When it comes to choosing a career, salary often plays a significant role in decision-making. In Nigeria, a country teeming with opportunities across various sectors, numerous high-paying jobs can offer both financial stability and personal satisfaction.
If you’re curious about which professions top the list in terms of earnings, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the top 30 highest paying jobs in Nigeria, listing what they need, the requirements, and the average salaries you can expect.
Top 30 Highest Paying Jobs in Nigeria
Below are some of the well-paid jobs to look out for so far:
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers are pivotal in the oil and gas industry, which is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. Their primary duties include designing and developing methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits.
Requirements: A degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, coupled with relevant industry experience.
Average Salary: ₦12,000,000 – ₦25,000,000 per year.
Surgeon
Surgeons are among the highest earners due to the high level of skill and responsibility required. They perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities.
Requirements: Medical degree, specialization in surgery, and years of residency training.
Average Salary: ₦10,000,000 – ₦20,000,000 per year.
Pilot
Flying commercial or private planes, pilots ensure passengers and cargo are transported safely. This job demands precision and extensive training.
Requirements: A commercial pilot’s license and rigorous training from an accredited aviation school.
Enrol in a licensed flight school recognized by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT). After completing the required training and flight hours, you will earn a Private Pilot License (PPL), followed by a Commercial Pilot License if you wish to fly professionally.
Average Salary: ₦8,000,000 – ₦20,000,000 per year.
Software Engineer
In the tech-driven world, software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, making this role increasingly crucial and well-compensated.
Requirements: A degree in computer science or software engineering, and proficiency in programming languages.
Average Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 per year.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers help companies and governments raise money by issuing and selling securities. They also provide advice on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial matters.
Requirements: A degree in finance, economics, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills.
Average Salary: ₦6,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 per year.
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications engineers design and install telecommunications equipment, ensuring data transmitted over wired or wireless communication is clear and secure.
Requirements: A degree in telecommunications engineering or related fields, plus relevant experience.
Average Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 per year.
Marketing Director
Marketing directors oversee a company’s marketing strategy, ensuring the company reaches its target audience effectively and increases revenue.
Requirements: A degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field, and extensive experience in marketing roles.
Average Salary: ₦7,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 per year.
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers handle a variety of legal matters for businesses, including mergers, acquisitions, intellectual property, and compliance with regulations.
Requirements: A law degree, passing the Nigerian Bar exam, and experience in corporate law.
Average Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 per year.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by doctors and provide information to patients about medications and their use.
Requirements: A degree in pharmacy, and licensure by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to teeth and gums, providing preventive care and performing surgeries when necessary.
Requirements: A dental degree and licensure to practice dentistry.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
Aeronautical Engineer
These engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft, ensuring they are safe and efficient.
Requirements: A degree in aeronautical engineering and relevant industry experience.
Average Salary: ₦6,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 per year.
Project Manager
Project managers plan, execute, and close projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Requirements: A degree in project management or a related field, and professional certification (such as PMP).
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records, ensuring that they are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time.
Requirements: A degree in accounting or finance, and certification such as ICAN or ACCA.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water supply systems.
Requirements: A degree in civil engineering and relevant professional experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦9,000,000 per year.
Medical Doctor
General practitioners diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and provide preventive care.
Requirements: A medical degree and residency training, plus licensure to practice medicine.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures, ensuring they are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Requirements: A degree in architecture, and licensure to practice.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
 Bank Manager
Bank managers oversee the operations of a bank branch, ensuring financial targets are met and customer satisfaction is high.
Requirements: A degree in finance, business administration, or a related field, and relevant banking experience.
Average Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 per year.
Business Development Manager
These professionals develop strategies to help businesses grow, identifying new markets and customer needs.
Requirements: A degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field, and strong analytical skills
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret complex data sets to help companies make informed business decisions.
Requirements: A degree in statistics, mathematics, or computer science, and proficiency in data analysis tools.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
Requirements: A degree in electrical engineering and relevant industry experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦9,000,000 per year.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers oversee recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development within a company.
Requirements: A degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field, and relevant HR experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
Lecturer
Lecturers teach students at higher education institutions, conduct research, and publish findings.
Requirements: A master’s degree or PhD in the relevant field, and teaching experience.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design and manufacture mechanical systems and devices.
Requirements: A degree in mechanical engineering and relevant industry experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦9,000,000 per year.
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors manage all costs related to building and civil engineering projects, from initial estimates to final figures.
Requirements: A degree in quantity surveying or a related field, and professional certification.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
IT Manager
IT managers oversee the technology infrastructure of an organization, ensuring systems run smoothly and securely.
Requirements: A degree in computer science or IT, and extensive experience in IT management.
Average Salary: ₦5,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 per year.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
These professionals promote and sell their company’s pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals.
Requirements: A degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or a related field, and sales experience.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,000,000 per year.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers oversee and manage the entire supply chain process, from procurement to delivery.
Requirements: A degree in supply chain management, logistics, or a related field, and relevant experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual content for various media, including advertisements, websites, and publications.
Requirements: A degree in graphic design or a related field, and proficiency in design software.
Average Salary: ₦2,000,000 – ₦6,000,000 per year.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, including waste management, water, and air pollution control.
Requirements: A degree in environmental engineering or a related field, and relevant professional experience.
Average Salary: ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000 per year.
Sales Manager
Sales managers oversee a company’s sales team, setting targets, analyzing data, and developing sales strategies.
Requirements: A degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field, and extensive sales experience.
Average Salary: ₦4,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 per year.
FAQs
What are the highest paying jobs in Nigeria?
The highest paying jobs in Nigeria include petroleum engineers, surgeons, pilots, software engineers, and investment bankers. These roles often require specialized education, extensive experience, and a high level of expertise.
How much do petroleum engineers earn in Nigeria?
Petroleum engineers in Nigeria can earn between ₦12,000,000 and ₦25,000,000 per year. This high salary is due to the critical role they play in the oil and gas industry, which is a major sector in Nigeria’s economy.
What qualifications are needed to become a software engineer in Nigeria?
To become a software engineer in Nigeria, you typically need a degree in computer science or software engineering. Additionally, proficiency in programming languages and relevant industry experience are essential for securing high-paying positions.
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