Australia has one of the largest and most profitable oil and gas industries in the world. With a thriving energy sector, the country is home to massive offshore and onshore oil and gas projects, attracting multinational companies and skilled professionals worldwide.
The industry provides thousands of high-paying jobs, and many companies offer free visa sponsorship to qualified foreign workers.
If you’re searching for oil and gas jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2025, this article provides everything you need to know—including the highest-paying roles, how to apply, visa options, and the best cities for work.
Why Consider Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia?
The Australian oil and gas industry is a key driver of the nation’s economy. Here are some reasons why it’s a top destination for skilled workers:
✅ High Salaries
Oil and gas jobs in Australia pay well, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $200,000 per year, depending on experience and expertise.
✅ Visa Sponsorship Available
Many companies are actively recruiting foreign workers and sponsoring their work visas due to labor shortages in the energy sector.
✅ Opportunities for Career Growth
The industry offers extensive training, professional development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
✅ Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) Schedules
Many roles operate on FIFO schedules, allowing workers to spend weeks off work while still earning a high income.
✅ Global Recognition
Working in Australia’s oil and gas sector boosts your resume, opening doors to opportunities in Canada, the Middle East, and the United States.
High-Paying Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia for Foreigners
The oil and gas sector offers diverse job roles that require various skill levels, from engineering to field operations. Below are the most in-demand jobs with estimated salaries and required skills.
1. Petroleum Engineers
💰 Salary: $100,000 – $180,000 per year
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods to extract oil and gas from underground reserves efficiently. They play a crucial role in maximizing production and ensuring safe drilling operations.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Strong understanding of drilling and reservoir engineering
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Experience with seismic data analysis
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Familiarity with oil extraction software like Petrel and Eclipse
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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Woodside Energy
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Santos Limited
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Chevron Australia
2. Drilling Engineers
💰 Salary: $90,000 – $170,000 per year
Drilling engineers oversee drilling operations and ensure efficiency and safety in exploration projects.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Knowledge of offshore and onshore drilling techniques
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Risk assessment and safety procedures
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Strong leadership and project management skills
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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Shell Australia
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BP Australia
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Schlumberger
3. Offshore Rig Workers (Roughnecks & Roustabouts)
💰 Salary: $70,000 – $130,000 per year
Offshore rig workers assist in drilling operations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety on oil rigs.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Physical fitness and endurance
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Mechanical skills and experience with heavy machinery
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Knowledge of safety protocols and emergency response
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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Transocean
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Halliburton
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Weatherford
4. Geologists and Geophysicists
💰 Salary: $85,000 – $160,000 per year
These professionals analyze rock formations to identify potential oil and gas reserves.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Proficiency in GIS mapping and 3D modeling
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
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Experience in seismic data interpretation
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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ExxonMobil
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Beach Energy
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Origin Energy
5. Pipeline Engineers
💰 Salary: $80,000 – $140,000 per year
Pipeline engineers design, install, and maintain oil and gas transportation infrastructure.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Strong knowledge of pipeline integrity
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Expertise in welding and materials science
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Understanding of environmental safety regulations
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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APA Group
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Jemena
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Saipem
6. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Officers
💰 Salary: $75,000 – $120,000 per year
HSE officers enforce safety regulations to ensure compliance with Australian workplace laws.
🔹 Skills Required:
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Occupational health and safety certifications
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Knowledge of risk assessment strategies
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Strong communication and leadership skills
🔹 Companies Hiring:
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Origin Energy
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BHP
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Chevron
How to Apply for Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia with Free Visa Sponsorship
1. Identify the Right Visa for Your Job
To work legally in Australia, you need a valid work visa. Here are the most common options:
✅ TSS Visa (Subclass 482): Allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for up to four years.
✅ Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A points-based visa for workers with in-demand skills.
✅ Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): A permanent residency pathway for skilled workers.
2. Prepare an ATS-Friendly Resume and Cover Letter
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Highlight your technical skills and industry certifications
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Use keywords from job descriptions to optimize your application
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List your experience in offshore, drilling, or pipeline projects
3. Apply on Top Australian Job Portals
To increase your chances of landing a job, use these platforms:
🌐 Seek Australia – www.seek.com.au
🌐 Indeed Australia – www.indeed.com.au
🌐 LinkedIn Jobs – www.linkedin.com/jobs
🌐 Australian Government Job Bank – www.jobsearch.gov.au
4. Network with Oil and Gas Professionals
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Join LinkedIn groups for Australian oil and gas workers
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Attend career fairs and industry networking events
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Connect with recruiters specializing in energy sector jobs
5. Prepare for Interviews
Expect technical and behavioral interview questions on:
✔️ Equipment handling and maintenance
✔️ Emergency response procedures
✔️ Project management and teamwork
Best Cities for Oil and Gas Jobs in Australia with Free Visa Sponsorship 2025
🏙️ Perth – Home to major oil and gas companies and offshore projects
🏙️ Brisbane – Expanding LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) sector
🏙️ Darwin – Hub for new and ongoing gas extraction projects
🏙️ Adelaide – Growing demand for energy industry workers
People also read: Work-from-Home Jobs in the USA That Pay $100K+ Annually
Australia’s oil and gas sector offers high-paying jobs with free visa sponsorship for skilled workers in 2025.
With ongoing investments in energy infrastructure and increasing demand for qualified professionals, this is the perfect time to apply for opportunities in offshore drilling, engineering, safety, and field operations.
If you’re serious about starting a career in the oil and gas industry in Australia, follow the steps outlined in this guide, apply through top job portals, and secure a work visa with sponsorship.
🚀 Start your application today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Australia!
