The oil and gas industry in Ghana is one of the most lucrative sectors for professionals. With major players such as Tullow Oil, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), ENI Ghana, Kosmos Energy, and Springfield, the sector contributes significantly to the economy while offering some of the highest salaries and allowances in the country. The Ghana oil and gas companies salary structure and allowance scale in 2025 remains a major attraction for graduates, experienced professionals, and expatriates.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the salary structure, allowances, and benefits employees enjoy in the oil and gas industry. It covers different job categories, explains factors that determine pay, and provides a summary table for easy reference. Whether you are planning to work in upstream exploration, midstream operations, or downstream distribution, this article will give you clear insights into what to expect.
Overview of Ghana’s Oil and Gas Industry
Ghana’s oil and gas industry includes upstream exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, and downstream refining and marketing. Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the Jubilee Field in 2007, the industry has become a top employer and contributor to national revenue.
Key companies in the sector include:
-
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)
-
Tullow Oil Ghana
-
Kosmos Energy
-
ENI Ghana Exploration and Production
-
Springfield E&P
-
GOIL (Ghana Oil Company)
-
Vivo Energy Ghana
These companies have varying salary structures, but they are all known for offering attractive compensation packages to recruit and retain top talent.
Factors That Determine Salary Structure and Allowance Scale
Salaries and allowances in Ghana oil and gas companies are determined by:
-
Job Role and Department: Technical and engineering roles typically attract higher pay compared to administrative positions.
-
Experience: Employees with more years in the industry earn higher salaries.
-
Qualifications: Advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized skills influence earnings.
-
Company Size: Multinational companies pay more than smaller local companies.
-
Job Location: Employees working offshore or in remote areas receive additional allowances.
-
Performance: Bonuses and salary increments are tied to individual and company performance.
Ghana Oil and Gas Companies Salary Structure 2025
The salary structure varies by job category and company, but all oil and gas companies in Ghana are among the highest-paying employers.
Entry-Level Salaries
Graduate trainees, administrative assistants, and junior technical staff fall under this category.
-
Monthly Basic Salary: GHS 5,000 – GHS 8,000
-
Monthly Allowances: GHS 1,500 – GHS 3,000
Mid-Level Salaries
This category includes engineers, senior technicians, geologists, and supervisors.
-
Monthly Basic Salary: GHS 10,000 – GHS 18,000
-
Monthly Allowances: GHS 3,500 – GHS 6,000
Senior-Level Salaries
Managers, senior engineers, and project leaders belong here.
-
Monthly Basic Salary: GHS 20,000 – GHS 35,000+
-
Monthly Allowances: GHS 6,500 – GHS 10,000
Executive-Level Salaries
Directors and expatriate staff in top management enjoy the highest pay.
-
Monthly Basic Salary: GHS 40,000 – GHS 70,000+
-
Monthly Allowances: GHS 10,000 – GHS 20,000
Summary Table: Ghana Oil and Gas Companies Salary Structure and Allowance Scale
| Job Category | Monthly Basic Salary (GHS) | Monthly Allowances (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 5,000 – 8,000 | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Mid-Level | 10,000 – 18,000 | 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Senior-Level | 20,000 – 35,000+ | 6,500 – 10,000 |
| Executive-Level | 40,000 – 70,000+ | 10,000 – 20,000 |
Types of Allowances in Ghana Oil and Gas Companies
In addition to high salaries, employees enjoy various allowances.
Offshore Allowance
This is paid to staff working on offshore oil rigs or production facilities. The allowance compensates for the long periods spent away from home and the demanding work conditions.
Housing Allowance
Employees who do not live in company-provided housing receive a monthly housing allowance. This is particularly important for expatriates and senior staff.
Transport Allowance
Transport allowances cover commuting and travel costs. Senior employees may receive company cars instead.
Hardship Allowance
Staff posted to remote or challenging environments receive hardship allowances. This is common for midstream and upstream operations.
Risk Allowance
Because of the dangerous nature of oil and gas operations, employees in certain roles receive a risk allowance.
Medical Allowance
Medical allowances complement the comprehensive health insurance that oil and gas companies provide.
Professional Development Allowance
To encourage employees to improve their skills, companies sponsor training programs and certifications, either through allowances or direct funding.
Promotions and Career Growth
Career growth in oil and gas companies is structured and comes with significant salary increases. Employees typically move through the following path:
-
Graduate Trainee
-
Officer or Junior Engineer
-
Senior Officer / Engineer
-
Supervisor / Specialist
-
Manager
-
Senior Manager / Head of Department
-
Executive or Director
Promotions depend on performance, years of experience, and additional qualifications.
Benefits Beyond Salary and Allowances
Oil and gas companies in Ghana offer generous benefits, including:
-
Pension and Retirement Plans: Employees contribute to SSNIT and enjoy additional company-sponsored pension schemes.
-
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covers employees and their families.
-
Company Accommodation: Senior staff and expatriates often receive company-provided housing.
-
Performance Bonuses: Annual or quarterly bonuses based on company profits.
-
Paid Leave: Employees enjoy paid annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave.
-
International Travel: Staff may have opportunities to work on projects in other countries.
Comparison with Other Industries
The oil and gas industry in Ghana pays higher salaries compared to banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Even entry-level employees earn salaries that rival senior-level roles in other sectors.
Cost of Living and Location Adjustments
Employees based in Accra and Takoradi, where most oil and gas companies operate, face higher living expenses. Companies adjust salaries and allowances to account for these costs. Staff working offshore or in rural areas receive additional hardship allowances.
Tips for Increasing Earnings in the Oil and Gas Industry
-
Pursue Technical or Engineering Roles: These jobs pay the highest salaries.
-
Earn Professional Certifications: Credentials such as PMP, NEBOSH, or petroleum engineering certifications increase earning potential.
-
Be Open to Offshore Assignments: Offshore workers receive attractive allowances.
-
Perform Consistently: High performers are promoted faster and receive larger bonuses.
Challenges of Working in Oil and Gas Companies
While the pay is attractive, there are challenges:
-
Long Working Hours: Offshore workers may spend weeks at a time away from family.
-
High Job Demands: Performance expectations are strict.
-
Safety Risks: Operations involve hazardous environments, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
FAQs on Ghana Oil and Gas Companies Salary Structure and Allowance Scale 2025
-
What is the starting salary for oil and gas companies in Ghana?
Graduate trainees earn GHS 5,000 – GHS 8,000 per month, excluding allowances. -
Do employees receive offshore allowances?
Yes, staff working offshore receive significant offshore allowances in addition to basic salaries. -
How much do senior engineers earn?
Senior engineers earn between GHS 20,000 and GHS 35,000 per month, plus allowances. -
Do oil and gas companies in Ghana hire expatriates?
Yes, expatriates work in senior and highly technical roles and earn higher packages. -
What types of allowances are paid?
Allowances include offshore, housing, transport, medical, risk, and hardship allowances. -
Are salaries higher than in the mining sector?
Yes, oil and gas companies generally pay more than mining companies for equivalent roles. -
Do companies provide housing?
Yes, senior staff and expatriates often receive company accommodation or housing allowances. -
Is it difficult to get promoted?
Promotions are competitive and depend on performance, qualifications, and experience. -
Do employees receive bonuses?
Yes, annual performance bonuses are common and can be substantial. -
Are there opportunities for international postings?
Yes, employees may work on projects in other countries, especially with multinational companies.
Conclusion
The Ghana oil and gas companies salary structure and allowance scale in 2025 is among the most competitive in the country. With basic monthly salaries ranging from GHS 5,000 at entry level to GHS 70,000+ for executives, and allowances that can reach GHS 20,000 per month, the sector remains a top choice for professionals. Employees also enjoy extensive benefits such as pensions, health insurance, bonuses, and opportunities for international travel.
For graduates and professionals seeking high-paying and rewarding careers, the oil and gas industry offers unparalleled opportunities.