Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021 [+Best Paying Companies]: There are careers in Nigeria that stand way high above the rest with mouthwatering take-home pay. Everyone wants to be successful, and knowing the right career path to take is very important.
While some Nigerians earn just a little above the minimum wage, there are some jobs that pay far above the minimum wage on a monthly basis if one has the required skills and certifications.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021 [+Best Paying Companies].
If you want to exchange your skills for respectable wages in Nigeria, this guide is just for you. Check the lists of both lucrative jobs and generous employers.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021: According to a study by the Logpoint.com.ng website, the average monthly income of Nigerians is 205,000 NGN in 2020. The lowest wages are around 28,000 NGN. For comparison, the Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021 can exceed a million NGN. The wide range of earnings occurs for two main reasons. First, not every industry can offer lucrative jobs, given the current economic issues of Nigeria. Second, the salary level significantly depends on education, experience, and skills. Many promising workers do not even realize their professional opportunities and, therefore, can not choose the right development path. This guide provides a list of the Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021 that will encourage you to either apply for the role immediately or set a goal to work towards through training and self-improvement.
List of High Paying Jobs in Nigeria
The Nigerian labor market offers a wide range of careers for experts with an impressive track record and entry-level specialists. The main difference really lies in the level of wages. We have selected not just the highest paying jobs in Nigeria, but also the positions where your salary and prospects increase as your skills are upgrading. Therefore, try to choose a post that will become your vocation and bring you joy in the future. This tactic will lead you to financial well-being rather than a mindless pursuit of quick profits,
Based on research from online platforms like logpoint.com.ng, and from insiders in these job fields, we have come up with a list of Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021 in no particular order.
1. Petroleum Engineer
The main advantage of the petroleum engineer position is the ability to work for multi-million-dollar international and local oil companies. Due to this fact, even beginners have the opportunity to earn 300,000 NGN per month from the career start. In the future, this amount can reach 100,000,000 NGN. In exchange for such impressive earnings, petroleum engineers:
- Design equipment for oil and gas production
- Develop plans for drilling fields,
- Meticulously analyze geological data
These responsibilities require advanced education and a set of technical qualifications.
2. Pastor
Nigerians value and respect their religious leaders. That’s why pastors can take home up to 5-6 million NGN a year. This post includes:
- Conducting of congresses, prayers, and sermons in churches
- Conducting weddings, funerals, as well as other rituals and ceremonies
- The precept of the parishioners
Often pastors have a degree in theology or religious studies, advanced written and oratory skills to promote the church and convey the importance of faith, as well as critical thinking for interpreting scripture.
3. Computer Engineer
The digitalization of business has increased the demand for IT field representatives in general and computer engineers in particular. These specialists are responsible for:
- Technical support for all departments of the company
- Analysis of computer equipment and timely troubleshooting
- Software installation and maintenance
- Cloud storage accounts safety
- Software systems development
Despite the strict requirements for education and qualifications, the position of a computer engineer still attracts many job seekers in Nigeria, because it provides an opportunity to earn up to 10 million NGN a year. Undoubtedly, you should not rely on such a salary from the first steps in the industry, but it is something to strive for.
4. Telecommunications Engineer
The telecommunications industry is rapidly gaining momentum in Nigeria. Wireless telephony, satellite communications, and broadband technologies require daily innovative technical solutions for uninterrupted information transfer. It has caused the need for qualified telecom engineers and has positively affected their salaries, which can reach 1 million NGN per month. If you are a young professional, your income will start from 150,000 NGN. However, fast learning and the successful implementation of the following duties will lead to pay raises:
- Design and creation of devices for telecommunication systems
- Inspecting and servicing of telecommunication devices
- Preparation of specifications for systems and equipment data sheets
5. Pilot
The pilot’s profession requires expensive preliminary training, and the selection process at the airline implies compliance with strict criteria and high professional standards. Nevertheless, all the costs and efforts will pay off in the future, as airlines with a vast passenger base are ready to pay from 500,000 NGN. Your salary will grow along with your rank and number of flight hours and can reach 1.5 million NGN per month. In addition to transporting passengers and cargo, your responsibilities will include:
- Post-flight inspection of equipment and navigation systems
- Determining the safest route
- Crew team management
6. Teacher
A teacher or lecturer is a respected profession in any country since this specialist takes an active part not only in education but also in shaping the personalities of the next generation. It is important to note that high earnings from 600,000 to 1 million NGN per month are available only for specialists with a Master’s degree or Ph.D. This is a weighty argument to focus on your professional development. Your responsibilities in this role may include:
- Development of an educational program and lecture plan
- Assessing the progress of each student and compiling individual instructions
- Maintaining a productive classroom environment and personal counseling
7. Musician
If you have a craving for art and music, the entertainment sector opens the doors for you and offers the opportunity to monetize your talent. Earnings of well-known Nigerian musicians can reach from 600,000 to 2 million NGN per show, which is equivalent to the annual salary of some specialists. However, do not flatter yourself too much, as income in this professional depends largely on your talent. You must have a business acumen to understand what the audience wants to hear, sales skills to promote your creativity, and the patience to not give up while waiting for the fruits of your work. Therefore, if the passion for music and adventurism are your characteristics, feel free to try your luck.
8. Sailor
In Nigeria, demand for sailors far exceeds supply, as very few universities offer sailing training. Therefore, every professional is worth his weight in gold, both literally and figuratively. The salary depends on your rank and experience. It can vary from 200,000 NGN for a commander to 1.6 million per month for an admiral. In general, the role of sailor includes:
- Ship handling
- Ship maintenance
- Repair and preparation of deck equipment
- Lifeboat crew management
9. Investment Banker
Any investment decision must be balanced to avoid losses. Investment bankers provide all the necessary information for firms or individuals to make investment decisions, thereby reducing risks and taking responsibility for the outcome of the transaction. This position requires exceptional analytical skills. Estimated salaries range from 210,000-550,000 NGN per month depending on the employer. In exchange for such income, be prepared to provide the following services:
- Analysis of financial information and market trends
- Creating financial models for determining profitability
- Preparation of legal and financial documents for closing a transaction
10. Data Analyst
Big data has become an integral tool of any business. It provides valuable insights about the product, competitors, and the market as a whole to identify areas for improvement to choose a development strategy. However, the value of any data depends on the competence of its interpretation. Therefore, a data analyst is one of the offline and online jobs that pays well. The salary of qualified specialists reaches 230,000-350,000 NGN fer month and implies the following responsibilities:
- Data extract and cleaning
- Data quality analysis for future use
- Interpretation of data and identification of necessary information for decision-making
- Providing detailed reporting to management
Top Ten Well Paid Careers in Nigeria – SUMMARY.
- Petroleum Engineer
- Pastor
- Computer Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Teacher
- Musician
- Sailor
- Investment Banker
- Data Analyst
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Top 10 Best Paying Companies in Nigeria
A successful career largely depends on the right choice of company. Even if you know your stuff and the chosen role is your true vocation, your motivation may crash under unacceptable working conditions, poor corporate culture, or lack of prospects and incentives. To avoid it, we have compiled a list of prestigious companies in Nigeria that invite valuable talents to unlock their potential and build long-term cooperation.
Chevron
Chevron is an American oil and gas company with a branch in Nigeria which is famous for its high hourly pay for employees. Even first level positions can receive about 4,000 NGN per hour, not to mention managers and engineers whose hourly rates start from 13,000 NGN. Given the extensive job opportunities, it is not surprising that every available vacancy receives thousands of responses.
Nigerian Civil Service
Federal agencies are often inferior to private companies in terms of wages, but this rule has exceptions, as in the case of a medical doctor. On average, civil service employee salaries can reach 4.5 million per year. Besides, the state offers many additional benefits, such as medical insurance, paid vacation, medical leave, fixed working hours, and pension payments.
Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobil is an oil and gas company with a long history. Its senior management believes that market leadership is possible only if the interests and needs of employees are aligned with the goals of the company. Therefore, Exxon Mobil offers a tempting bonus program to attract and retain talented personnel. Encouraging initiatives, recognition of experience, and salaries of 3-6 million NGN per year for junior specialists, really do their part. Many employees remain loyal to the company for many years.
MTN
MTN is one of the pioneers in the telecommunications services market. This South African company prefers the Nigerian workforce and offers its employees contractual cooperation. Salaries start at 83,000 NGN per month. However, with good effort you can significantly work your way up and bring in around 12.5 million NGN per year.
Nestle
Nestle is one of the food and beverage market leaders and one of Nigeria’s most generous employers. The annual salary of junior employees is 1-2.5 million NGN, while managers and supervisors are awarded 6.5 million NGN for their length of service. Salary is not the only advantage for employees who stay in the company for more than six months. Additional incentives include health insurance and paid leave, which makes Nestle a target for many job seekers.
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Conclusion on Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Nigeria 2021.
It is difficult to imagine a person who refuses the opportunity to join a profitable industry and receive high earnings, especially if local and international employers offer many career paths for Nigerians. In this guide, we have provided you with an extensive list of lucrative professions and food for thought. Now your success and job satisfaction depends on your ability to get your priorities straight. Do not be afraid to take the first steps in the industry, do not be afraid if your financial expectations are not met in a flash, and do not be afraid to go the extra mile for your vocation. Remember, nothing is impossible for a willing mind.
