How to become a plumber in Oman

Oman is on a course of rapid urbanisation. The number of urban residents is growing rapidly, and large-scale construction projects are being implemented, which leads to a significant demand for skilled workers, including plumbers. The construction boom in cities such as Muscat and Salalah has increased the need for professionals who can install and maintain plumbing systems. A search on job portals such as Layboard reveals a significant, and most importantly, sustained, need for professionals in this field. 

Requirements for Plumbers Seeking Work in Oman

Oman actively recruits plumbers in various industries, including construction, maintenance of residential and commercial buildings, as well as the industrial sector. This is evidenced by the analysis of current vacancies. You can find them here: https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-oman/speciality/plumber 

Although the demand for specialists in this field is quite high, the requirements are also quite significant. First of all, they relate to professional skills and certification aspects. Here, for example, are the requirements that employers usually put forward for job seekers who provide plumbing services:

• Qualifications: A diploma or certificate in plumbing, recognized in the country of origin and preferably accepted in Oman.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 2–5 years of practical experience in plumbing, particularly in installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
• Skills and Knowledge:
  • Installation and repair of pipelines, water supply, sewage, and irrigation systems.
  • Proficiency in working with modern plumbing tools and technologies.
  • Ability to read technical drawings and blueprints.
  • Experience working with pump stations, desalination systems, and water heaters is an advantage.
• Certification: Preferably, plumbers should have verified professional certificates (such as NVQ from the UK or equivalent).
• Physical Fitness: Plumbing work requires endurance, as it involves handling heavy pipes, working in confined spaces, and long shifts.
• Language Skills: Basic English proficiency is mandatory; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Plumbing Certification for Working in Oman

Plumbers looking for work in Oman should have professional certifications to prove their skills and experience. After all, certification ensures that workers meet international safety and quality standards, making them more competitive in the labour market. Although certification is not always a strict requirement in Oman, it significantly increases the chances of an applicant getting a high-paying job, especially for foreigners.

Certified professionals often receive higher salaries than non-certified workers because they demonstrate proven skills and knowledge. Also, some work visas in Oman require proof of qualifications, and certified plumbers have a better chance of obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower.

For expat plumbers looking to work in Oman, the following international certifications are widely recognized and valued by employers:

• NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) – United Kingdom
  The NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Plumbing and Domestic Heating is one of the most respected certifications in the industry. It covers all aspects of plumbing, including pipework installation, drainage systems, and health & safety protocols.
• Certified Master Plumber (CMP) – USA
  This is a certification that validates advanced skills in plumbing, including water supply systems, sewage treatment, and fixture installations.
• ITI (Industrial Training Institute) Certification – India
  Many Indian plumbers working in the Gulf region hold an ITI certification in plumbing, which is often accepted by Omani employers.
• Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) – Saudi Arabia
  This certification is valued in the Middle East and can be beneficial for plumbers moving to Oman.

For those already working in Oman or planning to migrate, the process of obtaining local certification involves.

Responsibilities of a Plumber in Oman

Plumbers perform a wide range of tasks, including the installation, repair and maintenance of water supply and sewage systems in residential and commercial buildings. They also diagnose plumbing problems and repair leaks, blockages and damage to pipes, service and install heating systems, water heaters, pumps and desalination equipment.

Carrying out preventive inspections of water supply networks and ensuring compliance with sanitary and technical standards, working on water supply projects as part of large-scale infrastructure initiatives are also within the competence of plumbers.

Plumber salaries in Oman depend on experience, qualifications, and industry sector. On average, professionals earn:

• Entry-level salary: 300–400 OMR/month for beginners.
• Mid-level salary: 620 OMR/month for experienced plumbers.
• High-level salary: 900–1000 OMR/month for highly skilled professionals or plumbing project supervisors.

Most employers provide additional benefits, including accommodation, transport, food, and medical insurance, significantly reducing living costs.

Industries with the Highest Demand for Plumbers

The industries with the highest demand for plumbers are primarily residential construction. Oman is actively expanding its residential infrastructure, which creates a demand for plumbers to install water and sewage systems. Hotels, shopping centres and office buildings require plumbers to maintain water supply and sewage systems.

At the same time, industrial facilities also require the services of specialists in this field. Factories, logistics centres, and oil refineries require specialists to manage high-load water supply networks. Desalination plants and irrigation systems require plumbers to install and maintain pipelines and pumping stations.

Meanwhile, national utility modernisation programmes rely on plumbers to maintain and develop the country’s water resources.

Overall, Oman offers excellent opportunities for plumbers, particularly for foreign professionals seeking stable employment, competitive salaries, and favorable working conditions.