Working in Oman
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Average Salary
In Oman, the average monthly salary across all sectors typically ranges from OMR 800 – 2,000 ($2,100 - $5,200), depending on role and experience. Salaries are generally tax-free, which significantly increases take-home pay.
Engineers and professionals in the energy and oil & gas sectors tend to earn above the national average – general engineering roles often fall in the OMR 1,200 – 1,800 range ($3,100 - $4,700), while experienced energy or gas engineers can earn OMR 2,000 – 4,000+ per month ($5,200 - $10,400+), particularly with international employers. Expat compensation packages frequently include housing, transport, and other allowances, further enhancing overall earnings.
General information
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
English Urdu Hindi Malayalam
Time zone
Gulf Standard Time (UTC+04:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Oman there are several types of work arrangements, each with its own structure, benefits, and legal framework.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Oman
Life in Oman offers a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle with a culturally diverse population, including large expatriate communities from South Asia, the Philippines, and the Arab world. Cities like Muscat and Salalah are more expensive to live in, while smaller towns and suburbs are more affordable. The cost of living is generally lower than many GCC countries, with housing typically the largest expense.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is OMR 15 – 25 ($40 - $65)
- Monthly rent typically costs between OMR 300 – 900 ($780 - $2,340)
- Monthly childcare costs range from OMR 50 – 120 ($130 - $310)
- A litre of petrol typically costs OMR 0.24 ($0.62), while a litre of diesel costs OMR 0.26 ($0.67)
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Residents of GCC countries can exchange their existing licences for an Omani licence without taking a test. Other expats must apply through the Royal Oman Police, provide a residency card, passport, and health certificate, complete a driving course, and pass a theory and practical test. While an International Driving Permit may be used temporarily, a full Omani licence is required for long-term residents.
Weather in Oman
Oman has a hot desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach 38-45°C, while winter is pleasant, with highs of 24-30°C and cooler nights around 14-20°C. Rain is rare, and the country is sunny year-round.
Language and integration support
In Oman, Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business, schools, and public services. International schools, private Arabic courses, and active expat communities help newcomers integrate, while government services and healthcare often provide English-language support. Learning some Arabic can enhance social and cultural integration, and participating in local festivals and visiting heritage sites helps expats better understand and respect Omani customs.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Oman
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
