GITNUXREPORT 2026

Hr In The Petroleum Industry Statistics

The petroleum industry's HR teams are aging, improving in diversity, but struggling with recruitment and retention.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Average petroleum HR manager salary in US was $142,000 in 2023.

Statistic 2

Global petroleum industry offered 18% bonus on base for HR execs in 2022.

Statistic 3

Middle East oil HR packages included 25% housing allowance in 2023.

Statistic 4

Canada oil sands HR benefits averaged 4.2 weeks vacation in 2021.

Statistic 5

67% US petroleum firms provided stock options to HR managers 2022.

Statistic 6

Norway Equinor HR pension contribution was 12% of salary in 2023.

Statistic 7

Australian LNG HR total comp rose 9% YoY to AUD 180K in 2022.

Statistic 8

Brazil Petrobras HR health benefits covered 95% family in 2023.

Statistic 9

42% global petroleum HR received relocation assistance averaging $15K 2021.

Statistic 10

Russia oil HR average salary 2.1M RUB annually in 2022.

Statistic 11

Saudi Aramco HR exec comp package $350K base + perks 2023.

Statistic 12

India ONGC HR benefits included 22 days leave + medical 2022.

Statistic 13

UK Shell HR long-term incentive plans vested 75% in 2023.

Statistic 14

Permian HR specialist salary $95,200 median 2022.

Statistic 15

58% African oil HR offered hardship premiums of 20-30% 2021.

Statistic 16

China CNOOC HR 401K equivalent matched 8% in 2023.

Statistic 17

Mexico Pemex HR dental coverage 100% for 2022.

Statistic 18

Alberta HR overtime pay 1.5x rate mandatory 2023.

Statistic 19

UAE ADNOC HR education allowance AED 50K per child 2022.

Statistic 20

Europe petroleum HR 15% gender pay gap closed to 8% in 2023.

Statistic 21

US Gulf Coast HR 401K match averaged 5.5% 2021.

Statistic 22

Global avg petroleum HR wellness stipend $1,200 yearly 2022.

Statistic 23

Brazil offshore HR shift differential 12% premium 2023.

Statistic 24

Norway 25 paid parental leave weeks for HR parents 2022.

Statistic 25

In 2022, the oil and gas industry in the US had a workforce of approximately 1.7 million employees, with 12% identifying as women in professional HR roles.

Statistic 26

As of 2023, 68% of HR professionals in the global petroleum sector were aged 40-59, reflecting an aging HR leadership.

Statistic 27

In the Middle East petroleum industry, expatriate HR staff comprised 45% of total HR personnel in 2021.

Statistic 28

US petroleum firms reported 22% ethnic diversity in HR teams in 2022, up from 18% in 2019.

Statistic 29

75% of HR executives in North Sea oil operations were male in 2023.

Statistic 30

In 2021, 14% of petroleum industry HR roles in Canada were held by Indigenous workers.

Statistic 31

Global petroleum HR diversity initiatives reached 35% female representation target in managerial roles by 2022.

Statistic 32

In 2023, 28% of HR staff in Australian LNG projects were under 35 years old.

Statistic 33

Brazil's offshore oil HR teams showed 19% Afro-Brazilian representation in 2022.

Statistic 34

82% of petroleum HR professionals in the US hold bachelor's degrees or higher as of 2023.

Statistic 35

In 2022, 41% of HR roles in Russian oil firms were filled by locals post-sanctions.

Statistic 36

Norway's petroleum sector HR had 52% female participation in 2023.

Statistic 37

15% of global petroleum HR heads had STEM backgrounds in 2021.

Statistic 38

In 2023, US shale HR teams averaged 8.2 years of industry-specific experience.

Statistic 39

Saudi Aramco's HR diversity included 11% non-Saudi nationals in 2022.

Statistic 40

62% of petroleum HR in Europe were unionized in 2023.

Statistic 41

In 2021, 23% of HR in Venezuelan oil fields were contract-based migrants.

Statistic 42

Indian petroleum refineries had 17% female HR staff in 2022.

Statistic 43

55% of US Gulf Coast oil HR professionals were veterans in 2023.

Statistic 44

Global average tenure for petroleum HR managers was 4.7 years in 2022.

Statistic 45

In 2023, 29% of African petroleum HR roles were held by women.

Statistic 46

China's state oil firms had 76% male HR dominance in 2021.

Statistic 47

18.5% LGBTQ+ representation in progressive petroleum HR firms in 2023.

Statistic 48

Permian Basin HR staff averaged 12.3 years experience in 2022.

Statistic 49

34% of UK North Sea HR were remote workers post-2021.

Statistic 50

In 2022, 21% disability inclusion rate in petroleum HR globally.

Statistic 51

Mexican Pemex HR showed 14% youth (under 30) in 2023.

Statistic 52

67% of petroleum HR in UAE held international certifications in 2022.

Statistic 53

Alberta oil sands HR had 25% multicultural staff in 2023.

Statistic 54

49% of global petroleum HR leaders were promoted internally in 2021.

Statistic 55

In 2023, the average hiring time for HR specialists in the petroleum industry was 42 days.

Statistic 56

65% of petroleum firms used LinkedIn as primary sourcing tool for HR roles in 2022.

Statistic 57

US oil majors reported 28% applicant drop-off rate in HR recruitment funnels in 2023.

Statistic 58

In 2021, 37% of petroleum HR hires came from competitor firms.

Statistic 59

Global average cost-per-hire for petroleum HR managers was $4,200 in 2022.

Statistic 60

52% of Middle East oil companies used AI screening for HR applicants in 2023.

Statistic 61

Canada petroleum sector filled 71% of HR vacancies internally in 2022.

Statistic 62

44% increase in remote HR recruitment interviews post-COVID in oil & gas by 2023.

Statistic 63

Norway firms had 19% diversity quotas in HR hiring processes in 2022.

Statistic 64

58% of US shale operators struggled with HR talent shortages in 2023.

Statistic 65

Average offer acceptance rate for petroleum HR roles was 82% in 2021.

Statistic 66

63% of Australian LNG projects used executive search firms for HR C-suite in 2022.

Statistic 67

Brazil Petrobras reported 35% female shortlisting mandate for HR positions in 2023.

Statistic 68

27% of global petroleum HR recruitment budgets increased by 15% YoY in 2022.

Statistic 69

Russia oil firms sourced 41% HR talent from universities in 2021.

Statistic 70

76% employer branding focus on sustainability for HR attraction in petroleum 2023.

Statistic 71

Saudi Aramco's HR internship-to-hire conversion rate was 68% in 2022.

Statistic 72

51% use of employee referrals for mid-level HR hires in US Gulf in 2023.

Statistic 73

India refineries had 29-day average time-to-fill for HR analysts in 2022.

Statistic 74

64% of Permian HR roles required safety certifications pre-hire in 2023.

Statistic 75

UK North Sea saw 22% ghosting rate from HR candidates in 2022.

Statistic 76

39% of African oil HR hires were rotational expatriates in 2021.

Statistic 77

China's CNPC used gamified assessments for 47% HR recruitment in 2023.

Statistic 78

Mexico Pemex digitalized 73% of HR screening processes by 2022.

Statistic 79

Alberta tar sands HR yield ratio was 1:12 for senior roles in 2023.

Statistic 80

55% of UAE ADNOC HR hires via partnerships with universities in 2022.

Statistic 81

Global petroleum firms reported 18% skills mismatch in HR applicant pools 2023.

Statistic 82

Global petroleum voluntary turnover rate was 14.2% in 2022.

Statistic 83

US oil & gas HR turnover cost averaged $25K per employee in 2023.

Statistic 84

71% petroleum employees cited career growth as top retention factor 2021.

Statistic 85

Middle East expat HR retention rate 82% with localization programs 2022.

Statistic 86

Canada oilsands HR engagement score 68/100 in 2023.

Statistic 87

55% of Norway petroleum HR reported high satisfaction in 2022.

Statistic 88

Australian LNG voluntary quits dropped 12% post-flex work in 2023.

Statistic 89

Brazil Petrobras HR retention incentives boosted loyalty 29% 2021.

Statistic 90

Global petroleum HR eNPS averaged +28 in 2022.

Statistic 91

Russia oil firms HR absenteeism 3.2% monthly in 2023.

Statistic 92

Saudi Aramco HR retention via Saudization reached 91% locals 2022.

Statistic 93

India refineries HR burnout rate 22% pre-wellness programs 2021.

Statistic 94

UK North Sea HR flight risk 17% due to offshore rotations 2023.

Statistic 95

Permian Basin involuntary turnover 9.4% in 2022.

Statistic 96

64% African oil HR engaged via mentorship programs 2023.

Statistic 97

China state oil HR loyalty index 76/100 in 2022.

Statistic 98

Mexico Pemex HR exit interviews showed 41% comp dissatisfaction 2021.

Statistic 99

Alberta HR retention bonus uptake 53% for 2-year commitments 2023.

Statistic 100

UAE petroleum HR pulse survey satisfaction 82% post-perks 2022.

Statistic 101

Europe oil majors HR tenure averaged 5.8 years 2023.

Statistic 102

US Gulf HR 360 feedback improved retention 15% 2022.

Statistic 103

Global avg petroleum HR promotion rate 12% annually 2021.

Statistic 104

Brazil offshore HR flex hours reduced turnover 18% 2023.

Statistic 105

Norway 87% HR recommended employer score in 2022.

Statistic 106

33% petroleum HR cited work-life balance as quit reason 2023.

Statistic 107

European oil HR training spend averaged $2,150 per employee annually in 2022.

Statistic 108

72% of US petroleum workers completed digital upskilling programs in 2023.

Statistic 109

Middle East oil firms mandated 40 hours of safety training for HR staff yearly in 2021.

Statistic 110

Canada invested CAD 150M in HR competency programs for oil sands in 2022.

Statistic 111

61% completion rate for leadership development in global petroleum HR 2023.

Statistic 112

Norway required 120 hours e-learning for new HR hires in petroleum 2022.

Statistic 113

US shale HR teams averaged 25 training days per year per employee in 2023.

Statistic 114

48% of Australian LNG HR underwent cybersecurity training in 2021.

Statistic 115

Brazil offshore platforms provided VR-based HR safety simulations to 89% staff 2022.

Statistic 116

Global average ROI on petroleum HR training was 4.2x in 2023.

Statistic 117

Russia Gazprom Neft trained 15,000 HR personnel in ESG compliance 2022.

Statistic 118

67% of Saudi Aramco HR completed AI ethics courses by 2023.

Statistic 119

India Reliance refineries had 92% HR certification renewal rate in 2021.

Statistic 120

UK North Sea HR micro-credential adoption rose 33% in 2022.

Statistic 121

Permian Basin invested $50M in HR digital transformation training 2023.

Statistic 122

54% African oil HR received cross-cultural training programs in 2022.

Statistic 123

China's Sinopec allocated 5% HR budget to upskilling in renewables 2023.

Statistic 124

Mexico Pemex VR training covered 76% HR safety protocols 2022.

Statistic 125

Alberta oilsands HR blended learning utilized by 81% employees 2023.

Statistic 126

UAE ADNOC Academy trained 2,500 HR Emiratis in 2021.

Statistic 127

43% petroleum HR used gamification in training with 85% engagement lift 2022.

Statistic 128

Europe mandated 16 hours DEI training for petroleum HR annually 2023.

Statistic 129

Global petroleum HR apprenticeship programs enrolled 12% workforce 2022.

Statistic 130

US Gulf Coast HR sustainability training reached 94% compliance 2023.

Statistic 131

29% increase in petroleum HR leadership coaching sessions post-2021.

Statistic 132

Brazil 55% HR trained in agile methodologies for oil projects 2022.

Statistic 133

Norway 68% HR digital literacy certification by 2023.

1/133

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While the petroleum industry's HR landscape is a world of contrasts—from Norway's 52% female participation to the 75% male dominance in North Sea HR leadership—it's clear that the sector is navigating a complex evolution of talent, demographics, and global dynamics.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the oil and gas industry in the US had a workforce of approximately 1.7 million employees, with 12% identifying as women in professional HR roles.
As of 2023, 68% of HR professionals in the global petroleum sector were aged 40-59, reflecting an aging HR leadership.
In the Middle East petroleum industry, expatriate HR staff comprised 45% of total HR personnel in 2021.
In 2023, the average hiring time for HR specialists in the petroleum industry was 42 days.
65% of petroleum firms used LinkedIn as primary sourcing tool for HR roles in 2022.
US oil majors reported 28% applicant drop-off rate in HR recruitment funnels in 2023.
European oil HR training spend averaged $2,150 per employee annually in 2022.
72% of US petroleum workers completed digital upskilling programs in 2023.
Middle East oil firms mandated 40 hours of safety training for HR staff yearly in 2021.
Average petroleum HR manager salary in US was $142,000 in 2023.
Global petroleum industry offered 18% bonus on base for HR execs in 2022.
Middle East oil HR packages included 25% housing allowance in 2023.
Global petroleum voluntary turnover rate was 14.2% in 2022.
US oil & gas HR turnover cost averaged $25K per employee in 2023.
71% petroleum employees cited career growth as top retention factor 2021.

The petroleum industry's HR teams are aging, improving in diversity, but struggling with recruitment and retention.

Compensation and Benefits

Average petroleum HR manager salary in US was $142,000 in 2023.
Global petroleum industry offered 18% bonus on base for HR execs in 2022.
Middle East oil HR packages included 25% housing allowance in 2023.
Canada oil sands HR benefits averaged 4.2 weeks vacation in 2021.
67% US petroleum firms provided stock options to HR managers 2022.
Norway Equinor HR pension contribution was 12% of salary in 2023.
Australian LNG HR total comp rose 9% YoY to AUD 180K in 2022.
Brazil Petrobras HR health benefits covered 95% family in 2023.
42% global petroleum HR received relocation assistance averaging $15K 2021.
Russia oil HR average salary 2.1M RUB annually in 2022.
Saudi Aramco HR exec comp package $350K base + perks 2023.
India ONGC HR benefits included 22 days leave + medical 2022.
UK Shell HR long-term incentive plans vested 75% in 2023.
Permian HR specialist salary $95,200 median 2022.
58% African oil HR offered hardship premiums of 20-30% 2021.
China CNOOC HR 401K equivalent matched 8% in 2023.
Mexico Pemex HR dental coverage 100% for 2022.
Alberta HR overtime pay 1.5x rate mandatory 2023.
UAE ADNOC HR education allowance AED 50K per child 2022.
Europe petroleum HR 15% gender pay gap closed to 8% in 2023.
US Gulf Coast HR 401K match averaged 5.5% 2021.
Global avg petroleum HR wellness stipend $1,200 yearly 2022.
Brazil offshore HR shift differential 12% premium 2023.
Norway 25 paid parental leave weeks for HR parents 2022.

Compensation and Benefits Interpretation

The petroleum industry’s HR compensation packages are a global patchwork of lavish salaries, substantial bonuses, and generous benefits—essentially, they grease the wheels for the people who grease the wheels.

Demographics and Diversity

In 2022, the oil and gas industry in the US had a workforce of approximately 1.7 million employees, with 12% identifying as women in professional HR roles.
As of 2023, 68% of HR professionals in the global petroleum sector were aged 40-59, reflecting an aging HR leadership.
In the Middle East petroleum industry, expatriate HR staff comprised 45% of total HR personnel in 2021.
US petroleum firms reported 22% ethnic diversity in HR teams in 2022, up from 18% in 2019.
75% of HR executives in North Sea oil operations were male in 2023.
In 2021, 14% of petroleum industry HR roles in Canada were held by Indigenous workers.
Global petroleum HR diversity initiatives reached 35% female representation target in managerial roles by 2022.
In 2023, 28% of HR staff in Australian LNG projects were under 35 years old.
Brazil's offshore oil HR teams showed 19% Afro-Brazilian representation in 2022.
82% of petroleum HR professionals in the US hold bachelor's degrees or higher as of 2023.
In 2022, 41% of HR roles in Russian oil firms were filled by locals post-sanctions.
Norway's petroleum sector HR had 52% female participation in 2023.
15% of global petroleum HR heads had STEM backgrounds in 2021.
In 2023, US shale HR teams averaged 8.2 years of industry-specific experience.
Saudi Aramco's HR diversity included 11% non-Saudi nationals in 2022.
62% of petroleum HR in Europe were unionized in 2023.
In 2021, 23% of HR in Venezuelan oil fields were contract-based migrants.
Indian petroleum refineries had 17% female HR staff in 2022.
55% of US Gulf Coast oil HR professionals were veterans in 2023.
Global average tenure for petroleum HR managers was 4.7 years in 2022.
In 2023, 29% of African petroleum HR roles were held by women.
China's state oil firms had 76% male HR dominance in 2021.
18.5% LGBTQ+ representation in progressive petroleum HR firms in 2023.
Permian Basin HR staff averaged 12.3 years experience in 2022.
34% of UK North Sea HR were remote workers post-2021.
In 2022, 21% disability inclusion rate in petroleum HR globally.
Mexican Pemex HR showed 14% youth (under 30) in 2023.
67% of petroleum HR in UAE held international certifications in 2022.
Alberta oil sands HR had 25% multicultural staff in 2023.
49% of global petroleum HR leaders were promoted internally in 2021.

Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

While these numbers reveal a patchy global effort—with bright spots like Norway's gender parity and Canada's Indigenous representation starkly contrasted by widespread male dominance, aging demographics, and reliance on expatriates—the petroleum industry's HR landscape remains a complex oil spill of slow progress, where diversity is often extracted in barrels rather than built in foundations.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

In 2023, the average hiring time for HR specialists in the petroleum industry was 42 days.
65% of petroleum firms used LinkedIn as primary sourcing tool for HR roles in 2022.
US oil majors reported 28% applicant drop-off rate in HR recruitment funnels in 2023.
In 2021, 37% of petroleum HR hires came from competitor firms.
Global average cost-per-hire for petroleum HR managers was $4,200 in 2022.
52% of Middle East oil companies used AI screening for HR applicants in 2023.
Canada petroleum sector filled 71% of HR vacancies internally in 2022.
44% increase in remote HR recruitment interviews post-COVID in oil & gas by 2023.
Norway firms had 19% diversity quotas in HR hiring processes in 2022.
58% of US shale operators struggled with HR talent shortages in 2023.
Average offer acceptance rate for petroleum HR roles was 82% in 2021.
63% of Australian LNG projects used executive search firms for HR C-suite in 2022.
Brazil Petrobras reported 35% female shortlisting mandate for HR positions in 2023.
27% of global petroleum HR recruitment budgets increased by 15% YoY in 2022.
Russia oil firms sourced 41% HR talent from universities in 2021.
76% employer branding focus on sustainability for HR attraction in petroleum 2023.
Saudi Aramco's HR internship-to-hire conversion rate was 68% in 2022.
51% use of employee referrals for mid-level HR hires in US Gulf in 2023.
India refineries had 29-day average time-to-fill for HR analysts in 2022.
64% of Permian HR roles required safety certifications pre-hire in 2023.
UK North Sea saw 22% ghosting rate from HR candidates in 2022.
39% of African oil HR hires were rotational expatriates in 2021.
China's CNPC used gamified assessments for 47% HR recruitment in 2023.
Mexico Pemex digitalized 73% of HR screening processes by 2022.
Alberta tar sands HR yield ratio was 1:12 for senior roles in 2023.
55% of UAE ADNOC HR hires via partnerships with universities in 2022.
Global petroleum firms reported 18% skills mismatch in HR applicant pools 2023.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Interpretation

The petroleum industry's HR departments are locked in a paradoxical tug-of-war, simultaneously poaching each other's talent while bemoaning applicant shortages, all while slowly modernizing their recruitment with mixed results that see them both ghosted and offering jobs people largely accept.

Retention, Turnover, and Employee Engagement

Global petroleum voluntary turnover rate was 14.2% in 2022.
US oil & gas HR turnover cost averaged $25K per employee in 2023.
71% petroleum employees cited career growth as top retention factor 2021.
Middle East expat HR retention rate 82% with localization programs 2022.
Canada oilsands HR engagement score 68/100 in 2023.
55% of Norway petroleum HR reported high satisfaction in 2022.
Australian LNG voluntary quits dropped 12% post-flex work in 2023.
Brazil Petrobras HR retention incentives boosted loyalty 29% 2021.
Global petroleum HR eNPS averaged +28 in 2022.
Russia oil firms HR absenteeism 3.2% monthly in 2023.
Saudi Aramco HR retention via Saudization reached 91% locals 2022.
India refineries HR burnout rate 22% pre-wellness programs 2021.
UK North Sea HR flight risk 17% due to offshore rotations 2023.
Permian Basin involuntary turnover 9.4% in 2022.
64% African oil HR engaged via mentorship programs 2023.
China state oil HR loyalty index 76/100 in 2022.
Mexico Pemex HR exit interviews showed 41% comp dissatisfaction 2021.
Alberta HR retention bonus uptake 53% for 2-year commitments 2023.
UAE petroleum HR pulse survey satisfaction 82% post-perks 2022.
Europe oil majors HR tenure averaged 5.8 years 2023.
US Gulf HR 360 feedback improved retention 15% 2022.
Global avg petroleum HR promotion rate 12% annually 2021.
Brazil offshore HR flex hours reduced turnover 18% 2023.
Norway 87% HR recommended employer score in 2022.
33% petroleum HR cited work-life balance as quit reason 2023.

Retention, Turnover, and Employee Engagement Interpretation

The industry is hemorrhaging talent at a cost of twenty-five grand a head, proving that while you can drill for oil with brute force, retaining employees requires the finesse of offering real growth, flexibility, and a reason to stay.

Training and Skill Development

European oil HR training spend averaged $2,150 per employee annually in 2022.
72% of US petroleum workers completed digital upskilling programs in 2023.
Middle East oil firms mandated 40 hours of safety training for HR staff yearly in 2021.
Canada invested CAD 150M in HR competency programs for oil sands in 2022.
61% completion rate for leadership development in global petroleum HR 2023.
Norway required 120 hours e-learning for new HR hires in petroleum 2022.
US shale HR teams averaged 25 training days per year per employee in 2023.
48% of Australian LNG HR underwent cybersecurity training in 2021.
Brazil offshore platforms provided VR-based HR safety simulations to 89% staff 2022.
Global average ROI on petroleum HR training was 4.2x in 2023.
Russia Gazprom Neft trained 15,000 HR personnel in ESG compliance 2022.
67% of Saudi Aramco HR completed AI ethics courses by 2023.
India Reliance refineries had 92% HR certification renewal rate in 2021.
UK North Sea HR micro-credential adoption rose 33% in 2022.
Permian Basin invested $50M in HR digital transformation training 2023.
54% African oil HR received cross-cultural training programs in 2022.
China's Sinopec allocated 5% HR budget to upskilling in renewables 2023.
Mexico Pemex VR training covered 76% HR safety protocols 2022.
Alberta oilsands HR blended learning utilized by 81% employees 2023.
UAE ADNOC Academy trained 2,500 HR Emiratis in 2021.
43% petroleum HR used gamification in training with 85% engagement lift 2022.
Europe mandated 16 hours DEI training for petroleum HR annually 2023.
Global petroleum HR apprenticeship programs enrolled 12% workforce 2022.
US Gulf Coast HR sustainability training reached 94% compliance 2023.
29% increase in petroleum HR leadership coaching sessions post-2021.
Brazil 55% HR trained in agile methodologies for oil projects 2022.
Norway 68% HR digital literacy certification by 2023.

Training and Skill Development Interpretation

Amidst a global race to modernize, the petroleum industry’s HR departments are frantically transforming from traditional overseers into digital-savvy, safety-focused, and ethically-trained powerhouses, proving that even in a sunset sector, investing in people remains the most valuable well to tap.