Overview of Oil Field & Mining Jobs in Kuwait
Kuwait remains one of the world’s top oil-producing countries, home to massive petroleum reserves and a strong mining support sector. From the legendary Burgan oil field to offshore exploration blocks, the country’s energy expansion under the Kuwait Vision 2035 plan is creating thousands of new job opportunities for technicians, rig operators, mechanics, drillers, welders, electricians, and engineers.
Most oil field roles are operated under major state and private organizations like Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), and global service giants such as Halliburton, Schlumberger (SLB), and Baker Hughes. These companies offer **tax-free high salaries**, free housing, overtime, and career advancement into supervisory or offshore positions.
Top Oil Field and Mining Job Roles (2025)
- Drilling Rig Operator: Operate and maintain drilling machinery, control levers, monitor gauges, and ensure safety protocols.
- Assistant Driller / Floorhand: Support drilling operations, handle pipes, maintain drill floor equipment, and assist with rig-up and rig-down.
- Roustabout / Roughneck: Carry out manual labor tasks on drilling sites, including cleaning, maintenance, and equipment handling.
- Mechanical Technician: Oversee repair and servicing of pumps, compressors, cranes, and rotating equipment.
- Electrical Technician: Manage generator systems, switchboards, cable layouts, and lighting systems on rigs and plants.
- Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Technician: Calibrate and maintain pressure, flow, and temperature instruments for drilling accuracy.
- HSE / Safety Officer: Ensure compliance with OSHA, ISO, and KOC safety standards, supervise safety drills and audits.
- Production Operator: Control wellheads, monitor pressure readings, and ensure safe oil flow from wells.
- Mining Engineer: Manage quarry and mineral extraction operations, geotechnical supervision, and material logistics.
- Welding / Fabrication Specialist: Structural fabrication, pipeline welding, and maintenance of rig supports.
- Geologist / Mud Logging Engineer: Analyze rock samples, interpret data, and coordinate drilling parameters.
Eligibility, Skills & Certifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Diploma / ITI (technicians), B.Tech/BSc (engineering & geology), HSE diploma for safety roles |
| Experience | 0–3 years for roustabout, 3–7 years for technician, 7+ years for engineer / rig supervisor |
| Certifications | NEBOSH / OSHA / IWCF / IADC / API / Rig Pass / H2S certification preferred |
| Technical Skills | Drilling machinery, pumps, compressors, DCS systems, rig hydraulics, PLC controls, welding & fabrication |
| Soft Skills | Teamwork, shift adaptability, safety-first mindset, physical fitness |
| Documents Required | Passport, work visa, education & experience certificates, H2S training proof |
Salary Table & Pay Chart (KWD)
Below are average **monthly salaries in Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD)** for 2025 oil field and mining positions. Actual pay varies based on experience, shift type, and offshore allowance.
| Role | Monthly Salary (KWD) | Benefits | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roustabout / Floorhand | 400 – 600 | Housing, Food, Overtime | Entry-level, physical work |
| Drilling Operator / Derrickman | 600 – 900 | Free transport + OT | Skilled handling & rig ops |
| Mechanical Technician | 700 – 950 | Tool allowance + Housing | High demand in refineries |
| Electrical Technician | 700 – 950 | Shift + PPE + Transport | Certified electricians earn more |
| Instrumentation Technician | 750 – 1000 | Overtime + Bonus | Calibration & PLC roles |
| Production Operator | 800 – 1100 | Accommodation + OT | Plant-based role |
| Mining Technician | 650 – 900 | Meals + Insurance | Quarry and mineral extraction |
| Safety / HSE Officer | 800 – 1200 | Certifications bonus | NEBOSH-certified preferred |
| Rig Supervisor / Drilling Engineer | 1000 – 1600 | Company car + family visa | Senior operational leadership |
| Plant / Field Manager | 1800 – 2500 | Housing, family visa, bonus | Top-tier management |
KWD 400 ───────────── Entry Labour / Helper KWD 800 ───────────── Technician / Operator KWD 1300 ──────────── Supervisor / Safety Lead KWD 2500+ ─────────── Manager / Engineer / OIM
City-Wise Hiring in Kuwait
Ahmadi
The headquarters of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and home to the Burgan oil field. Majority of drilling, pipeline, and rig maintenance jobs are based here.
Kuwait City
Corporate and engineering offices for KNPC, Kuwait Petroleum International, and Schlumberger are located here, offering project, design, and planning roles.
Burgan & Wafra Fields
World’s second-largest sandstone oil field — constant need for field operators, safety officers, and mechanical technicians for rig operations.
Jahra & Abdali
Gas exploration, rig relocation, and mining site activities with service providers like Halliburton and Weatherford.
Shuaiba & Mina Al Ahmadi
Downstream refinery and plant positions — instrumentation, maintenance, EHS, and turnaround teams.
Top Employers & Official Career Links (Kuwait)
Apply only through these legitimate channels for authentic jobs and visa-safe recruitment:
| Organization | Industry Focus | Career Link |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) | Onshore drilling, production, maintenance | kockw.com |
| Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) | Refining & gas operations | knpc.com |
| Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) | Global petroleum marketing | kpi.com.kw |
| Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Co. (KIPIC) | Downstream & refinery projects | kipic.com.kw |
| Halliburton | Drilling & well services | careers.halliburton.com |
| Schlumberger (SLB) | Exploration & reservoir services | careers.slb.com |
| Baker Hughes | Oilfield & industrial services | bakerhughes.com/careers |
| Weatherford | Well intervention & drilling tools | weatherford.com/en/careers |
Where To Apply — Verified Job Portals
- LinkedIn — Oil Field Jobs Kuwait
- Bayt — Oilfield Kuwait
- GulfTalent — Oil Field Kuwait
- Indeed Kuwait — Oil & Gas Jobs
- NaukriGulf — Oil Field Kuwait
Career Growth Path
Helper → Roustabout → Driller Assistant → Rig Operator → Drilling Supervisor → Rig Manager / OIM Technician → Senior Technician → Field Engineer → Maintenance Lead → Operations Manager Safety Assistant → HSE Officer → Senior HSE → HSE Lead → QHSE Manager
Certifications that improve pay: IADC Well Control, IWCF Level 3–4, API RP maintenance courses, NEBOSH IGC, IOSH, Offshore BOSIET, and Rig Pass training.
Safety & Work Environment
- Work schedule: 12-hour rotational shifts, 6 weeks on / 2 weeks off offshore.
- PPE: coveralls, helmet, steel-toe boots, gloves, respirator, H2S monitors.
- Strict permit-to-work (PTW) and confined space rules enforced by KOC and KNPC.
- Free safety induction & medical checks before deployment.
- High focus on hazard reporting and toolbox talks before each shift.
Tips To Get Shortlisted Faster
- Highlight your certifications — NEBOSH, Rig Pass, or IWCF instantly attract recruiters.
- List equipment types you’ve handled (NOV rig, GE turbine, Baker pump, etc.).
- Include previous Gulf experience or offshore work permits.
- Keep all certificates scanned and ready for quick submission via company portals.
- Follow company LinkedIn pages and apply directly — never through unknown agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What Is the Average Salary in Kuwait Oil Field Jobs?
Average salaries range from KWD 400–600 for roustabouts and helpers to KWD 800–1200 for technicians and operators. Engineers and supervisors earn KWD 1500–2500+ monthly with allowances.
2) Are Housing and Transport Provided?
Yes, companies like KOC and KNPC provide free housing, meals, medical coverage, and site transport. Offshore workers receive rotation-based tickets and accommodation.
3) Can Freshers Apply?
Yes, freshers with ITI, diploma, or safety training can apply as helpers, roustabouts, or trainee technicians. After one year of site experience, you can promote to skilled technician levels.
4) Which Areas in Kuwait Have the Most Oil Field Jobs?
Ahmadi, Burgan, Wafra, Mina Al Ahmadi, and Shuaiba industrial zones are the top employment hubs for oil and mining companies.
5) What Are the Best Certifications to Increase Salary?
IWCF, NEBOSH, Rig Pass, IADC, API courses, and offshore safety programs like BOSIET and HUET are the best salary-boosting certifications in Kuwait’s energy sector.