Employ
RecruitAverage Salary in Oman
- 5 ★ on G2
Oman may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of outsourcing, but its strategic location and skilled labor force have established it as an emerging source for remote partnerships. Employers considering alliances in the area may wonder, “What is the average salary in Oman?” This information will help them make a competitive offer.
The average monthly salary in Oman is 1800 Omani Rial (OMR), about USD 4675. However, salaries vary by experience, education, position, industry, and location. You must also consider how wages in the country compare to earnings worldwide.
This guide will explore various aspects of Omani salaries to provide extensive insight.
What is the Average Salary in Oman?
The average salary in Oman is 1800 OMR, about $4675. The country’s high wages are due to a high cost of living and a dominant public sector. The oil-based economy also drives higher salaries.
Median Income
Omani’s median monthly income is 1500 OMR, about $3896. While still high, when you compare average vs median salary, average salaries are much higher, likely due to wage inequality in the country.
Salary Range
The salary range spans from the country’s lowest to the highest wages. In Oman, low earners make about 800 OMR, about $2077, while high earners make closer to 3000 OMR, about $7792.
Wage Growth Trends in Oman
Oman has an interesting labor market because it’s one of those rare countries where public sector wages far surpass those of the private sector. According to a labor market analysis of the Omani labor market by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), public sector wages are easily twice that of the private sector, when bonuses and other benefits are taken into account.
Generally, wages are trending upwards due to the protections for workers that the government has put in place. According to the Oman Observer, private sector workers are entitled to a 3% increase on their base salary, starting January 1st each year. It’s a system that protects workers against the cost-of-living crisis over time.
Currently, Oman’s economy is experiencing modest overall growth, with a projected 2025 GDP growth projection of 2.3% and relatively low inflation of 1.5%. The IMF also found that median salaries currently sit at OMR 1,500 per month, with the average overall income sitting at OMR 1,800 per month, which works out to around $4,675.
Traditionally, Oman aims to guarantee regular annual wage increases, albeit at a steadier rate, compared to its neighbors, such as Saudi Arabia. Estimates for 2025 wage increases, divided by sector, include:
| Sector | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| IT | 4.5% |
| Logistics | 4% |
| Healthcare | 3.8% |
| Public Sector | 3% |
| Private Sector | 3% |
Note that none of these expected increases account for any bonuses an employer may choose to reward their workers with. Businesses are also entitled to increase employee salaries above the base expectation. However, since Omani nationals tend to earn more than expats, the country doesn’t have the same reliance on attractive salary and bonus packages that employers in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do.
In fact, 2025 saw Oman take the drastic step of actively capping the number of expatriate work visas, with the aim of ensuring the number of expatriates in the workforce doesn’t exceed 33% of the number of Omani nationals in the workforce. It’s decided to offset this limit by forcing a one-time increase of 60% in the private sector minimum wage this year.
Overall, although Oman is seeing substantial changes in the labor market, its economy and inflation remain stable, and that should continue to drive the consistent trend of modest but steady annual wage increases for the rest of the decade.
Salary Comparison by Profession
Average wages provide some insight, but salaries vary according to profession, education, location, experience, and industry. This section will explore how those factors impact wages to provide a more profound comprehension.
| Profession | Average Monthly Wages (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | 5,191 |
| IT Director | 4,946 |
| Call Center Director | 4,463 |
| Head of Product Development | 3,746 |
| Financial Manager | 3,727 |
| IT Architect | 3,622 |
| Marketing Director | 3,535 |
| Lead Developer | 3,527 |
| Sales Director | 3,445 |
| IT Manager | 3,369 |
| Packer | 900 |
| Financial Cashier | 889 |
| Clothing Technologist | 888 |
| Seamstress | 850 |
| Porter | 821 |
| Medical Records Clerk | 818 |
| Tailor | 799 |
| Social Counselor | 783 |
| Nursery School Teacher Assistant | 690 |
Average Wage in Oman by Education
Education plays a significant factor in Omani wage determination. College graduates earn about 38% more than those with only a high school diploma, and university graduates earn about 33% more than those with a college education.
Although the country values education, it currently focuses on extending STEM curriculum in schools to support a more skills-based workforce. Workers with these skills are in demand and could earn higher salaries than those skilled in other industries.
Salary Comparison by Experience
Experience also impacts salaries, as experienced workers earn more than entry-level workers, and employees become eligible for raises with tenure in their industries. This system is enforced in Oman, where the Royal Decree mandates a 3% increase in wages of workers in the private sector on Jan. 1 of each year, provided the worker has been with the company for at least six months and has a satisfactory employment record.
Salary Comparison by Location
Location is another factor to consider in wage determination. Workers in the capital and largest city of Muscat tend to earn more than those in rural areas due to a higher cost of living and proximity to large companies offering more high-paying job opportunities. Qurum and Saiq are other important commercial and political centers offering lucrative incomes.
How Much is Minimum Wage in Oman?
The minimum salary in Oman is 325 OMR, about 844 USD. This includes a 225 OMR wage and a 100 OMR daily allowance meant to cover housing and transportation expenses. The wage has not changed since 2013, but there is talk of an increase.
Gender Pay Gap in Oman
Officially, there is no possibility of gender-based wage discrimination in Oman because there are laws in place stating that men and women must receive equal pay for equal work. This is outlined in both Oman’s Basic Law and Labour Law. Additionally, the country has firm protections against discrimination for women who are pregnant or on maternity leave.
In reality, there’s a large gender pay gap, but Oman itself doesn’t have a specific department focusing on any form of gender inequality in the workplace. Instead, we must rely on global benchmarks and investigations by international organizations to get a sense of how wide the gap is.
According to a United Nations (UN) analysis, female participation in the workforce continues to fall below the average among Indian Ocean Rim countries, with just 31% of women participating in the workforce in 2020. It’s a statistic that has barely moved with time, with 2015 seeing 29% of women in the workforce.
Unfortunately, while legal parity officially exists, low female participation in the workforce would indicate that disparities continue to exist when it comes to the gender pay gap. An Atlantic Council report in 2022 indicated that the region as a whole is making glacial progress on closing the gap. According to its report, experts predicted that it would take 142.2 years to close the gender pay gap without radical action.
And there’s no reason to assume that Oman is out of step with this trend. However, the brand-new Omanization policy creates opportunities as more female labor participation will be required to replace foreign workers with nationals. Men alone are unlikely to fill these positions, meaning the gender pay gap could close somewhat in the years to come.
Much of the success of this policy in this respect will depend on how equal pay for equal work laws are enforced, not just within government institutions but in the private sector.
Cost of Living and Purchasing Power in Oman
Oman’s inflation remains exceptionally low by global standards. In the first five months of 2025, the government reported a mere 0.81% year-on-year increase in the inflation rate. None of this is by luck.
Food, housing, and fuel have remained stable because of regular government intervention within the economy, which is stopping the type of price spikes seen in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Unlike other countries, Oman also publishes provincial inflation data to drill down further into the figures. Back in March 2025, the Omani Government reported that the province of Interior & Musandam rose by 1.4%, South Sharqiyah rose by 0.9%, and Dhofar and Muscat saw an increase in inflation of 0.6%.
So, what impact has this had on the cost of living? Generally, Oman has long been the most budget-friendly country in the GCC, despite the strength of the currency. Whereas other GCC countries have seen prices spike, Oman’s government has regularly intervened to prevent the same cost-of-living pressures.
According to a Digit Insurance analysis, here’s what living in the Omani capital of Muscat could cost in Omani Riyals for a single person every month:
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 280 – 500 |
| Food (per meal) | 5 |
| Transportation | 22 |
| Utilities | 50 – 86 |
These figures don’t account for personal expenses, entertainment, or any other optional expenses. Although Muscat remains the most expensive place to live, prices are comparable in the Sultanate’s other major cities, including Salalah and Nizwa.
But what does the purchasing power of an Omani household look like? The GDP per capita in Oman was last recorded as $36,654 USD in 2024, with adjustments for purchasing power parity (PPP). If we compare this figure to the rest of the world, Oman’s GDP per capita is 206% of the world’s average, reflecting its stable economy and the strength of its currency.
Average Salary in Oman vs. the Rest of the World
The following chart provides deeper insight by comparing Omani wages to salaries in developed, developing, and undeveloped countries.
Oman vs. Developed Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Oman Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | €3,000 (approx. $3,116) | 51% |
| United States | $5,677 | 121% |
| Norway | 50,790 NOK (approx. $4,700) | 0% |
| Germany | €4,300 (approx. $4,467) | 4% |
| Austria | €3,500 (approx. $3,636) | 30% |
Oman vs. Developing Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Oman Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 4,000 RON (approx. $835) | – 459% |
| Russia | 73,709 RUB (approx. $700) | – 571% |
| Albania | €1,500 (approx. $1,550) | – 203% |
| Kazakhstan | 342,082 KZT (approx. $645) | – 623% |
| Ukraine | 18,000 UAH (approx. $500) | – 840% |
Oman vs. Undeveloped Countries
| Country | Average Salary | Comparison to Average Oman Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 97,500 Baht (approx. $2,772) | – 67% |
| Philippines | 18,423 PHP (approx. $875) | – 434% |
| Vietnam | 8.5 million VND (approx. $360) | – 1,205% |
| Egypt | 13,244 EGP (approx. $263) | – 1,707% |
| Pakistan | 45,000 PKR (approx. $150) | – 3,033% |
Although Oman is a high-income country focusing on economic diversification, it is not yet considered a developed country. Its economy relies heavily on gas and oil, but it actively diversifies through tourist and gas-based initiatives to attract foreign investors. It is leveraging its cultural heritage, scenic coastline, and ecotourism to attract tourists and boost the economy.
Oman is emerging as an attractive outsourcing destination due to its political stability and low tax rates. Although salaries are high, the country could bring cost-effective labor to some Western markets. It also offers a skilled workforce proficient in English and Arabic.
What are the Most Common Outsourced Industries in Oman?
Employers seeking remote partnerships in Oman will benefit most when focusing on the following industries.
IT Services
Oman actively focuses on expanding its IT industry with initiatives like the National Broadband Strategy, which promotes digital transformation. The growth of e-commerce increased the demand for IT infrastructure in the area, and the government is heeding the call with the rapid adoption of cloud computing and data centers. It actively seeks investments from major tech firms through incentives and a business-friendly environment.
Engineering
The country’s engineering industry is thriving, and its expertise is in the civil, mechanical, electrical, and petroleum industries. The Oman 2040 initiative emphasizes learning and education, aiming to attract more workers to the engineering spectrum. Oman’s talented and adaptable workforce has made it an emerging destination for IT and engineering roles.
Gas and Oil
Gas and oil are significant components of Oman’s economy, making it a prime outsourcing destination. In addition to being a major exporter, it also offers adjacent services like back office processes, IT, accounting, and engineering tasks. The country produces around 1 million barrels of crude oil daily, and its natural gas production is increasing.
Conclusion
Omar’s strategic location, skilled labor force, and business-friendly environment have established it as a convenient outsourcing destination. Although the average salary in Oman is relatively high, it could be a cost-effective solution in some Western countries. It also offers exceptional products, services, and resources that could set some organizations apart.
Hire Globally. Stay Compliant.
- Hire in 150+ countries
- EOR from $199/mo
- In-house recruiters
- Humans, not chatbots
Switching from another EOR? We handle the migration for free.