This packages provides C++ header files for developers wishing to create R packages that processes BAM files. ompBAM automates file access, memory management, and handling of multiple threads 'behind the scenes', so developers can focus on creating domain-specific functionality. The included vignette contains detailed documentation of this API, including quick-start instructions to create a new ompBAM-based package, and step-by-step explanation of the functionality behind the example packaged included within ompBAM.