The United Kingdom’s oil and gas sector has long been a fundamental pillar of the nation’s economy, especially in the North Sea region. As the energy industry shifts and adapts to new challenges and technologies, there are abundant opportunities for individuals looking to make their mark. For professionals eyeing the UK as a career destination, the oil and gas industry not only provides competitive wages but also offers the added bonus of visa support, making it an attractive option for global talent.

This article will walk you through the thriving job market in the UK’s oil and gas sector for 2024 and 2025. We’ll delve into the top companies offering visa sponsorship, highlight the roles that are in demand, discuss potential salary packages, and outline the application process. Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, or environmental specialist, this guide will help you navigate your path to a successful career in the UK.

Leading Companies Hiring Talent with Visa Sponsorship in 2024/2025

Several prominent companies in the UK’s oil and gas sector are actively recruiting international professionals and providing visa sponsorship to attract the right talent. Below is a list of some key players:

• BP (British Petroleum): A global giant in the energy sector, BP has a well-established presence in the UK. Known for its emphasis on sustainability and forward-thinking projects, BP is an ideal choice for professionals passionate about contributing to the energy transition. BP regularly recruits engineers, IT professionals, finance experts, and environmental scientists and offers visa sponsorship for eligible roles.
• Shell: With an extensive UK footprint, Shell operates across the entire energy value chain, from exploration to retail. As Shell focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, it is an exciting time to join the company for those keen on being part of the renewable energy transformation. Visa sponsorship is available for technical roles and other key positions.
• Chevron: Operating largely in the North Sea, Chevron is a major player in the UK’s oil and gas industry. From fieldwork to corporate roles, Chevron has something for everyone and is recognized for its commitment to safety and career development. Many roles, particularly those requiring specialized skills, come with visa sponsorship.
• TotalEnergies: A key name in both oil and renewable energy, TotalEnergies offers numerous opportunities for professionals seeking to drive the energy transition. The company offers roles in engineering, project management, and environmental sciences, with visa sponsorship being a regular offering for qualifying candidates.
• Equinor: This Norwegian energy leader, with significant UK operations, is a key player in offshore oil, gas, and wind power. Equinor is an ideal employer for professionals focused on sustainable practices and innovation. Visa sponsorship is provided for various roles, particularly in engineering, environmental science, and management.

If you’re looking to work in an environment where tradition meets innovation, these companies offer pathways to fulfilling and dynamic careers in both conventional oil and gas roles and newer energy sectors.

Key Roles in High Demand in the UK’s Oil and Gas Sector

As the sector evolves, there are numerous roles that employers are eager to fill, offering high levels of job security and competitive compensation. Below are some of the positions most sought after in 2024 and 2025:

• Petroleum Engineers: These professionals are pivotal in designing and implementing strategies to efficiently extract oil and gas from beneath the Earth’s surface. A degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, alongside experience in drilling and production, is typically required.
• Geologists and Geophysicists: Using cutting-edge technology to interpret underground data, these experts are essential in identifying potential oil and gas deposits. Most roles require a background in geology, geophysics, or earth sciences, and experience with relevant software tools.
• Drilling Supervisors: These professionals oversee drilling operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely. They play a key role in managing daily activities on drilling rigs and coordinating with other teams. A background in engineering or drilling technology, coupled with field experience, is often needed.
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officers: These officers ensure operations comply with all health, safety, and environmental standards. They conduct audits, design safety protocols, and train staff. Roles typically require experience in safety management, environmental science, or engineering, along with relevant certifications.
• Project Managers: Responsible for overseeing entire projects from start to finish, project managers ensure that objectives are met on time and within budget. This role often requires a degree in project management, engineering, or business, as well as substantial experience managing large-scale initiatives.

If you have the relevant experience, these roles provide ample opportunities to grow professionally while enjoying the perks of working in one of the UK’s most critical industries.

Expected Salary Packages in the Oil and Gas Sector

The UK oil and gas sector is known for offering competitive compensation, reflecting the high level of expertise required. Below is a guide to what you might expect to earn in some of the most in-demand roles:

• Petroleum Engineers: Depending on experience, petroleum engineers can expect salaries ranging between £50,000 and £100,000 annually. Senior professionals or those with specialized expertise in particular aspects of extraction and production may command even higher salaries.
• Geologists and Geophysicists: These roles typically offer annual salaries between £45,000 and £90,000. If you specialize in areas like seismic interpretation or reservoir management, your earning potential may increase, particularly in regions like the North Sea, where demand is high.
• Drilling Supervisors: Drilling supervisors, who are responsible for overseeing complex offshore and onshore operations, generally earn between £60,000 and £120,000 per year. Those working on offshore platforms often receive additional allowances, further boosting their earnings.
• HSE Officers: Health, Safety, and Environment officers in the oil and gas sector earn between £40,000 and £80,000 annually, depending on the scale of operations they oversee and their certifications. Officers with advanced certifications and experience in high-risk settings can expect to be at the higher end of this pay range.
• Project Managers: Salaries for project managers in the sector vary from £50,000 to £110,000 depending on the size, scope, and complexity of the projects they manage. Those handling larger projects, especially in offshore drilling, often receive performance bonuses, increasing their overall earnings.

In addition to these base salaries, many companies offer bonuses, health benefits, and retirement plans, making the oil and gas industry a lucrative career option for professionals from around the globe.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration: What You Need to Know

One of the major draws for international professionals looking to enter the UK oil and gas market is the availability of visa sponsorship. Here’s how the process works and what to expect when applying for jobs that offer sponsorship:

• Types of Visas Available: The most common visa for international workers is the Skilled Worker Visa, which allows companies to sponsor foreign professionals for roles that meet specific requirements. The job must be on the UK’s eligible occupations list, and the salary offered must meet a minimum threshold, which varies depending on the role. Other visa options include the Intra-Company Transfer Visa, which allows multinational corporations to move staff between countries, and the Global Talent Visa for individuals with specialized skills.
• Securing Visa Sponsorship: To get started, you’ll need a job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a valid sponsor license. Once a job offer is secured, the company will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is essential when applying for a visa. Alongside the CoS, you will need to submit proof of your identity, evidence of your qualifications, and English language proficiency. Some candidates may also need to show financial savings to support themselves in the UK if their employer does not provide this.
• Application Process and Timeline: Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your visa online through the UK government’s immigration portal. Processing times vary, but applications generally take about three weeks if submitted from outside the UK and up to eight weeks if applying from within the country. Delays can occur if additional information is needed or during peak application periods, so it is advisable to apply well before your intended start date.
• Top Companies Providing Visa Sponsorship: Major oil and gas companies like BP, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Equinor are known for their commitment to hiring international talent. These companies often provide detailed guidance on the visa process and offer assistance with relocation, making the transition smoother for employees coming from overseas.

Securing a role with visa sponsorship opens up a world of opportunity for professionals looking to expand their careers in the UK. Not only does it allow you to work legally, but many employers also provide extensive relocation support, including help with housing, travel, and even settling-in services.

Why Choose the UK for a Career in Oil and Gas?

The UK’s oil and gas sector has long been a key player in the global energy market, with the North Sea being a particularly important hub for both oil and gas production. In addition to offering high salaries and the chance to work with world-leading companies, the UK provides professionals with the opportunity to be part of an evolving energy landscape.

With companies increasingly shifting their focus toward sustainability and renewable energy, professionals in the oil and gas sector now have the chance to be at the forefront of this transformation. Whether you’re interested in offshore drilling, environmental management, or new energy technologies, the UK offers a dynamic and innovative environment for career growth.

Moreover, the process of moving to the UK for work has been streamlined thanks to visa sponsorship options, allowing qualified professionals from around the world to join the UK workforce with relative ease.

Conclusion

For professionals in the oil and gas industry, the UK offers an exciting blend of tradition and innovation, with opportunities to work in both conventional and renewable energy sectors. Companies are not only looking for skilled individuals but are also actively supporting international hires by offering visa sponsorship.

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career path in one of the world’s most critical energy markets, now is the time to explore the oil and gas job opportunities available in the UK for 2024 and 2025.