Oman: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Oman?

The job seekers rate among Omanis was 2.4% in August 2026, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The rate was 6.0% for women and 1.4% for men. For 2025 as a whole the rate was 3.1%.

NCSI measures job seekers among Omani nationals registered as seeking work, rather than the whole labour force, which is majority expatriate. Rates are higher for women and for younger people and vary by education level: the bulletin shows rates for each level from below secondary school to postgraduate degrees. The World Bank's modelled ILO estimate for all residents is a different measure and is not directly comparable.

Official sources: NCSI: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, September 2026 (PDF)

What is youth unemployment in Oman?

The job seekers rate for Omanis aged 15 to 24 was 14.0% in August 2026, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin for September 2026 published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). This compares with 2.4% for Omanis of all working ages in the same month.

The youth rate is higher partly because many young people are leaving education and looking for their first job. The measure covers Omani nationals only. NCSI publishes job seekers rates every month by sex, age group and educational level, so changes can be followed through the year, and the Ministry of Labour runs employment and training support programmes aimed at job seekers.

Official sources: NCSI: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, September 2026 (PDF)

How many Omanis work in the private sector?

There were 898,142 Omani workers in August 2026, 3.3% more than a year earlier, according to the Monthly Statistical Bulletin for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Of these, 391,291 worked in the government sector and 445,799 in the private sector. Expatriate workers numbered 1,839,713, of whom 1,408,882 were in the private sector and 381,638 worked for families, mainly as domestic workers.

The figures come from administrative registers and count employees by sector of employer. The private sector employs more Omanis than the government but relies mostly on expatriate labour. Employment rules are set by the Ministry of Labour.

Official sources: NCSI: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, September 2026 (PDF)

What is the minimum wage in Oman?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 325 OMR a month (about $845). It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012.

What is Oman's unemployment rate?

In 2025, the unemployment rate in Oman was 3.3%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 1.8% (2018) to 4.6% (2005). It is 15th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 8.3%. World rank, highest first: 128th of 174.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Oman?

13.9%: that is unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Oman for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 15.7% in 2012 and the low 7.9% in 2018. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 18.3%, and Oman placed 14th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 78th highest.

How many people in Oman are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Oman was 68.4% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 56.4% (2005) to 70.7% (2017). It is 5th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 45.2%. World rank, highest first: 33rd of 174.

What share of women in Oman are in the labour force?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Oman at 30.0% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 24.9% (2005) to 30.8% (2022). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 24.0%; Oman is 9th highest of 21. Worldwide: 157th of 174.

What share of adults in Oman have a job?

66.2%: that is the employment to population ratio in Oman for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 69.2%; its low point was 2005, at 53.8%. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 40.0%; Oman is 5th highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 32nd of 174.

How many workers in Oman are self-employed or family workers?

3.8%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Oman for 2025, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 3.1% (2011) to 7.0% (2005). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 21.6%; Oman is 16th highest of 21. Worldwide: 168th of 174.

What share of workers in Oman earn a wage or salary?

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Oman was 95.0%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2011, at 95.7%; its low point was 2005, at 91.5%. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 74.1%; Oman is 4th highest of 21. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 5th highest.