Electrical Engineer Salary in Oman: Complete Compensation Guide 2026

Electrical Engineer Compensation in Oman

Oman offers a distinctive and increasingly attractive market for Electrical Engineers, combining the financial benefits of GCC employment—zero personal income tax, employer-provided benefits, and end-of-service gratuity—with a quality of life that many engineers find superior to the busier, more expensive Gulf capitals. The country’s electrical engineering market is driven by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the largest oil and gas producer in the country and a joint venture between the Omani government and Shell; OQ (formerly Oman Oil Company) and its downstream operations; the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC); and the rapidly developing Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Oman’s Vision 2040 emphasises economic diversification, renewable energy development, and industrial growth—all of which create sustained demand for Electrical Engineers across power systems, building electrical, industrial automation, and emerging green hydrogen projects.

The Sultanate’s approach to development is characterised by careful planning and steady investment rather than the rapid-fire mega-project construction seen in Saudi Arabia or the UAE. This translates to a more measured work pace, lower workplace stress, and a focus on quality engineering that appeals to professionals who value depth of work over breadth of project exposure. Oman’s stunning natural environment—from the Hajar Mountains to the coastlines of Musandam and Dhofar—provides lifestyle benefits that are difficult to quantify in salary terms but contribute significantly to overall job satisfaction.

Salary Overview by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–3 years): OMR 350–600 per month. Fresh graduates entering through consultancy firms, MEP contractors, or PDO’s graduate development programme. Omani nationals entering engineering at government-linked entities start at the higher end due to Omanization incentives. Expatriate junior engineers typically start at OMR 350–500.

Mid-Level (4–8 years): OMR 600–850 per month. Engineers independently managing electrical design packages, performing power system studies, leading authority submissions to distribution companies (Muscat Electricity Distribution Company/MEDC, Majan Electricity Company, Mazoon Electricity Company), and coordinating MEP design. Specialised roles in oil and gas electrical or substation design push toward the upper bound. Engineers at PDO or OQ earn OMR 700–850.

Senior Level (9–15 years): OMR 850–1,250 per month. Senior engineers leading project electrical scope, managing design teams, interfacing with OETC and the Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) for approvals, and carrying technical accountability. PDO and OQ senior electrical engineers earn at the top of this range. Building and infrastructure seniors typically earn OMR 850–1,050.

Executive / Principal Level (15+ years): OMR 1,250–1,600 per month. Engineering directors and principal engineers at PDO, OQ, OETC, and major consultancies. Performance bonuses can add one to three months annually.

Salary Variation by Sector

Oil and Gas (PDO and OQ)

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the largest employer of Electrical Engineers in Oman, operating oil and gas fields across the country’s vast interior. PDO’s electrical infrastructure spans high-voltage power distribution to remote well pads and production facilities, solar-powered remote installations (PDO was an early adopter of solar power for enhanced oil recovery at its Amal and Miraah projects), SCADA and telecommunications systems across thousands of square kilometres, and motor control systems for artificial lift and water injection pumps. PDO offers comprehensive compensation packages including company accommodation in Muscat or field-based housing, transport, medical coverage, and education support. The total package typically exceeds base salary by 50–70%.

OQ (formerly Oman Oil Company) operates downstream assets including the Duqm Refinery—a joint venture with Kuwait Petroleum International that is ramping up to full 230,000 barrels per day capacity. The Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company (DRPIC) complex requires Electrical Engineers for high-voltage substation operations, process area power distribution, motor control, and instrumentation systems. OQ’s chemicals division at the Sohar Freezone and Salalah Freezone adds further industrial electrical engineering demand.

Power Transmission and Distribution

The Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) manages the national 400kV, 220kV, and 132kV transmission network, with ongoing investment in grid reinforcement to support growing demand in the Muscat region, industrial development at Duqm and Sohar, and renewable energy interconnection. OETC employs Electrical Engineers for transmission line design, substation engineering, protection relay coordination, and SCADA system management. Three distribution companies—Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC), Majan Electricity Company, and Mazoon Electricity Company—handle the 33kV and 11kV distribution networks and retail customer connections. The Rural Areas Electricity Company (Tanweer) manages electrification in remote areas, including innovative off-grid solar and hybrid power solutions. The Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) oversees the sector and sets technical standards.

Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD)

The Duqm Special Economic Zone is Oman’s flagship industrial development, encompassing the Duqm Refinery, a drydock (Oman Drydock Company, one of the largest in the Middle East), a port, an industrial zone, a tourism area, and supporting infrastructure across 2,000 square kilometres. The zone’s electrical infrastructure—including dedicated 220kV substations, industrial power distribution, and telecommunications networks—creates sustained demand for Electrical Engineers. Companies operating at SEZAD include Jindal Shadeed Steel, Sebacic Oman, and numerous logistics and light manufacturing firms. Senior Electrical Engineers working at Duqm receive location premiums of OMR 100–300 per month above Muscat rates.

Building Construction and Infrastructure

Oman’s construction sector generates steady demand for building electrical engineers through projects in Muscat (including the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre expansion, Al Mouj Muscat waterfront development, and commercial towers in the Central Business District), Salalah (tourism and hospitality development), and Sohar (industrial zone expansion). Major consultancies operating in Oman include Dar Al-Handasah, Mott MacDonald, WSP, and local firms like ACES (Advanced Construction Engineering Services) and Dar Al Omran. Building construction salaries are typically 10–15% below the oil and gas sector.

Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen

Oman is positioning itself as a major green hydrogen producer, with multiple large-scale projects in development. ACWA Power’s green hydrogen project at Duqm, OQ’s hydrogen initiatives, and the International Company for Water and Power Projects (ACWA) developments are creating emerging demand for Electrical Engineers with expertise in electrolyser power supply design, renewable energy integration (solar PV and wind), high-voltage DC systems, and grid-scale energy storage. The Amin Solar Project (125 MW), Oman’s first utility-scale solar plant, and the Dhofar Wind Farm (50 MW) have established baseline renewable energy infrastructure. The Ibri II Solar Project (500 MW) is one of the largest in the GCC. These projects create specialised demand for Electrical Engineers with renewable energy credentials.

Omanization Considerations

Oman has the most established nationalisation programme in the GCC. The In-Country Value (ICV) system and Omanization quotas require companies to employ minimum percentages of Omani nationals across various job categories. For the engineering sector, Omanization targets mean that mid-level Electrical Engineer positions are increasingly reserved for Omani nationals, particularly at government-linked entities like OETC and the distribution companies. However, senior specialist roles requiring 10+ years of experience, international certifications, and specialised expertise (substation protection, smart grid, green hydrogen) remain accessible to expatriates. PDO has a well-established Omanization programme but continues to employ expatriate engineers in specialist and mentoring roles with premium compensation.

Benefits That Boost Total Compensation

Housing Allowance: OMR 150–350 per month or company accommodation. PDO provides housing in Muscat or field camps depending on assignment. In Muscat, a two-bedroom apartment in Al Khuwair, Bausher, or Qurum costs OMR 200–400 per month—significantly less than Dubai or Doha.

Transport Allowance: OMR 50–150 per month or company vehicle. PDO provides company vehicles for field-based engineers. Muscat’s sprawling layout makes personal transport essential.

Medical Insurance: Employer-provided coverage is standard. PDO and OQ offer comprehensive family medical including dental and specialist care. Oman’s public healthcare system is well-regarded and accessible.

Education Allowance: OMR 500–2,500 per child annually at major employers. International schools in Muscat (British School Muscat, American International School Muscat) charge OMR 2,000–5,000 per year—lower than UAE or Qatar equivalents.

Annual Flights: OMR 150–500 per year for return flights for employee and family.

End-of-Service Gratuity: Oman labour law entitles employees to 15 days of basic salary per year for the first three years and one month per year thereafter. For an engineer earning OMR 800 base over eight years, the gratuity amounts to approximately OMR 5,200.

Work Culture and Lifestyle

Oman offers arguably the best quality of life in the GCC for engineers who value outdoor activities, cultural authenticity, and a relaxed pace of living. Muscat is consistently rated as one of the safest and most liveable cities in the Middle East. The country’s dramatic landscape—mountains, wadis, deserts, and coastline—provides world-class hiking, diving, camping, and adventure tourism opportunities within short drives of the capital. The Omani culture is known for its hospitality and tolerance, creating a welcoming environment for expatriates from all backgrounds. The work pace, while professional and competent, is generally less intense than the high-pressure project environments of Dubai or Riyadh, making Oman particularly attractive for engineers with families or those seeking a sustainable long-term international posting.

Market Trends and Outlook

Demand for Electrical Engineers in Oman is projected to grow steadily through 2028, driven by PDO’s continued operations and enhanced oil recovery programmes, Duqm Special Economic Zone development, OETC grid reinforcement and expansion, renewable energy project pipeline (particularly green hydrogen), and construction activity under Vision 2040. While the market is smaller than the UAE or Saudi Arabia, Oman’s lower competition for talent and high quality of life make it an attractive alternative for engineers who prioritise lifestyle alongside career development.

Professional Development

Oman does not have a mandatory engineering registration system as rigorous as Qatar’s UPDA, but the Society of Engineers Oman provides professional networking and development. International credentials (PE, CEng, IET membership) are valued and support career advancement. NEBOSH certification is increasingly required for site-based roles, particularly in oil and gas. PDO has its own competency framework and professional development programme that provides structured career progression for its engineers.

Cost of Living

Oman has one of the lowest costs of living in the GCC. Muscat two-bedroom apartments: OMR 200–400. Groceries and dining are affordable. Fuel is moderately priced (approximately OMR 0.215/litre for M91). No personal income tax; 5% VAT was introduced in 2021. A mid-level Electrical Engineer earning OMR 1,000 total package (base plus housing) can save 30–45% of income. PDO engineers with company housing achieve savings of 50–65% of base salary. The combination of competitive salaries, low living costs, and zero income tax makes Oman one of the most savings-efficient GCC destinations for Electrical Engineers.

Employer-by-Employer Salary Breakdown

Access detailed salary data for PDO, OQ, OETC, MEDC, Majan Electricity, Dar Al-Handasah, Mott MacDonald, ACES, and other major employers. Includes base salary bands, PDO grade structures, Duqm location premiums, and end-of-service projections by tenure.

Omanization Navigator for Electrical Engineers

Detailed analysis of which roles are affected by Omanization quotas and which remain accessible to expatriates, with strategies for positioning yourself for senior specialist and advisory positions.