How to Land a $100,000+ Oil and Gas Job in Canada

Landing a $100000+ oil and gas job in Canada from Nigeria is one of the most life-changing career moves you can make. Canada is home to one of the world’s most active energy sectors, particularly in Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland. For Nigerian engineers, technicians, geologists, and skilled tradespeople, the Canadian oil and gas industry offers high-paying roles, visa sponsorship opportunities, and long-term career growth.

With the right qualifications, a strong application, and strategic job search, you can secure a high-paying position before leaving Nigeria—without needing to go through expensive recruitment agencies.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to land a $100000+ oil and gas job in Canada from Nigeria, including what skills are in demand, which employers are hiring, how the visa process works, and the exact steps to apply.

Why Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector Is Hiring International Talent

Canada has vast natural resources and a growing need for skilled professionals. The oil and gas sector contributes billions to the economy annually and faces ongoing labor shortages due to retirements, expansion, and evolving technologies.

Here’s why it’s a great opportunity for Nigerians:

• High salaries (often $100000+ for experienced professionals)

• Multiple job openings across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations

• Demand for skilled foreign workers in engineering, safety, logistics, and field operations

• Visa sponsorship available through employer programs and government pathways

• Clear path to permanent residency (PR) for skilled immigrants

What Roles Pay $100000 or More in Canadian Oil and Gas?

Here are some common high-paying roles:

Engineering and Technical Roles:

• Petroleum Engineers

• Drilling Engineers

• Mechanical Engineers

• Process Engineers

• Electrical and Instrumentation Engineers

Skilled Trades and Operations:

• Rig Technicians

• Welders and Pipefitters

• Heavy Equipment Operators

• Safety Officers

• Project Managers

Support and Scientific Roles:

• Geologists and Geophysicists

• Environmental Engineers

• Logistics Coordinators

• Operations Managers

Most of these positions pay between CAD $90000 to $150000 annually, depending on location and experience.

Who Can Qualify for Oil and Gas Jobs in Canada?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a degree or diploma in engineering, geology, technology, or a related field

• Possess 2+ years of hands-on experience in oil and gas operations

• Can speak and write English fluently

• Have international safety certifications (e.g., HSE, BOSIET, NEBOSH)

• Are open to relocation to oil-producing provinces like Alberta or Newfoundland

• Meet Canadian visa or work permit eligibility (with or without prior Canadian experience)

Canadian employers are especially keen to hire Nigerians with overseas work experience in countries like UAE, Angola, or Saudi Arabia.

Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a $100000+ Oil and Gas Job in Canada

Step 1: Update Your Resume to Canadian Standards

Create a Canadian-style resume that highlights your:

• Technical skills and job-specific certifications

• Years of experience in oil and gas (onshore/offshore)

• Safety training and international standards compliance

• Key accomplishments and projects handled

• Education and training (especially in engineering or oil field services)

Keep your resume 2 pages maximum and avoid photos or personal info like age or religion.

Step 2: Apply to Employers Who Sponsor Work Visas

Target oil and gas companies with a history of hiring foreign workers and supporting immigration. Use the following platforms:

Job Portals:

• Indeed.ca

• Workopolis.com

• Oilandgasjobsearch.com

• Careers.oilandgasjobsearch.com

• JobBank.gc.ca (Government of Canada’s official job portal)

Top Employers in Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry:

• Suncor Energy – Oil sands and upstream/downstream operations

• Husky Energy (a division of Cenovus) – Onshore/offshore oil production

• TC Energy – Pipelines and energy infrastructure

• Enbridge Inc. – Midstream oil and natural gas services

• Imperial Oil – One of Canada’s largest petroleum companies

• Baker Hughes – Oilfield services and drilling operations

• Weatherford – Well services, completions, and drilling

Use job search terms like “visa sponsorship,” “foreign worker eligible,” or “international applicants welcome.”

Step 3: Target In-Demand Locations in Canada

Oil and gas work is concentrated in specific provinces. These include:

• Alberta – Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray (oil sands)

• British Columbia – Kitimat, Fort St. John (natural gas and LNG)

• Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s and offshore rigs

• Saskatchewan – Oil and gas production, especially heavy oil

When applying, mention that you’re open to relocating to these regions.

Step 4: Get Your Qualifications Recognized

Some positions may require credential recognition or trade certification in Canada. Start this early to avoid delays.

For example:

• Engineers may register with a provincial engineering body (e.g., APEGA in Alberta)

• Tradespeople may need to take a Red Seal exam or apply for equivalency

• Health and safety roles often require Canadian safety tickets (WHMIS, First Aid, H2S Alive)

You can begin the recognition process online or after securing a job offer.

Step 5: Apply for a Work Visa or Permanent Residency

Once you get a job offer, you may be eligible for:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
Employer-sponsored visa. You’ll need an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

2. Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW):
You can apply independently or boost your score with a job offer. Oil and gas roles are high in demand.

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
Apply directly to provinces like Alberta or Saskatchewan if you meet their skill needs.

4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
For those hired in Newfoundland and other Atlantic provinces.

Work with your employer and immigration consultant to choose the best route.

Typical Salary Ranges in Canadian Oil and Gas Jobs (2025)

Salaries vary based on experience, shift schedules, offshore bonuses, and employer size.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

• Earn international safety certifications (HSE Level 1–3, BOSIET, NEBOSH)

• Highlight your experience in multinational or offshore environments

• Add Canadian recruiters and HR managers on LinkedIn

• Include keywords like “oil sands,” “completions,” or “upstream” on your resume

• Write a Canadian-style cover letter that explains your relocation readiness

• Apply to at least 5–10 targeted jobs per week