For each individual, one of the most important questions, after the need for work and immigration to a country, is knowing the income, the factors that affect income, and the conditions required to do the job.
Average Income in Oman: The average income in Oman is 450 Omani rials (OMR) per month, which is equivalent to approximately $1,400 USD. This is higher than the average income in many other countries in the region.
The factors that affect income in Oman
The factors that affect income in Oman include:
- Years of experience: Workers with more experience tend to earn higher salaries.
- Level of education: Workers with higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries.
- Gender: In general, men earn higher salaries than women in Oman.
The policies of Oman to attract foreign skilled workers have considered special measures. The high value of the Omani currency, personal tax exemptions, and good salaries and benefits cannot be ignored. Most of the people who choose this country for work come from countries such as America, England, New Zealand, the Philippines, India, and Iran.
In comparison to other Arab countries, Omani people are more open-minded and welcoming to foreigners. This is due in part to their familiarity with English culture. Omanis are generally not hostile or standoffish towards foreigners, but rather they are curious and hospitable and are eager to build close relationships with them.
In recent years, Oman has adopted a stricter policy towards foreign skilled workers. To hire a foreign worker, the worker’s qualifications for the specific position must be confirmed. Only after this stage is it possible to send an invitation to the foreign job seeker.
The typical working hours in Oman are between 40 and 48 hours per week, with Fridays and Saturdays as the days off. Work visas are issued to individuals between the ages of 21 and 60.
Omani work visas are valid for two years and can be renewed. They are obtained by the employer. In addition, in Oman, housing and food are provided by the employer. For this reason, the Omani government is more strict with individuals who request a change of job after receiving a residence permit. It is not possible without the consent of the employer.
Oman Minimum Wages in Oman for the last 10 years According to TradingEconomics
The advantages of working in Oman
- High security and low crime rate
- Natural beauty
- High literacy and culture
- Untouched country compared to Dubai and Qatar
- Many jobs are still untouched in this country
- Tax exemption
- Oman’s growing economy
- Second strongest currency in the world
- Friendly relations with most countries
- High value of Omani currency, second most powerful currency in the world
What is the personal income in Oman?
The currency of Oman is the rial, the second most powerful currency in the world, equivalent to 2.6 dollars.
Please note that the amounts listed below are the official amounts of the labor law, and there may be people working with lower and agreed amounts, which we will discuss at the end.
A person working in Oman typically earns about 1,770 OMR per month.
Salaries range from 450 OMR (lowest average) to 7,900 OMR (highest average, the maximum actual salary is higher).
This average monthly salary includes housing, transportation, and other benefits.
Salaries vary greatly between different occupations.
If you are interested in the wages and salaries of a particular occupation, see the wages for specific job titles below.
There are usually people who receive a lower amount in agreement with the employer, for example 150 or 300 rials, but the cost of housing and food for the worker will be with the employer, meaning that this agreed amount will be saved by the worker.
Distribution of Salaries in Oman
(Median, maximum, minimum, and range)
Salary range
Salaries in Oman range from 450 OMR per month (minimum wage) to 7,900 OMR per month (maximum average wage, actual maximum is higher).
Median wage
The median wage is 1,630 OMR per month, meaning that half (50%) of the population earns less than 1,630 OMR while the other half earns more than 1,630 OMR. The median represents the value of the median wage. In general, you want to be on the right side of the graph and in the group that earns more than the median wage.
Quantiles
Two values are closely related to the median: the 25th and 75th percentiles. By reading the distribution of salaries chart, 25% of the population earns less than 930 OMR while 75% of them earn more than 930 OMR. Also from the chart, 75% of the population earns less than 4,380 OMR while 25% earn more than 4,380 OMR.
Difference between median and average wages
Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the median and average wages, you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, many people are earning more than you and there is a lot of room for improvement. If your salary is between the median and average wages, things may be a bit complicated.
Comparison of Salaries and Wages Based on Years of Experience
How does an individual’s salary progress over time?
Experience level is the most important factor in determining salary. Naturally, the more years of experience, the higher the salary.
In general, employees who have between two and five years of experience earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and young workers in all industries and fields.
Professionals with more than five years of experience earn an average of 36% more than those with five years or less of work experience.
The change in salary based on experience varies greatly from place to place and also depends heavily on the field of work. The data presented here is a composite average of many different occupations.
At the ten-year mark, salaries increase by 21%, and for those who have passed the 15-year mark, it increases by 14%.
These figures are provided only as a guideline. If you consider a job title each time, the numbers become more significant.
On average, an individual’s salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10-year experience mark. Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary changes vary from individual to individual.
Comparison of Salaries Based on Gender
While gender should not impact the level of compensation, in reality, it does. So, who earns higher salaries: men or women? Male employees in Oman earn 9% more than their female counterparts across all sectors.
| Male: | 1830 OMR | |
| Female: | -8% | 1680 OMR |
Average Annual Salary Increase Percentage in Oman
How much is the annual salary increase in Oman, and how often do employees receive a salary increase?
Employees in Oman typically witness an approximately 7% salary increase approximately every 19 months.
The figures presented here are averages and should be considered as general guidelines. Salary increases vary from person to person and depend on numerous factors, with your performance and contribution to the organization being the most crucial factors in determining the frequency and amount of salary increases.
The term “annual salary increase” is generally applied to increases within a 12-month calendar period. However, as it rarely happens that individuals review their salaries exactly within one year, knowing the frequency and rates at that time becomes more meaningful.
How to Calculate the Percentage Salary Increase?
The annual salary increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows:
Annual Salary Increase = Rate of Increase * 12 / Frequency of Increase
The average annual salary increase in Oman is 4%.
Industry-Based Annual Increase Rates for 2022:
| Banking | 1% | |
| Energy | 2% | |
| Information Technology | 3% | |
| Healthcare | 4% | |
| Travel and Tourism | 5% | |
| Construction | 6% | |
| Education | 7% |
Above, the average annual increase rates for each industry in Oman for 2021 are mentioned. There are exceptions, but generally, the state of each company is closely tied to the economic situation of the country or region. These figures typically change.
Average Salary Increase Rates Based on Experience:
| Entry Level | 3% – 5% | |
| Mid-Level | 6% – 9% | |
| Senior Level | 10% – 15% | |
| Senior Management | 15% – 20% |
The difference in increase rates is somewhat justified as employers make more effort to retain experienced employees as acquiring them is more challenging than individuals with less experience.
Salary Increases Worldwide: All Countries and Professions
The global average salary increase for every 19 months is 3%.
Rewards and Incentive Rates in Oman
How much are the rewards, and how often are they received?
54% of employees in Oman reported not receiving any rewards or incentives in the past year, while 46% stated receiving at least one type of monetary reward.
Those who received rewards reported rates ranging from 4% to 5% of their annual salaries.
| Received Rewards: | 46% | |
| Without Rewards: | 54% |
Types of Considered Awards:
- Individual Performance-based Awards:
- The most common form of reward, given to employees based on their outstanding performance.
- Company Performance Awards:
- Sometimes, companies prefer to celebrate income and extra profits with their employees in the form of collective rewards given to everyone. The amount of the reward will likely vary from person to person based on their role in the organization.
- Goal-based Awards:
- Given upon achieving a specific goal or significant milestone.
- Holiday/Year-end Awards:
- These types of rewards are given without a specific reason and usually resemble tokens of appreciation.
Commission Awards: It’s important to note that people tend to confuse rewards with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate paid to someone for items sold or transactions completed, while rewards are generally self-initiated and unplanned.
Comparison of Salary Rates Based on Job Fields
| Asset Management, Finance, Investment | High | |
| Architecture | High | |
| Auctioneering | High | |
| Business Development | High | |
| Marketing/Advertising | High | |
| Information Technology | Moderate | |
| Healthcare | Moderate | |
| Insurance | Moderate | |
| Customer Services | Moderate | |
| Human Resources | Moderate | |
| Construction | Low | |
| Transportation | Low | |
| Hospitality | Low |
Note:
- High: Indicates industries or job fields where salaries are generally high.
- Moderate: Indicates industries with moderate salary levels.
- Low: Indicates industries or job fields where salaries tend to be lower.
This comparison is a general overview, and actual salary levels may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and company policies. It’s important to consider these factors when evaluating salary expectations in specific job fields.
What Makes a Position Worthy of Good Rewards and High Salaries?
There are two main types of jobs:
| Revenue Generators: | Support Roles: |
| Employees who directly contribute to generating income or profits for the organization. Their expertise usually aligns with the type of business they are in. | Employees who support and facilitate the work of revenue generators in producing income. Their expertise often differs from the core operational expertise of the business. |
| Example: A graphic designer working for a company specializing in graphic design. | Example: A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital. |
Note:
- Revenue generators are often associated with higher salaries and more frequent salary increases. This is because their direct impact on income generation makes it easier to justify higher compensation.
- Support roles, while crucial to overall operations, may have salary structures that are generally not as high as those directly tied to revenue generation.
Understanding the nature of a position and its direct or supportive role in income generation is key to determining the appropriate level of compensation.
Revenue generators usually receive higher rewards, higher salaries, and recurring salary increases. The reason is straightforward: when you contribute to income generation, quantifying your value to the company in financial terms is easier.
Try to work for companies where your skills can contribute to revenue generation.
Comparison of Rewards Based on Seniority
Senior management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher rates and frequencies of compensation compared to younger individuals. This is highly predictable due to the inherently higher responsibilities within the hierarchy. Individuals in top positions can easily receive two or three times the compensation compared to employees lower in the hierarchy.
Average Salaries for Popular Occupations in Oman
The following table shows the average salaries for popular occupations in Oman, as of December 2023. The salaries are in Omani rials (OMR).
Accounting and Finance
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Accountant | 1,220 OMR |
| Assistant Accountant | 920 OMR |
| Accounting Manager | 2,630 OMR |
| Financial Accountant | 790 OMR |
| Experienced Accountant | 1,500 OMR |
| Corporate Treasurer | 2,290 OMR |
| Financial Analyst | 2,140 OMR |
| Financial Controller | 3,400 OMR |
| Internal Auditor | 1,570 OMR |
Management, Reception, Secretarial
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Administrative Assistant | 880 OMR |
| Office Manager | 1,490 OMR |
| Receptionist | 810 OMR |
| Secretary | 810 OMR |
Advertising, Graphic Design, Events
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Art Director | 1,710 OMR |
| Creative Director | 1,780 OMR |
| Graphic Designer | 1,040 OMR |
| Photographer | 940 OMR |
Aviation, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Defense
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Aerospace Engineer | 2,110 OMR |
| Air Traffic Controller | 1,930 OMR |
| Flight Attendant | 1,170 OMR |
| Pilot | 2,960 OMR |
Architecture
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Architect | 2,010 OMR |
| CAD Drafter | 900 OMR |
Automotive
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Mechanic | 660 OMR |
| Service Consultant | 1,250 OMR |
Banking
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Branch Manager | 3,000 OMR |
| Broadcaster | 640 OMR |
Bilingual
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Teacher | 1,320 OMR |
| Translator | 1,500 OMR |
Business Planning
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Business Analyst | 2,160 OMR |
| Business Development Manager | 2,830 OMR |
| Project Manager | 2,140 OMR |
Childcare and Nanny
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Babysitter | 730 OMR |
| Kindergarten Teacher | 670 OMR |
Construction, Building, Installation
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Civil Engineer | 1,560 OMR |
| Construction Project Manager | 2,740 OMR |
| Health and Safety Officer | 760 OMR |
Customer Service and Call Center
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Call Center Representative | 650 OMR |
| Customer Service Manager | 2,280 OMR |
| Customer Service Representative | 670 OMR |
Engineering
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Civil Engineer | 1,550 OMR |
| Electrical Engineer | 1,630 OMR |
| Engineer | 1,610 OMR |
| Mechanical Engineer | 1,700 OMR |
Executive and Management
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Civil Engineer | 3,960 OMR |
| Chief Financial Officer | 3,510 OMR |
| General Manager | 2,950 OMR |
| Project Manager | 1,930 OMR |
Food, Hospitality, Tourism, Reception
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Chef | 1,100 OMR |
| Executive Chef | 1,300 OMR |
| Hotel Manager | 3,010 OMR |
| Receptionist | 680 OMR |
| Travel Agent | 1,050 OMR |
| Waiter/Waitress | 560 OMR |
Healthcare and Medicine
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Dentist | 3,960 OMR |
| Dietitian | 3,320 OMR |
| Laboratory Technician | 1,350 OMR |
| Nurse | 1,410 OMR |
Human Resources
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Human Resources Manager | 2,500 OMR |
| Human Resources Associate | 1,060 OMR |
Information Technology
| Occupation | Average Salary |
| Computer Technician | 1,370 OMR |
| Database Manager | 1,660 OMR |
Average Hourly Wage in Oman
10 OMR per hour
The average hourly wage (salary per hour) in Oman is 10 OMR. This means that the average person in Oman earns approximately 10 OMR for each hour worked.
Hourly wage = Annual salary / (52 * 5 * 8)
Hourly wage is the salary that is paid for one hour of work. Generally, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs are paid for each hour worked.
The above formula is used to convert salary to hourly wage (assuming 5 working days per week and 8 hours of work per day which is the standard for most jobs). The calculation of hourly wage may vary slightly depending on the number of working hours per week and annual leave allowance.
The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered as the standard. One of the major differences between salaried employees and hourly employees is the eligibility for overtime. Salaried employees are typically exempt from overtime, unlike hourly employees.
Comparison of Salaries by City in Oman
The following table compares the average salaries in two major cities in Oman: Muscat and Salalah.
| City | Average Salary (OMR) |
| Muscat | 1,870 |
| Salalah | 1,790 |
As can be seen from the table, the average salary in Muscat is slightly higher than the average salary in Salalah. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the higher cost of living in Muscat, the greater availability of jobs in Muscat, and the higher demand for skilled workers in Muscat.
It is important to note that these figures are averages and may vary depending on a number of factors, including the industry, the level of experience, and the qualifications of the employee.
Comparison of Government and Private Sector Salaries in Oman
In Oman, government employees typically earn more than their private sector counterparts. The average salary for a government employee is OMR 1,820, while the average salary for a private sector employee is OMR 1,700. This difference is about 7%.
| Private Sector | 1,700 OMR | |
| Government Sector | + %7 | 1,820 OMR |
There are a number of factors that contribute to this difference. First, government jobs are typically more secure than private sector jobs. Government employees are typically protected from layoffs and other forms of job insecurity. Second, government jobs often offer better benefits than private sector jobs. Government employees typically receive health insurance, retirement benefits, and other forms of financial security. Third, government jobs often require higher levels of education and experience than private sector jobs. Government employees are typically required to have a college degree or higher, while private sector employees may be able to get by with a high school diploma or less.
Of course, there are also some advantages to working in the private sector. Private sector employees typically have more freedom and flexibility than government employees. They may also have the opportunity to earn more money in the long run, depending on their performance and the success of their company.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to work in the government or the private sector is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both options, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Labor Law in Oman
The government of Oman has made significant efforts to bring young people into the workforce in order to improve the economy. As a result, labor law in this country is very strictly enforced, and a balanced relationship between employer and employee prevails.
Under this law, the cost of services and labor in Oman, along with workers’ salaries, medical insurance, social insurance, severance benefits, working hours, annual leave, overtime pay, compensation, and other benefits, must be paid by the employer. All private contracts are subject to this requirement.
This law does not apply to domestic workers, government employees, or security personnel. It only applies to employees who are hired by private companies as expatriates.
Working Hours in Oman
The labor law in Oman limits the maximum working hours per week to 45 hours, with a maximum of 9 hours per day. During the month of Ramadan, the maximum working hours per week are reduced to 30 hours.
The law also stipulates that overtime pay must be paid at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. This means that workers who work more than the maximum number of hours are entitled to additional pay.
The law also protects workers from having their wages or benefits reduced during Ramadan. Workers are still entitled to their full salary and benefits, even if they work fewer hours during the month.
Oman In-Demand Jobs: Find Your Opportunity in a Thriving Economy
Oman’s burgeoning economy creates exciting opportunities for skilled professionals seeking rewarding careers. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or a passionate educator, the following in-demand jobs offer promising prospects:
Energy & Chemicals:
- Oil & Gas: Oman, a major energy producer, seeks engineers, technicians, and operators to fuel its continued growth.
- Petrochemicals: With a robust petrochemical industry, Oman needs skilled professionals across various roles.
Healthcare & Technology:
- healthcare: Oman’s expanding healthcare system needs doctors, nurses, midwives, and more to cater to its growing population.
- IT: As Oman embraces digitalization, software developers, engineers, and technicians are highly sought-after.
Project & Infrastructure:
- Project Management: Oman’s ambitious development projects require skilled managers to steer them to success.
- Construction & Industrial Services: Electricians, welders, repair technicians, and skilled tradespeople are crucial for ongoing infrastructure development.
Additional Avenues:
- Business & Finance: Accountants, auditors, bankers, and financial analysts find fertile ground in Oman’s burgeoning economy.
- Education: Teachers and administrators are in demand as Oman invests heavily in education.
- Tourism: As Oman’s tourism industry flourishes, hoteliers, tour guides, and restaurant workers enjoy strong career prospects.
Job Change in Oman
Changing jobs in Oman can be a difficult process, as employers are required to invest significant time, money, and effort to hire foreign workers. Therefore, it is generally not possible for employees to change jobs without the permission of their current employer.
There are two ways to change jobs in Oman:
- Leave Oman for two years and reapply for a work visa.
- Obtain a Noc (No Objection Certificate) from your previous employer.
Note: Under the new labor law, after completing the two-year contract, you will no longer need a Noc to change jobs. However, before the two-year period is over, you will need your employer’s permission.
It is important to note that if your current employer does not consent to your job change, you may be deported.
Oman Work Visa
The process of sponsoring a foreign worker to work for an Omani company is largely dependent on the employer, who must obtain several permits if the worker is to stay for an extended period of time. The employer must obtain a work visa for the worker to enter Oman, a residence card to stay in the country, and a residence permit. In Oman, all of these documents are for employees between the ages of 21 and 60 who have received a job offer from an Omani company. The employer becomes the visa sponsor and typically obtains the necessary visas and permits from the Ministry of Manpower.
The first step in this process is for the employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower in order to be able to hire a foreign worker. The employer submits a manpower request form to the General Directorate at the Ministry of Manpower.
The second step is to issue a job offer to the worker. The employer in Oman sends a letter of invitation to an individual who meets the conditions and labor clearance quotas.
The third step is to issue an employment visa. Employers must obtain individual employment visas for their sponsored migrants. They must submit an employment visa application to the Immigration Department of the Royal Oman Police.
The fourth step is to issue a residence card. After obtaining an employment visa for the applicant, migrants must obtain a residence card to legally stay in Oman for the duration of their employment. This is done when the foreign national arrives in Oman. The person must visit the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police upon arrival to obtain the residence card within 30 days of arrival. The employee gives a blood test at a medical center and is guided for fingerprinting. After the data is collected, the General Directorate of Civil Status issues the employee’s residence card, which is valid for two years.
The fifth step is to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is a document that states that both the sponsoring employer and the government of Oman have no problem with the employed worker staying in the country. Once the employment visa and residence card are obtained by the worker, they can begin their work with the employer in Oman.
Job Search Websites in Oman for Immigrants
Migrating to Oman for work is one of the simplest routes to immigration to the country.
Two Ways to Find a Job in Oman
In general, there are two ways to find a job in Oman. You can either enter Oman on a tourist visa and search for a job in person. If you find a job, you will need to apply for a work permit and residency. Alternatively, you can search for a job online through reputable job boards and receive a job offer.
Recommendation
If you have a valid degree and relevant work experience, and you are proficient in a foreign language, we recommend that you apply for jobs in top European countries such as Germany and Austria. These countries are in need of skilled workers and offer good residency options.
List of Job Boards in Oman
The following is a list of reputable job boards in Oman:
| Monster |
| Glassdoor |
| UAE Talent |
| ArabJobs |
| GulfTalent |
| Careerjet |
| Tanqeeb Oman |
| Indeed |
| NaukriGulf |
| Wadaef |
| Workopolis |
| CareerMidWay |
| Headhonchos |
| Jobz.pk |
| Gulfjobseeker |
| NaukriGulf.com |
| Bayt |
| Al-Miladi Global Human Resources Management |
| Global Business Network LLC (GBN) |