Top 10 highest-paid professionals in Nigeria

Having a successful and financially stable career that is also fulfilling is a common aspiration for many people. However, it’s crucial to identify the right career path that requires formal education, technical expertise, creative abilities, and experience to achieve this goal.

If you possess unique skills and experience, you’re one step closer to becoming one of the highest-paid professionals. The following is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs that often require these skills and experience.

1. Surgeons

Surgeons are highly compensated not only in Nigeria but also worldwide due to the critical nature of their job. As their work involves high risks, any mistake could result in a fatal outcome. As a result, extensive education is required for this profession, which involves completing medical school, which can take up to fifteen years or more, to become a specialized surgeon.

The salary range for a surgeon is between N630,000 to N2,500,000 per month.

2. Pilots

Pilots are responsible for operating and navigating different types of aircraft, such as commercial airplanes, helicopters, and cargo planes. Due to the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety of passengers, pilots receive relatively high compensation.

Becoming a pilot requires applying to an accredited aviation school, which typically takes approximately four years to complete. However, most aviation schools are located outside of Nigeria.

Entry-level pilots can expect to earn a starting salary between N200,000 to N500,000 per month, while captains can earn up to N3,000,000 per month.

3. Medical Doctor

Medical professionals have diverse job opportunities available to them, ranging from teaching hospitals and public health organizations to private practices and beyond. They may choose to specialize in various medical fields such as Gynecology, Gastroenterology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Neurology, and many more.

To qualify for a career in medicine, individuals must complete a six-year program and obtain the requisite medical certification from an accredited institution in Nigeria.

Medical professionals in Nigeria can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N300,000 to N1,500,000.

4. Sailor

Sailors play a crucial role in operating and managing various types of ships, such as cargo vessels, tankers, and passenger boats. To pursue a career in this field, one must apply to either the Maritime Academy of Nigeria or one of the accredited private maritime academies in the country.

In Nigeria, sailors can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N220,000 to N1,400,000.

5. Lawyers

A proficient and accomplished lawyer can provide crucial legal assistance in avoiding severe penalties such as fines and the death penalty. This is why skilled and capable lawyers are remunerated generously.

To pursue a career in law, individuals must first earn a bachelor’s degree in the field and then attend law school. As lawyers gain more experience and establish their expertise, they can potentially earn higher salaries.

In Nigeria, lawyers can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N150,000 to N1,330,000.

 6. Petroleum Engineer

Working as a Petroleum Engineer in a Nigerian oil and gas company, whether local or multinational, can potentially yield an annual income of around N12,000,000. However, this will mainly depend on an individual’s prior experience and length of service in the field.

To become a Petroleum Engineer, one must complete a five-year program and obtain the required certification from an accredited institution in Nigeria.

Petroleum Engineers in Nigeria can expect a monthly salary ranging from N200,000 to N1,000,000.

7. Military Officer

Senior military officers serving in the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force receive a monthly salary ranging from N500,000 to N1,700,000.

8. Software Engineer

Software engineering is a lucrative profession because of the high demand for technology worldwide. To become a Software Engineer, one must complete a computer engineering program and acquire certification from a university, college, or institution.

In Nigeria, Software Engineers can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N250,000 to N1,600,000.

9. Chartered Accountant

Accountants are responsible for managing financial accounts and are employed by a broad range of companies, including government agencies. 

To become a Chartered Accountant, one must first obtain a degree in Accounting or a related field, and then acquire a professional certificate from organizations such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAN, or others. This will pave the way for a successful career in the field.

In Nigeria, Chartered Accountants can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N150,000 to N1,550,000.

10 . Banker

In Nigeria, one must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and pass the relevant aptitude tests to secure a job as a banker in any of the various banks.

Bankers in Nigeria can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from N150,000 to N1,450,000.