 900 OMR” monthly realistic?
A6. It is possible for some support or operator roles with allowances. For engineering/senior roles monthly rates will be much higher (e.g., in tens of thousands OMR annually). Always check if 900 OMR is base salary or inclusive of allowances/bonuses.
12. Closing Thoughts
If you are looking for a career in the oil field or mining sector in Oman in 2025, you are entering at an opportune moment. The key is to realistically assess your skills, target the right roles, prepare thoroughly, and understand the on-site realities of working in a foreign environment. While the headline “Earn up to 900 OMR” is attention-grabbing, your real earning potential will depend on your role, experience, responsibilities and living arrangements. With the right preparation and mindset, you can build a rewarding high-salary career in Oman’s energy or mining sector.
Best of luck with your job hunt! If you like, I can help you identify current specific job vacancies in Oman (oil field & mining) and provide application links. Would you like me to do that now?