Vaca Muerta combines high salaries with record rents in Añelo

The development of Vaca Muerta has consolidated the Neuquén basin as one of the country's leading centers of economic activity. The increase in oil and gas production and investments planned for 2026 have driven the arrival of workers, companies and investors to the province of Neuquén.

Between January and June 2026, approximately 13,147 people from other jurisdictions changed their residence to Neuquén, according to official data processed by the province. The figure represents 62.3% of all movements registered during 2025.

Projected investments for Vaca Muerta during this year are around US$ 13.890 billion, 13.5% more than in 2025. In parallel, the Argentine Institute of Oil and Gas estimates that the development of the formation could generate demand for between 30,000 and 43,000 direct workers by 2030.

Añelo concentrates much of that impact. The 2022 Census registered 6,477 inhabitants, although the municipality calculates that approximately 15,000 people currently reside there, not counting those who enter daily for work reasons. Population expansion is advancing faster than housing supply and putting pressure on prices.

Industry income is among the highest in the country. An operator under the Private Oil Workers agreement receives a gross salary of approximately $4,130,864 for an eight-hour workday, plus a monthly non-taxable allowance of $402,800 and a meal voucher of $38,000 per day. For professionals and management positions, monthly gross remuneration can exceed $18 million. The sector median stands at $10,300,000 gross and around $8,000,000 net.

Housing costs, however, absorb a significant portion of those earnings. In Añelo, a two-bedroom apartment can rent for $2,600,000 monthly; a studio with parking and amenities for $1,200,000; and a one-bedroom unit for values between $1,950,000 and $2,500,000. Two-bedroom houses are also offered in El Chañar for around $2,400,000.

Demand is strongly linked to oil companies, which contract housing and entire complexes to accommodate staff. Many units are delivered furnished and with services included, such as internet, cleaning and maintenance, and some are designated exclusively for companies. In Neuquén capital, by contrast, a 50-square-meter apartment can start from $1,000,000, while a 120-square-meter property runs around $3,500,000.