The oil and gas industry is one of the highest-paying sectors globally, and Norway stands out as a lucrative destination for skilled professionals seeking international opportunities. With its rich oil reserves in the North Sea and its commitment to technological innovation, Norway continues to attract top talent from around the world. For foreign workers, the appeal is not just the competitive salaries—often exceeding $100,000 per year—but also the availability of visa sponsorship, excellent working conditions, and a high quality of life.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to securing $100,000 oil and gas jobs in Norway with visa sponsorship, including details about the industry, in-demand roles, qualifications, application processes, and lifestyle considerations. This is an in-depth resource designed to help professionals achieve their career goals in one of the world’s leading energy markets.
Why Choose Norway for Oil and Gas Jobs
1. A Global Oil and Gas Hub
Norway is the largest oil and gas producer in Europe and one of the top ten exporters of petroleum globally. The country’s petroleum sector accounts for a significant portion of its GDP and exports. Major offshore fields like Johan Sverdrup and Troll continue to produce millions of barrels of oil equivalent every year, ensuring stable employment and career growth.
2. High Salaries and Competitive Benefits
The oil and gas industry in Norway is known for paying well above the global average. Skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and offshore workers, can earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, with senior roles commanding even higher salaries. Benefits often include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and housing allowances.
3. Visa Sponsorship and Work Permits
Norwegian employers often provide visa sponsorship for highly skilled international workers, especially when there is a shortage of local talent. This makes Norway one of the top destinations for professionals looking to relocate while receiving full support in terms of legal work documentation.
4. High Quality of Life
Norway consistently ranks among the world’s top countries for quality of life, thanks to its excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. It also offers breathtaking natural landscapes, making it ideal for individuals who value work-life balance.
Salary Expectations for Oil and Gas Jobs in Norway
Oil and gas professionals in Norway enjoy some of the highest salaries in Europe. Here is an overview of salary ranges for common positions:
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Offshore Drilling Engineer: $100,000 – $130,000 per year
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Petroleum Engineer: $95,000 – $120,000 per year
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Project Manager (Oil and Gas): $110,000 – $140,000 per year
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Geoscientist: $90,000 – $115,000 per year
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Process Engineer: $85,000 – $110,000 per year
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Mechanical Engineer: $80,000 – $105,000 per year
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Subsea Engineer: $100,000 – $125,000 per year
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Rig Supervisor: $95,000 – $120,000 per year
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Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager: $90,000 – $115,000 per year
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Technician (Offshore Platforms): $70,000 – $95,000 per year
These salaries often include bonuses for offshore work, hazard pay, and allowances for working in remote locations.
Top Oil and Gas Companies in Norway
If you are aiming to secure a $100,000 oil and gas job in Norway, it is crucial to know the leading companies that frequently hire international talent. Some of the top employers include:
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Equinor ASA – Formerly known as Statoil, Equinor is Norway’s largest oil and gas company, operating both offshore and onshore facilities.
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Aker Solutions – A major engineering and industrial company that provides services to oilfield projects globally.
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Kvaerner – Specializes in offshore oil platforms and subsea technology.
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Vår Energi – One of the largest exploration and production companies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
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Subsea 7 – Known for offshore engineering and subsea construction services.
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TechnipFMC – Provides subsea, onshore, and offshore energy projects.
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Halliburton – A global oilfield service provider with operations in Norway.
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Baker Hughes – Specializes in oilfield equipment and services.
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Schlumberger – A global leader in oilfield services, with strong operations in Norway.
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Odfjell Drilling – A leading offshore drilling contractor.
These companies often provide visa sponsorship for skilled foreign employees when there is a demand for expertise that is not readily available locally.
Visa Sponsorship and Work Permit Process
For foreign nationals who wish to work in Norway, understanding the visa process is critical. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) handles work permits for international employees.
Types of Work Permits
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Skilled Worker Visa: For professionals with higher education or specialized qualifications.
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Seasonal Work Visa: Suitable for short-term or temporary work contracts.
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Job Seeker Visa: For those looking for employment in high-demand sectors, including oil and gas.
Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa
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A confirmed job offer from a Norwegian employer.
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A salary that meets the minimum wage requirements (oil and gas jobs typically exceed these).
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Relevant educational qualifications and experience.
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Proof of accommodation in Norway.
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Valid passport and documentation.
Employer-Sponsored Visa
Most oil and gas companies in Norway take care of the visa sponsorship process for their international hires, covering fees and assisting with the documentation.
How to Apply for $100,000 Oil and Gas Jobs in Norway
Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Experience
Oil and gas companies prioritize skilled workers with specialized expertise. Whether you are a drilling engineer, project manager, or subsea specialist, ensure your resume highlights your technical and offshore experience.
Step 2: Search for Job Openings
Use reputable job portals and company career pages to find openings. Popular job platforms include:
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Finn.no
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Nav.no
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Indeed Norway
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LinkedIn Jobs
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OilandGasJobSearch.com
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
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Write a professional CV that complies with European standards.
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Draft a personalized cover letter.
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Emphasize your certifications, such as offshore safety training (BOSIET) or specialized engineering credentials.
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Companies
Submit your application directly on company websites or through recruitment agencies that specialize in oil and gas placements.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Interviews for oil and gas roles often focus on technical knowledge, safety protocols, and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss your previous offshore experience and technical expertise.
In-Demand Skills for Oil and Gas Professionals
To qualify for top-paying oil and gas roles in Norway, certain skills are highly valued, including:
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Offshore safety and risk management.
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Expertise in drilling operations.
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Subsea and pipeline engineering.
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Advanced knowledge of petroleum production.
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Project management and leadership.
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Familiarity with modern oilfield technology and software.
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Strong knowledge of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards.
Living and Working in Norway
Cost of Living
While Norway is known for its high cost of living, the generous salaries offered by the oil and gas industry offset these expenses. The average monthly living cost for a single professional ranges between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on lifestyle and location.
Accommodation
Most companies provide housing allowances or subsidized accommodation for their employees, particularly for offshore roles where rotation schedules are common.
Work Culture
Norwegian work culture values professionalism, collaboration, and work-life balance. A standard workweek is 37.5 hours, and employees receive generous vacation allowances.
Taxation
Norway has a progressive tax system, but oil and gas workers benefit from tax deductions for offshore work and other allowances.
Tips for Securing Oil and Gas Jobs in Norway
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Obtain Relevant Certifications: Consider completing courses such as BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training).
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Learn Basic Norwegian: While English is widely spoken, learning some Norwegian can improve your chances of being hired.
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Build a Strong Professional Network: Use LinkedIn and attend oil and gas conferences to connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
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Work with International Recruiters: Recruitment agencies specializing in energy roles often assist with visa sponsorship and relocation.
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Tailor Your Resume for Each Application: Highlight offshore experience, safety compliance, and leadership skills.
Future of Oil and Gas in Norway
Norway is embracing both traditional oil and renewable energy projects, ensuring long-term opportunities for skilled workers. Investments in offshore wind and carbon capture projects are creating hybrid roles that combine oil, gas, and renewable energy expertise.
The demand for skilled workers in the petroleum sector is expected to remain strong, particularly for roles involving digital technology, automation, and environmentally friendly drilling techniques.
Conclusion
Norway’s oil and gas sector offers outstanding career opportunities for international professionals, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 per year and attractive benefits like visa sponsorship and relocation assistance. With the right qualifications, certifications, and strategy, you can secure a rewarding position in one of Europe’s most dynamic energy markets.
If you are a skilled engineer, technician, or project manager, now is the perfect time to explore these opportunities. Start by researching leading companies like Equinor, Aker Solutions, and Subsea 7, prepare a competitive resume, and apply through official job portals.