The recent economic crunch Nigerians are witnessing has been pushing them to seek jobs that pay very high salaries or wages. With the Naira always depreciating against the dollar and the high cost of commodities in the market, Nigerians are left with no other option but to push for more money.
Many Nigerians have chosen to relocate abroad in search of greener pastures and better rewards for labour. However, those remaining have either chosen to stick with whatever they have, take side hustles or change jobs. In whatever category you find yourself, we have curated a list of the top 10 paying jobs in Nigeria. This article is relevant to non-professionals and young people seeking to start their journey in the corporate world.
1. Medical Doctor/Surgeon
Medical Doctors and Surgeons will always be listed among the top 10 paying jobs in any part of the world and at any given time. Medical doctors and surgeons are easily ranked either first or among the highest-paid professionals in any clime and Nigeria is no different. In most homes, parents have come to understand this and often push their science-inclined children to take up medicine and surgery in a tertiary institution. Medical doctors and surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries, diseases and infections. Surgeons are specifically saddled with the responsibility of performing surgery and must possess an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. In Nigeria, the average salary of medical doctors and surgeons falls between NGN 214,000 and NGN 414,000 monthly.
2. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum has been the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy since the 1960s. As a sector, it has very high prospects for those that employed under it. The sector has a lot of money. Petrol is refined and sold in millions of barrels and the engineers that are responsible for the various processes often take home large pay packages.
Petroleum engineers are responsible for designing and developing methods suitable for oil extraction. The work comes with its measure of risks as these engineers are exposed to different settings, including oil fields, refineries, and petrochemical plants. If you are looking for a job that pays well, then becoming a petroleum engineer is a guarantee. It is taking the second spot on the list of the top 10 paying jobs in Nigeria for a reason. A petroleum engineer in Nigeria goes home with an average annual salary of ₦5,120,425.
3. Pilots
We all grew up with a deep admiration for pilots. As kids, we were enchanted by the sight of planes flying in the sky and wondered how they could stay a day without falling to the ground. These planes we so much admire and must have flown once or twice are controlled by pilots. In simple terms, pilots fly planes. They control aircraft, convey passengers and cargo and occasionally take aerial photographs and surveillance. Aside from being on the list of top 10 paying jobs in Nigeria, nobility is attached to pilots.
Pilots are required to be highly proficient in understanding aircraft systems and flight procedures, be quick in decision making and work under pressure. Entry-level pilot earns a minimum of N200,000 per month.
Software development is one of the top-paying jobs in Nigeria. The surge in the digital economy has seen an increase in the demand for software developers. As developers, software engineers are saddled with the responsibility of developing, designing and testing computer software. Most or all of the applications we use on our Android phones and personal computers are developed by software engineers. They also help in improving the performance level of existing software and fix software bugs. Software developers earn between NGN 300,000 and NGN 490,000 per month.
5. Investment Banker
Investing in banking is easily one of the most bankable jobs in Nigeria. With a good understanding of how it works, investment banking is a job with high financial prospects. Investment bankers raise money for companies and governments through the issuance of securities such as bonds and stocks. They also perform consultancy duties by advising their clients on mergers and acquisitions. Investment bankers earn an average annual salary of NGN 4M.
6. Lawyer
Lawyers are synonymous with the laws of any country. The lucrative nature of the legal profession is not a secret. Parents are always proud to be associated with their children who are in the legal profession. Lawyers give legal advice to both businesses and individuals. Most of the arts-inclined students often tend to take up law as a course of study. Lawyers earn an average of NGN 475,000 per month.
7. Dentist
If you have teeth problems, then you should go and see a dentist. Dentists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions, including issues with teeth and gums. They also offer preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Dentists require a comprehensive knowledge of oral health and proficiency in performing dental procedures. This is a profession that offers high income for those involved in it. Dentists earn between 429,000 NGN to 1,260,000 NGN.
8. Pharmacist
Pharmacy is another lucrative job on the list of top 10 paying jobs in Nigeria. Pharmacists dispense medications and provide guidance to patients on their safe and effective use and in the process, make a lot of money. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, including doctors, to manage patients’ medication regimens. Pharmacists must possess a deep understanding of pharmacology and the ability to communicate with patients professionally and compassionately. Pharmacists at the basic level earn between N100, 000 – N170, 000.
9. Chartered Accountant
Getting certified as a chartered accountant in Nigeria is no mean feat. These are accomplished financial professionals who have met the rigorous education and experience criteria set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). They have a stellar reputation in business and are constantly sought after for senior financial positions. Accountants help firms track income and expenses, prepare financial records, and analyze financial data. They also handle tax returns. They must understand accounting fundamentals thoroughly and adhere to financial reporting laws. Chartered accounts earn an average annual salary of ₦3,052,094.
10. Information Technology Manager
Last but not the least on the list of the top paying jobs in Nigeria in 2023 is Information technology managers. IT managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and networks within an organization. They ensure that the IT infrastructure aligns with the business’s needs and that IT projects are executed within budget and on schedule. IT managers need a profound understanding of IT principles and technologies to excel in their roles. IT managers go home with an average annual salary of ₦2385232.
