The oil and gas sector in the United Kingdom remains a vital part of the economy, contributing significantly to energy production, employment, and technological innovation. Despite the global shift toward renewable energy sources, the industry continues to offer numerous high-paying opportunities, particularly for skilled professionals. Jobs in this field often come with competitive salaries, with many positions offering around £80,000 or more annually, depending on experience, location, and role specifics. What makes these opportunities even more appealing for international candidates is the availability of visa sponsorship through programs like the Skilled Worker visa.
Overview of the Oil and Gas Industry in the UK
The UK’s oil and gas industry has a rich history, primarily centered around the North Sea, where extraction activities have been ongoing since the 1960s. Today, it supports over 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly, with major hubs in Aberdeen, London, and various offshore locations. The sector encompasses upstream activities like exploration and drilling, midstream operations involving transportation and storage, and downstream processes such as refining and distribution. Recent years have seen a focus on sustainability, with companies investing in carbon capture technologies and transitioning to lower-emission practices to align with net-zero goals by 2050.
Economically, the industry generates billions in revenue and plays a crucial role in energy security. Major players include BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies, alongside numerous service providers and engineering firms. Employment in this sector is diverse, ranging from technical engineering roles to managerial positions, and it often requires specialized skills in areas like geology, mechanical engineering, and project management. The demand for talent remains strong, especially in offshore and subsea operations, where expertise in harsh environments is essential. With the UK’s commitment to energy transition, roles are evolving to include hybrid skills in renewables, but traditional oil and gas positions still dominate high-salary brackets.
High-Paying Positions Earning £80,000 or More
The UK oil and gas industry offers a range of lucrative roles that consistently pay £80,000 or more annually, driven by technical complexity, operational risk, and the need for specialized expertise. These positions span engineering, operations, project management, and geoscience disciplines. Salaries often include base pay plus bonuses, offshore allowances, and rotational premiums, pushing total compensation well above six figures for experienced professionals. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most prominent high-earning roles, their responsibilities, required qualifications, typical salary ranges, and career progression pathways.
Petroleum Engineer
Role Overview Petroleum engineers design and implement methods to extract oil and gas from underground reservoirs efficiently and safely. They analyze geological data, model reservoir behavior, and optimize production rates while minimizing environmental impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct reservoir simulations using software like Eclipse or Petrel
- Design well completion and stimulation programs
- Monitor production performance and recommend enhancements
- Collaborate with geoscientists and drilling teams
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
Salary Range £55,000 (entry with 2-3 years) to £100,000+ (senior or lead roles) Freelance consultants: £800–£1,500 per day
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status preferred
- 5+ years of field experience for senior roles
- Proficiency in reservoir modeling tools
Drilling Engineer
Role Overview Drilling engineers plan, design, and supervise the drilling of exploration and production wells, both onshore and offshore. They ensure operations are safe, cost-effective, and technically sound.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare drilling programs and well trajectories
- Select drilling fluids, bits, and casing designs
- Manage real-time drilling operations via remote operations centers
- Troubleshoot downhole problems (e.g., stuck pipe, lost circulation)
- Oversee contractor performance and cost control
Salary Range £70,000 (mid-level) to £120,000 (senior drilling engineer or drilling supervisor) Offshore rotations: £900–£1,200 per day
Qualifications
- Degree in Drilling, Mechanical, or Petroleum Engineering
- IWCF Well Control Certification (Level 4 preferred)
- 5–10 years of rig site or office-based drilling experience
- Familiarity with HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) wells
Subsea Engineer
Role Overview Subsea engineers design, install, and maintain underwater production systems, including manifolds, trees, pipelines, and control systems. Critical to deepwater and tie-back projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Design subsea hardware and umbilical systems
- Perform installation and intervention planning
- Conduct integrity assessments on aging subsea infrastructure
- Interface with ROV operations and diving teams
- Support flow assurance and hydrate prevention strategies
Salary Range £75,000 to £115,000 (staff) Contract rates: £650–£1,000 per day
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Subsea Engineering
- Experience with API 17D, ISO 13628 standards
- Familiarity with tools like OrcaFlex or Abaqus
- Offshore survival and medical certification (BOSIET, UKOOA)
Rig Manager / Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
Role Overview The Rig Manager or OIM holds ultimate responsibility for safety, operations, and personnel on an offshore platform or drilling rig. A leadership role requiring extensive experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all platform activities (drilling, production, maintenance)
- Enforce safety management systems (SMS)
- Manage emergency response and crisis situations
- Lead a multidisciplinary crew of 50–150 personnel
- Report to onshore management and regulatory bodies
Salary Range £110,000 to £160,000+ (including bonuses and allowances) 14/14 rotation: effective earnings exceed £200,000 annually for some
Qualifications
- 15+ years in offshore operations
- OIM certification under OPITO or equivalent
- Proven leadership in emergency scenarios
- Strong knowledge of UKCS regulations (e.g., SCR 2015)
Process Engineer (Refining & Gas Processing)
Role Overview Process engineers optimize refining, gas treatment, and LNG production processes to maximize efficiency, safety, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and simulate process units (distillation, cracking, amine treating)
- Perform HAZOP and SIL assessments
- Troubleshoot plant upsets and debottleneck units
- Support turnaround planning and execution
- Ensure compliance with emissions and product specifications
Salary Range £65,000 (mid-level) to £95,000 (lead process engineer) LNG specialists: £100,000+
Qualifications
- Degree in Chemical or Process Engineering
- Chartered status with IChemE
- Experience with Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, or UniSim
- Knowledge of PSA, cryogenic processes, or sulfur recovery
Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Visa sponsorship is a key pathway for international workers to join the UK’s oil and gas industry. Many employers in this sector are licensed sponsors under the Skilled Worker visa route, enabling them to hire global talent for roles where local skills are insufficient. Companies like Unity Well Integrity, LiveWest, and Morgan Sindall Property Services actively offer sponsorship for positions such as wellhead technicians, gas engineers, and supervisors.
The Skilled Worker visa allows stays up to five years, with options for extension and eventual indefinite leave to remain. Employers must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship detailing the job offer, which is essential for the application. This visa covers work in UK waters, making it ideal for offshore oil and gas roles. Opportunities are listed on various job boards and industry platforms where companies post sponsored positions in metering, process engineering, and more.
Eligibility and Requirements for Visa Sponsorship
To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, applicants must work for an approved UK employer, hold a valid job offer in an eligible occupation, and meet minimum salary thresholds. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, which includes many oil and gas roles like engineers and technicians. Minimum salary requirements vary but are designed to ensure fair pay; for high-skilled roles, this often aligns with £80,000 offerings.
Applicants need to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests, unless exempt. Personal savings proof, application fees, and a healthcare surcharge are also required. For oil and gas specifics, roles involving technical expertise in extraction or refining typically qualify, provided the employer is licensed.
Application Process
Applying for these jobs and visas involves several steps. First, identify sponsored positions through job boards or company websites. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience, such as engineering degrees or offshore certifications.
Once offered a job, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship. Apply online for the visa up to three months before your start date, submitting documents like passports, proof of English skills, and financial evidence. Decisions usually take three to eight weeks, with faster options available for a fee.
Upon approval, you can start work, with the visa allowing family members to join as dependents if eligible. Regular updates are needed if changing jobs or employers.
Benefits of Working in the UK Oil and Gas Sector
Working in this industry offers numerous advantages beyond salary. Professionals gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced drilling methods and digital monitoring systems. Career progression is rapid, with opportunities for international assignments and leadership roles.
The UK provides a high quality of life, with strong healthcare, education, and cultural amenities. Offshore workers enjoy rotational schedules that allow extended time off, balancing intense work periods. Additionally, the sector emphasizes safety training and professional development, enhancing long-term employability.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the rewards, challenges exist. Offshore work can be physically demanding and isolating, with harsh weather conditions in the North Sea. The industry’s shift to renewables may require upskilling. Visa processes can be bureaucratic, and competition for sponsored roles is high.
Economic fluctuations, like oil price volatility, impact job stability. Applicants should research thoroughly and consider relocation costs.
READ ALSO: £90,000 Tech and AI Jobs in the U.K. with Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Packages
FAQs
What qualifications are needed for £80,000 oil and gas jobs in the UK?
Most high-paying roles require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geosciences, or a related field, plus several years of experience. Certifications like BOSIET for offshore work are often essential.
How do I find companies offering visa sponsorship?
Look for licensed sponsors in the sector, such as major firms like BP or service providers. Job listings often specify sponsorship availability.
What is the average salary for petroleum engineers in the UK?
Experienced petroleum engineers earn between £55,000 and £100,000, with potential for higher in freelance or senior positions.
Can family members join me on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, partners and children under 18 can apply as dependents, provided you meet financial requirements.
How long does the visa application take?
Typically three weeks if applying from outside the UK, or eight weeks from inside, with priority services for faster processing.
Are there opportunities for entry-level roles with sponsorship?
While possible, sponsorship is more common for skilled positions. Entry-level applicants may need to build experience first.
What are the main locations for these jobs?
Aberdeen is the hub for North Sea operations, with roles also in London, Manchester, and offshore platforms.
Is English proficiency mandatory?
Yes, unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or have studied in English.
Can I switch jobs while on the visa?
Yes, but you must apply to update your visa with the new employer’s details.
Is healthcare covered for international workers?
Yes, through the Immigration Health Surcharge, you gain access to the National Health Service (NHS).
Can I bring pets to the UK on a work visa?
Yes, but strict pet relocation rules apply, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and approved transport.
Are bonuses common in oil and gas jobs?
Yes, performance, safety, and project completion bonuses are standard, especially offshore.
Can I study part-time while working?
Yes, the Skilled Worker visa allows part-time study, though work remains the primary purpose.
What industries hire oil and gas engineers during transition?
Carbon capture, hydrogen production, geothermal energy, and wind farm installation increasingly recruit from oil and gas talent pools.
Is remote work possible in this sector?
Some planning, design, and data analysis roles allow hybrid or remote work, but operational roles require on-site presence.
How safe is offshore work?
Safety is a top priority. Rigorous training, regular drills, and strict regulations ensure high safety standards.
What is the demand like for subsea engineers?
High demand exists due to deepwater projects and maintenance of aging infrastructure.
Do I need a UK bank account to get paid?
Yes, most employers require a UK bank account for salary payments.
Are trade qualifications accepted for sponsorship?
Yes, vocational qualifications at Level 3 or above in relevant trades can qualify if paired with experience.
Can I apply for citizenship after the visa?
After obtaining indefinite leave to remain (usually after five years), you can apply for British citizenship after one more year.
What is the role of a mud engineer?
A mud engineer manages drilling fluids to ensure safe and efficient drilling; salaries often exceed £80,000 with experience.