Are you searching for high-paying oil and gas jobs abroad?

Do you want to earn $120,000+ per year in the energy sector, even as a foreign applicant?

You’re in the right place.

The global oil and gas industry remains one of the highest-paying sectors worldwide. Despite the rise of renewable energy, demand for skilled professionals in petroleum engineering, offshore drilling, LNG operations, and energy project management continues to grow.

In this detailed guide, you’ll discover:

• The top oil and gas jobs paying over $120,000 per year
• Countries hiring foreign workers
• Required certifications and qualifications
• Visa pathways and relocation strategies
• How to position yourself for six-figure offers
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s dive in.

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Why Oil and Gas Jobs Still Pay So Much

Before exploring specific roles, you need to understand why salaries remain high.

The oil and gas industry offers premium compensation because:

• Projects involve high capital investment
• Work often occurs in remote or offshore locations
• Roles demand advanced technical expertise
• Safety and compliance standards are strict
• Companies compete globally for skilled talent

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm), petroleum-related engineering roles consistently rank among the highest-paid engineering careers.

Major global employers include:

• ExxonMobil
• Shell
• Chevron
• BP
• Saudi Aramco
• TotalEnergies

Many of these companies hire international professionals.

Now let’s explore the top-paying roles.

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Petroleum Engineer Salary ($130,000 – $200,000+)

Why This Role Pays So Well

Petroleum engineers design methods to extract oil and gas efficiently and safely.

You optimize drilling techniques, improve reservoir performance, and increase production output.

High CPC keywords:
petroleum engineer salary, oil field engineer jobs, high paying engineering jobs abroad

Average Salary

• USA: $130,000 – $180,000
• Middle East: $150,000 – $220,000 (often tax-free)
• Offshore contracts: Even higher with bonuses

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Reservoir simulation skills
• Software expertise (Petrel, Eclipse, CMG)
• Strong math and physics foundation

Countries Hiring Foreign Petroleum Engineers

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Canada
• Norway
• Australia

You can explore global roles on:

• https://www.rigzone.com
• https://www.oilandgasjobsearch.com

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Offshore Drilling Supervisor ($120,000 – $250,000)

If you want extremely high pay, offshore drilling is one of the most lucrative fields.

High CPC keywords:
offshore oil rig jobs salary, drilling supervisor salary, oil rig jobs abroad

What You Do

• Supervise drilling operations
• Ensure safety compliance
• Manage drilling crew
• Coordinate with engineers and geologists

Why Salaries Are So High

• Rotational work (28/28 schedule common)
• Hazard pay
• Remote offshore conditions
• Operational risk responsibility

Salary Breakdown

Position	Average Annual Salary	Location
Offshore Drilling Supervisor	$150,000	Gulf of Mexico
Senior Offshore Supervisor	$200,000+	Middle East
Offshore Toolpusher	$180,000	North Sea

Many offshore roles are contract-based with generous allowances.

You’ll need:

• 10+ years drilling experience
• IWCF certification (https://www.iwcf.org)
• Offshore survival training (BOSIET)

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LNG Project Manager ($140,000 – $230,000)

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is booming globally.

High CPC keywords:
LNG project manager salary, energy project management jobs, natural gas industry jobs

What You Do

• Oversee multi-billion-dollar LNG facilities
• Manage budgets and timelines
• Coordinate global teams
• Ensure regulatory compliance

Why This Role Is in Demand

• LNG exports are increasing
• Asia and Europe rely heavily on natural gas
• Energy transition increases LNG investments

Countries with active LNG projects:

• Qatar
• Australia
• USA
• Canada
• Mozambique

Certifications that increase your salary:

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• MBA (Energy Management)
• OSHA Safety Certifications

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Oil and Gas Operations Manager ($120,000 – $190,000)

If you prefer leadership roles, operations management offers strong compensation.

High CPC keywords:
oil and gas operations manager salary, energy operations management jobs, high paying management jobs abroad

Responsibilities

• Oversee production facilities
• Manage workforce
• Control operational budgets
• Improve efficiency

You’ll need:

• 8–15 years experience
• Leadership skills
• Process optimization expertise

Companies actively recruit foreign operations managers in:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Kazakhstan
• Canada

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Subsea Engineer ($130,000 – $210,000)

Subsea engineering is one of the most specialized and profitable areas.

High CPC keywords:
subsea engineer salary, offshore engineering jobs, deepwater oil and gas careers

What You Do

• Design underwater production systems
• Install subsea pipelines
• Maintain deepwater infrastructure

Because deepwater projects are complex and high-risk, salaries are premium.

Major deepwater regions:

• North Sea
• Brazil
• Gulf of Mexico
• West Africa

Certifications:

• Offshore survival training
• Engineering degree
• ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) familiarity

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Reservoir Engineer ($125,000 – $190,000)

Reservoir engineers analyze underground reservoirs to maximize oil recovery.

High CPC keywords:
reservoir engineer salary, oil field data analysis jobs, energy engineering careers

Core Skills

• Reservoir modeling
• Data analytics
• Pressure testing
• Production forecasting

Advanced data and simulation skills can push compensation above $180,000 annually.

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Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager ($120,000 – $170,000)

Safety compliance is critical in oil and gas.

High CPC keywords:
oil and gas safety jobs, HSE manager salary, occupational health and safety jobs abroad

Why This Role Is Important

• Prevent accidents
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Conduct safety audits
• Train workers

Countries with strict regulations often pay higher:

• Norway
• Canada
• Australia

Certifications:

• NEBOSH International Diploma
• OSHA certification

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How Foreign Applicants Can Get Hired

This is where most professionals struggle.

You need strategy.

Step 1: Optimize Your Resume for Energy Jobs

• Highlight technical certifications
• Emphasize measurable achievements
• Include offshore experience
• Use keywords like:
  • “oil field operations”
  • “production optimization”
  • “energy infrastructure”

Step 2: Apply on Global Energy Job Boards

Top platforms:

• https://www.rigzone.com
• https://www.oilandgasjobsearch.com
• https://www.indeed.com
• https://www.glassdoor.com

Search using high-paying keywords like:

• “offshore drilling supervisor jobs”
• “petroleum engineer overseas”
• “LNG project manager international”

Step 3: Target Countries With Skilled Worker Visas

Countries offering work visas for oil and gas professionals:

• Canada (Express Entry Program – https://www.canada.ca)
• Australia Skilled Migration – https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• UK Skilled Worker Visa – https://www.gov.uk

Middle Eastern countries often sponsor work visas directly through employers.

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Best Countries for $120K+ Oil and Gas Jobs

Here’s a comparison:

Country	Salary Range	Tax Situation	Foreign Worker Friendly
Saudi Arabia	$150K – $250K	Tax-free	Yes
UAE	$130K – $220K	Tax-free	Yes
USA	$120K – $200K	Taxable	Yes
Canada	$120K – $180K	Taxable	Yes
Norway	$140K – $210K	High tax	Yes

Middle Eastern roles often offer:

• Housing allowance
• School allowance
• Transportation
• Annual flight tickets

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Certifications That Boost Your Salary Fast

If you want to move from $80K to $150K+, certifications matter.

Consider:

• PMP Certification
• IWCF Well Control
• NEBOSH Diploma
• API Certifications
• Six Sigma (for operations roles)

These certifications can dramatically increase your energy sector salary.

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Is Oil and Gas Still a Good Career in 2026?

Yes — if you position yourself correctly.

Even with renewable energy growth, oil and gas remains essential for:

• Transportation
• Petrochemicals
• Aviation fuel
• LNG exports
• Industrial manufacturing

The International Energy Agency (https://www.iea.org) continues to report sustained global oil and gas demand, particularly in developing economies.

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Action Plan to Land a $120,000+ Oil and Gas Job

Follow this roadmap:

1. Choose your specialization
2. Get required certifications
3. Gain 5–10 years relevant experience
4. Apply internationally
5. Network with recruiters
6. Prepare for technical interviews
7. Negotiate compensation aggressively

You must treat this like a business decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can foreigners really earn $120,000+ in oil and gas?

Yes. Many Middle Eastern and offshore contracts specifically recruit foreign experts.

2. Do I need a master’s degree?

Not always. Experience and certifications often matter more.

3. Are offshore jobs dangerous?

They carry risk, but companies enforce strict safety standards.

4. How long does it take to reach six figures?

Typically 5–10 years, depending on specialization.

5. Are oil and gas jobs stable?

They fluctuate with oil prices, but skilled professionals remain in demand.

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Final Thoughts: Is This Career Path Right for You?

If you want:

• High income
• International mobility
• Technical challenge
• Leadership opportunities

Then oil and gas may be your path to a six-figure salary.

But success requires:

• Strategy
• Certification
• Experience
• Global mindset

If you position yourself properly, a $120,000+ oil and gas job abroad is absolutely achievable.

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