Choosing a career in today’s Nigeria is more than just following your passion. It’s about aligning your skills with industries that offer well paying jobs and clear growth opportunities.
Industries that once dominated, such as oil and gas, are still relevant, but new sectors, including technology, aviation, and specialized healthcare, now produce some of the country’s highest earners.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the top 10 highest paying jobs in Nigeria today, with detailed breakdowns of:
- What the job involves
- Salary information
- Educational requirements
10 Highest Paying Jobs in Nigeria
- Petroleum Engineers
- Medical Doctors
- Investment Bankers
- IT Experts
- Pilots
- Corporate Lawyers
- Project Managers
- Data Analysts
- Pharmacists
- Accountants
1. Petroleum Engineers
A petroleum engineer designs and develops methods for monitoring, and extracting oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs, and Nigeria is one of the top Africa’s oil producers, ranking as the 7th largest exporter.
Salary Information
Petroleum engineers in Nigerian earns between ₦500,000 – ₦3,000,000+ as monthly salary, and it is the highest paying job in Nigeria.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (B.Eng or B.Tech) in Petroleum Engineering or related fields like Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Geology.
- Mandatory registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) after graduation.
2. Medical Doctors
Medical doctors are professionals involved in diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing diseases, and medical conditions. Specialists such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiologists rank and earn substantially higher salaries than those in general practice.
Salary Information
Salary depends on area of specialty, private or public hospital, but medical doctors in Nigeria earns between ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000+ as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- You’ll need a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
- You must complete a residency program, obtain board certification.
- Get supervised training in your chosen specialty.
3. Investment Bankers
An investment banker is a financial professional who helps businesses, governments, or individuals to raise capital and provide strategic financial advise.
Salary Information
An investment banker in Nigeria earns between ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000+ as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Business Administration.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification.
4. IT Experts
IT experts are skilled professional who specializes in software development, cloud computing, networking etc. They manage and maintain tech infrastructures for business and individuals across all industries.
Salary Information
IT experts in Nigeria earns between ₦400,000 – ₦2,500,000+ monthly as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology.
- Professional certification programs such as programming, cybersecurity, cloud computing etc.
- Continuous self-learning and staying updated with emerging technologies.
5. Pilots and Aviation Professionals
A pilot is a trained professional who operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring the safe transport of passengers, cargo, or both from one location to another. They are responsible for controlling the aircraft during all phases of flight.
Salary Information
A pilot in Nigeria earn between ₦850,000 – ₦3,000,000+ as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
6. Corporate Lawyers
A corporate lawyer helps businesses with the legal side of running and growing a company, and they are among the top salary earners in Nigeria.
Salary Information
A corporate lawyer in Nigeria earns between ₦600,000 – ₦2,500,000+ as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B).
- You must complete 1 year at the Nigerian Law School.
- Get called to the Nigerian Bar.
7. Project Managers
A project manager is a professional who plans, organizes, and oversees a project from start to finish. Their job is to make sure a project is completed on time, within budget, and meets expectations.
Salary Information
A project manager in Nigeria earns between ₦300,000 – ₦1,500,000+ as monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in any relevant field such as Business Administration, Management, Economics etc.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification.
8. Data Analysts
A data analyst is a professional who collects, organizes, and analyzes data to help companies make better decisions by turning raw numbers into clear insights that answer business queries.
Salary Information
A data analyst in Nigeria earns between ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000+ monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, or Computer science.
- Knowledge of SQL, Python, Excel, Power BI, R, and Machine learning.
9. Pharmacists
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who prepares, dispenses, advises people on medications, and ensure medicine are taken or used appropriately.
Salary Information
A pharmacist in Nigerian earns between ₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000+ monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm or Pharm.D).
- Get licensed by Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).
10. Accountants
An accountant is a professional who records, analyzes, and reports financial information for individuals, businesses. They help companies stay compliant with tax laws, and make smarter financial decisions.
Salary Information
An accountant in Nigeria earns between ₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000+ monthly salary.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree B.Sc. Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Banking & Finance.
- ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) Certification.
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Certification.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification.
Key Factors that Determines Salaries in Nigeria
- Level of education
- Industry and sector
- Experience
- Location
- Company size
- Skill level and certifications
Conclusion
Nigeria’s job market continues to evolve, and the highest paying jobs are those that combine specialized skills, strong education, and experience.
While salary should not be the only factor in choosing a career, having a clear understanding of the top highest paying jobs will helps you to plan better, set clear goals, and build a skill set that is in high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What job has the highest salary in Nigeria?
The highest paying jobs in Nigeria surgeons, petroleum engineers, pilots, and investment bankers.
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Do tech jobs pay well in Nigeria?
Yes. Tech jobs like software development, data analysis, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity pay very well, especially in companies that support remote work.
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Can you get a high paying job in Nigeria without a degree?
Yes. Fields like tech, digital marketing, UI/UX design, and creative industries allow people with strong skills and portfolios to earn high salaries even without a degree.