What is the salary of engineers in Nigeria? The importance of researching about the course you want to study in the university before choosing it cannot be overemphasized. Many a time, the reason why many people end up not performing well in their careers is because they chose the wrong course during their secondary education.

Take for instance, anyone who does research about the employment rate of lawyers and the annual salary of lawyers for choosing to study law, will definitely find it difficult to excel in the profession.

In light of the above, I have decided to give you detailed information about the annual and monthly Salary of engineers in Nigeria. This article discusses the salary Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Computer, Aerospace and Environmental engineers in Nigeria.

I strongly encourage all engineering students and aspiring students of this course to take every information contained in this page seriously as they essential especially in a country like Nigeria.

An Engineer is a professional in the field of Engineering who invents, designs, analyze, build, and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets, materials to fulfill functional objectives and requirements.

From the above, the word ‘Engineer’ is a broad term as the field of Engineering comprises of various professionals who specialize in the various branches of the field of Engineering. Hence, it’s important we consider these branches.

Types/Branches of Engineering

The major branches in the field of Engineering are:

1. Civil Engineering
2. Electrical Engineering
3. Chemical Engineering
4. Mechanical Engineering
5. Computer Hardware Engineering
6. Aerospace Engineering
7. Environmental Engineering

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Salary Structures For The Types of Engineering

It is  important to note that the salary of an Engineer varies based on specialization, and multiplicity of other factors. Thus, the need to highlight the salary structure of Engineers in the aforementioned branches; which is their area of Specialization.

Salary of Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering involves a constructed environment that deals with the planning, designing, overseeing, construction, and maintenance of structures, and facilities such as Roads, Railways, Bridges, Airport, Dams, Irrigation projects, et cetera.

An Engineer in this field is popularly known as a Civil Engineer. A Civil Engineer could specialize in either Construction Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Land development and transportation.

In Nigeria, a Civil Engineer earns between 110,000 – 350,000 Naira depending on the level and experience of such Engineer. Albeit, Civil Engineers in the Oil and Gas industry earn more than those in other Companies or Public administration. Based on research, a Civil Engineer in the Oil and Gas industry earns between 200,000 – 500,000 an estimated amount depending on your Level and input at Work.

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Salary of Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering involves the design, manufacture, and testing of Electrical components such as Cars, Power generation, Navigation and Communication System.

Engineers in this field could work in numerous industries including but not limited to: Automobile, Manufacturing, Telecommunication, and Research. Depending on the Industry and Company, such Electrical Engineer could earn a minimum of 148,000 –  a maximum of 500,000 Naira per month or even more.

Salary of Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering involves a notable number of specialization, one of which is Petro-Chemical Engineering which is the highest paying Field of Engineering in Nigeria.

On a General note, Chemical Engineering involves the application of the principles of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics to solve problems that involves the production and use of Chemicals, fuel, drug, food, and other biologicals.

A Chemical Engineer earns within the range of 189,000 – 525,000 Naira, depending on the level of such Engineer.

Salary of Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering involves the designing, building, and development of mechanical sensing devices such as Machines, Engine tools, Internal Combustion Engines, Electric Generations, Gas turbines, Air conditioning system, et cetera.

A Mechanical Engineer in Nigeria earns between 100,000 – 500,000 Naira per month as basic Salary. This salary could differ depending on the Company, Specialization, or Industry of such Engineer. For example, while Mechanical Engineers  in the Automotive Industry earn between 120,000 – 310,000 Naira per month, their counterparts in the Aerospace Industry earn 270,000 – 500,000 Naira per month, while those in  the Oil and Gas industry earn even more.

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Salary of Computer Engineering

This Field of Engineering oversee the Manufacture, Installation, and testing of Computer systems, Chips, Circuit boards, and peripherals such as Keyboards, Routers, Printers, etc.

Computer hardware Engineers earn between 100,000 – 393,000 Naira, variation exist in Salary depending on numerous factors earlier mentioned in other fields.

Salary of Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering is another interesting form of Mechanical Engineering. Albeit, it focuses primarily on the design, manufacture, and development of Aircraft, Spacecraft, Satellites, Missile, and co.

The Salaries of Engineers in this field range from 200,000 – 690,000 Naira per month.

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Salary of Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering involves the implementation of principles of Engineering, Soil Science, Biology, and Chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.

Environmental Engineers further help in improving Water disposal, Public Health, Recycling, Water and Air pollution control. Their monthly salary fall within the range of 154,000 – 489,000 Naira.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Being An Engineer in Nigeria

ADVANTAGES OF ENGINEERING

Here are some of the advantages of becoming an engineer:

1. Specialization: Specialization is one characteristic and an important advantage, as an engineer, you are presented with opportunity to decide an area of specialization from the long list of specializations, based on you interest and skills. Such areas of specialization are civil engineering, electrical engineering, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, electronics engineering and lots of other areas. Some industries may require that you obtain additional education or training as an engineer, asides that, just your basic knowledge and training as an engineer is enough to prepare you for the required roles. These knowledge would help you fit properly in your position.

2. Work environment: Engineers have a bit of a flexible work environment, this means that they could work in an office or be in the field (site), it all depends on your choice. It could be an office setting or one that offers more time at project sites. You could also decide to do both (that is the beauty of the profession). Doing both gives you the opportunity to work in the kind of setting which aligns with the type of environment you prefer.

3. Projects: Project which engineers involve in are the ones which influence the daily life they are made through designing and building projects. The projects engineers contribute in making and building of houses, construction, improving or maintaining projects like road and bridges which are beneficial to the society. Are you passionate about helping the society? This field of engineering may just be the part you are looking for.

4. Salary: Another advantage of being an engineer is the mouthwatering salary, if you have an idea of what you are doing in your field, you would succeed and with no doubt live on a large salary. The average salary of an engineer is $61, 000 per annum. However, this amount varies depending on the field, industry, and level of experience, location, and a few more.

One of the basic things that influences the salaries are the skills and the level of experience. You could also increase their level of education or experience in other to earn more. Another way of increasing their salary is by specializing in areas that are in demand.

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DISADVANTAGES OF ENGINEERING

1. Focus of the position: It is very important that you focus on the position at hand. The work of an engineer is always complex as it focuses on the technological processes and specialized knowledge sets. It would prove itself difficult with each project that comes along, you get to experience projects which require a complex understanding of technologies and all the intricacies there is to it. When a project is this tasking, it may lead to increased engagement in the workload, which may lead to job dissatisfaction. Therefore, if you are interested in engineering, get ready for the work ahead.

2. Educational requirements: The basic requirement to becoming an engineer is a bachelor’s degree in engineering. It is possible to get advanced degrees like master’s degrees, and doctorates as many engineers do so. However, in the process of obtaining even the smallest amount of engineering education, you would get to spend lots of money, time and resources. Therefore to get into engineering, you must be prepared mentally, financially and otherwise as it is not a walk in the park.

3. Competition: There are no job in the world without competition and engineering is not an exception, just like law, the competition in engineering is high. Are you interested in this field?, then get ready to top up your game for the competition ahead, show your talent, and experiences in other to impress your employers. It’s a tough world out there. In addition to your education, you could learn other skills to help give you an edge over other applicants.

4. Liability: Imagine constructing a bridged which collapses the next day or a building with a faulty wiring which ends up electrifying and killing the occupants or a family. The work of an engineer comes with lots of liabilities and some of them you may not be able to handle, you are responsible for the safety of your projects. Are you someone who is not so careful? Then think twice before going into this profession.

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It is instructive to note that, the Salary Structure above is neither static nor the standard price for every Engineer in each of  the aforementioned Field. Sometimes the salary vary; but based on findings in  most companies, this is the salary these Engineers are paid monthly including or excluding normal allowances depending on the policy of the company.

Some Companies pay lower than the aforementioned salary range especially Private companies where salaries are regulated by the proprietor, while some pay higher. But the major factors that contribute to the allocation of Salary to an Engineer in Nigeria are as follows: Skills, Level of Experience, Location, Field, Area of Specialization, Industry, Size of the Company, and Level of input. The higher these factors, the higher your Salary.

In addition, the above Salary structure applies only to Workers in a Company, Corporation, or Government industry. It does not apply in private business. For example, where I contract a Civil Engineer to build a house for me, I don’t pay him Salary, but pay him based on our terms of Contract. Such price could be a Million Naira or more. Same is applicable to other fields where Engineers are contracted for private business.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.