Working in Muscat: Jobs, Salaries & Guide 2026

City Overview: Muscat

Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, a long, narrow city of approximately 1.5 million people stretched along the dramatic coastline where the Al Hajar mountains meet the Gulf of Oman. Unlike the glittering high-rises of Dubai or Doha, Muscat maintains a lower-profile elegance, with building height restrictions that preserve the city's connection to its mountainous and maritime landscape. The result is one of the most visually stunning and livable capitals in the Gulf region.

Oman's economy has traditionally been built on oil and gas, managed primarily through Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), a joint venture between the government and Shell. However, Oman Vision 2040 is driving aggressive economic diversification into tourism, logistics, mining, fisheries, and manufacturing. The Duqm Special Economic Zone, one of the largest in the Middle East, represents a major pillar of this diversification strategy, though its impact extends from the southern coast to opportunities based in Muscat.

For expat professionals, Muscat offers a distinctly different GCC experience. The city is known for its friendliness, safety, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life. Omanis are widely regarded as the most welcoming people in the Gulf. The cost of living is moderate, the scenery is spectacular (beaches, mountains, wadis, and desert within easy reach), and the work-life balance is genuinely better than in Dubai or Riyadh. The trade-off is a smaller job market and generally lower salaries, though the quality of life often compensates.

Top Industries Hiring in Muscat

Oil & Gas

Despite diversification efforts, oil and gas remains the largest employer of skilled professionals in Muscat. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), OQ Group (formerly Oman Oil Company), and international service companies like Shell, BP, Schlumberger, and TechnipFMC maintain significant operations. Engineers, geoscientists, project managers, and HSE specialists are in steady demand. PDO's Omanization program means some roles are reserved for Omani nationals, but specialized technical positions remain open to expats. Mid-level oil and gas salaries range from OMR 1,200-2,500 monthly.

Tourism & Hospitality

Oman Vision 2040 positions tourism as a key growth sector. Muscat's luxury hotels (Al Bustan Palace, Shangri-La, The Chedi, W Muscat), eco-tourism operators, and adventure tourism companies are expanding. The country's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains to desert, support a growing tourism industry. Hotel management, tour operations, marketing, and sustainable tourism roles are increasing.

Construction & Infrastructure

Major infrastructure projects in Muscat include the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, new highway developments, water and power projects, and the expansion of Muscat International Airport (completed). Residential and commercial developments in areas like Al Mouj, Madinat Al Irfan, and Yiti Tourism Development create ongoing demand for engineers, architects, and project managers.

Logistics & Ports

Oman's strategic location at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz gives it a significant logistics advantage. Port Sultan Qaboos (being redeveloped), Sohar Port and Freezone, and the Duqm Special Economic Zone create employment in logistics, freight forwarding, warehouse management, and port operations. ASYAD Group, Oman's national logistics company, is a growing employer.

Banking & Finance

Bank Muscat, the largest bank in Oman, along with National Bank of Oman, Bank Dhofar, and several Islamic banks provide financial sector employment. The sector is smaller than in Bahrain or the UAE but offers stable careers in retail banking, corporate banking, compliance, and risk management.

Education

International schools (British School Muscat, American International School, ABA Oman) and universities (Sultan Qaboos University, Middle East College, German University of Technology) create demand for educators, researchers, and academic administrators. The growing emphasis on vocational training and technical education is expanding opportunities in this sector.

Major Employers in Muscat

• Petroleum Development Oman (PDO): The largest company in Oman, jointly owned by the government and Shell. Major employer of engineers and technical professionals.
• OQ Group: Integrated energy company managing Oman's diversified oil, gas, chemicals, and renewable energy operations.
• Bank Muscat: Largest bank in Oman with a comprehensive range of financial services.
• Omantel: National telecommunications company providing mobile, fixed, and data services.
• ASYAD Group: National logistics company managing ports, shipping, dry docks, and supply chain services.
• Oman Air: National airline connecting Muscat to regional and international destinations.
• Shell Oman: Major international oil company with extensive operations throughout the country.
• Nama Group: Holding company for Oman's electricity and water utilities.

Salary Overview

Muscat salaries are generally lower than the UAE or Qatar but offer good value when combined with the lower cost of living. Oman does not levy personal income tax on employment income.

Typical monthly salary ranges in Muscat (OMR):

• Entry Level (0-2 years): OMR 350-800
• Mid Level (3-7 years): OMR 800-1,800
• Senior Level (8-15 years): OMR 1,800-3,500
• Executive/Director: OMR 3,500-8,000+

Note: OMR 1 equals approximately USD 2.60. Benefits typically include housing allowance (often 25-40% of base salary), annual flights, medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity. PDO and OQ Group offer among the best packages in Oman, often including furnished housing, schooling support, and club memberships.

Cost of Living in Muscat

Muscat offers one of the most affordable lifestyles among GCC capitals, combining reasonable costs with high quality of life.

Housing (Monthly Rent)

• 1-bedroom in Qurum: OMR 250-400
• 2-bedroom in Al Khuwair: OMR 300-500
• 2-bedroom in Al Mouj: OMR 450-750
• 3-bedroom apartment: OMR 400-700
• Villa in Madinat Qaboos: OMR 500-1,000
• Room sharing: OMR 80-150

Transportation

• Taxi (typical ride): OMR 1-3
• Petrol: OMR 0.200-0.240 per liter
• Car lease: OMR 100-250/month
• Bus (Mwasalat): OMR 0.200-0.500 per ride

Daily Living

• Groceries for a couple: OMR 100-180/month
• Dining out (mid-range): OMR 3-8 per person
• Utilities: OMR 20-50/month
• Mobile plan: OMR 10-25/month
• Gym membership: OMR 15-35/month
• International school: OMR 2,000-6,000/year per child

A single professional can live well in Muscat on OMR 500-800 monthly. Families should budget OMR 1,000-2,200 depending on housing and schooling. The lower utility costs and reasonable housing make Muscat particularly attractive for savings.

Neighborhoods and Areas for Expats

• Qurum: The heart of expat Muscat. Beautiful beach, Qurum Natural Park, diplomatic area, and numerous restaurants and cafes. Mid-range to upscale housing. Close to embassies and international schools.
• Al Mouj (The Wave): Modern waterfront development with marina, beach, golf course, restaurants, and residential options. Premium pricing but excellent lifestyle. Popular with Western expats and young professionals.
• Shatti Al Qurum: Beachfront area with luxury hotels and upscale residences. Walking distance to the beach and close to the Central Business District.
• Al Khuwair: Government and commercial district. Mix of apartments and villas at moderate prices. Close to ministries, shopping malls, and the airport.
• Madinat Qaboos: Established residential area with villas, community feel, and proximity to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Family-friendly with reasonable rents.
• Ruwi / Muttrah: Older commercial areas with budget-friendly accommodation. Muttrah Corniche and souq are atmospheric and culturally rich. Good for budget-conscious singles.
• Bausher: Growing residential area with new apartments and proximity to Muscat Grand Mall. Good value for families.

Transportation in Muscat

• Personal vehicles: Muscat is spread along the coast and a car is practically essential. Roads are excellent, often winding through scenic mountain passes between neighborhoods. Fuel is affordable.
• Mwasalat buses: The national bus service has improved significantly with new routes and modern buses. Useful but limited for daily commuting needs.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: Taxis are available, and ride-hailing apps (Careem, OTaxi) operate in the city.
• Airport: Muscat International Airport is centrally located and well-connected to regional and international destinations.
• Intercity: Mwasalat buses connect Muscat to Nizwa, Sohar, and other cities. Driving to Sohar takes about 2 hours, to Nizwa about 1.5 hours.

Job Search Tips for Muscat

1. Understand Omanization: Oman has one of the GCC's most active nationalization programs. Many roles in banking, HR, administration, and retail are reserved for Omanis. Expats should target specialized technical, managerial, and professional roles where international expertise is specifically sought.
2. Target PDO and OQ Group: These are the premier employers in Oman. Their career portals list positions directly, and they work with agencies like Airswift, Spencer Ogden, and NES Fircroft for specialist roles.
3. Explore the tourism growth: As Oman invests in tourism infrastructure, new hotels, tour operators, and experience companies are entering the market. Hospitality professionals with luxury or eco-tourism experience are valued.
4. Use Oman-focused platforms: Bayt.com, GulfTalent, and local platform OmanJobz list positions. LinkedIn is increasingly used but personal networking remains important.
5. Network through outdoor activities: Oman's expat community is passionate about outdoor activities, including hiking, diving, camping, and off-roading. Sports and adventure clubs provide excellent networking opportunities.
6. Respect the cultural pace: Oman's business culture is more deliberate and relationship-focused than Dubai's. Patience and genuine relationship building are essential for career success.

Insider Strategies: Building a Career in Muscat

Long-term Muscat professionals share these insights:

• Build Omani professional relationships: Oman's business culture values personal relationships highly. Omani colleagues and clients appreciate genuine interest in their culture and traditions. This relationship investment pays significant career dividends.
• Explore the Duqm opportunity: The Duqm Special Economic Zone is creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and heavy industry. While the zone is in central Oman, many positions are managed from Muscat offices.
• Consider the lifestyle dividend: Many professionals take a modest salary cut to move to Muscat but report higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance. The ability to hike, dive, camp, and explore on weekends adds immeasurable value.
• Get involved in community: Muscat's expat community is smaller and more connected than Dubai's. Active participation in community groups, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations accelerates your professional network naturally.