Are you searching for the chemical engineering salary per month in Nigeria (2025)? You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerian students, graduates, and job seekers are curious about how much chemical engineers earn in Nigeria today — whether in the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, food processing, or government.
Whether you hold a BSc, HND, or MSc in Chemical Engineering, this in-depth guide will walk you through what to expect. We’ll break down the chemical engineering monthly salary in Nigeria by experience level, sector, qualifications, and job roles — plus training, allowances, promotion, and industry demand.
Overview of Chemical Engineering in Nigeria
Chemical engineering is one of the most in-demand engineering fields in Nigeria, especially in industries like oil & gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, power generation, and manufacturing.
The role of a chemical engineer is to develop and optimize processes that turn raw materials into useful products. In Nigeria, chemical engineers work with companies like NNPC, Dangote Refinery, NLNG, Shell, PZ Cussons, Unilever, and various government agencies.
The chemical engineering salary per month in Nigeria is influenced by several factors:
Qualification (BSc, HND, MSc)
Industry (Oil and Gas, FMCG, Government)
Location (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja)
Experience level
Job title and responsibilities
Entry-Level Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria 2025
If you’re a fresh graduate with a BSc or HND in Chemical Engineering, your starting salary depends largely on the sector you enter.
Government/Public Sector Jobs
Monthly Salary Range: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
Typical Employers: Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Science & Technology, Research Institutes
Entry Level Rank: CONRAISS/CONUASS/GL 08 or 09 depending on qualification
Private Sector Jobs (Manufacturing, Food, Cosmetics)
Monthly Salary Range: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000
Top Employers: Unilever, Nestlé, Indorama, Flour Mills, PZ Cussons
Oil & Gas Sector (Shell, Chevron, Total)
Monthly Salary Range: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000 for graduate trainees
Entry Roles: Process Engineer, Trainee Engineer, Plant Operator Intern
Average Entry-Level Chemical Engineer Pay (All Sectors Combined):
₦180,000 – ₦250,000 per month
Mid-Level Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria 2025
After 3 to 5 years of experience, chemical engineers usually move into more technical or managerial roles.
Government Engineers (Level 10–12)
Monthly Salary: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
Roles: Senior Chemical Engineer, Project Engineer, Plant Supervisor
Private Sector (Production & Quality Control Units)
Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦450,000
Benefits: Medical cover, transport allowance, annual bonus
Oil & Gas Sector
Monthly Salary: ₦600,000 – ₦900,000
Positions: Process Engineer II, Project Coordinator, Site Supervisor
Senior-Level Chemical Engineer Salary in Nigeria 2025
With 8–15+ years of experience, you’re likely to take on leadership or expert consulting roles.
Government Agencies (Directorate Cadre)
Monthly Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000+
Positions: Director of Chemical Services, Zonal Coordinator
Private Sector (Production Heads, QA Managers)
Monthly Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦800,000
Oil & Gas (Top-Tier Roles)
Monthly Salary: ₦1 million – ₦2.5 million
Positions: Lead Process Engineer, Operations Manager, Senior Consultant
Monthly Salary Table for Chemical Engineers in Nigeria 2025
| Experience Level | Government Jobs | Private Sector | Oil & Gas Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | ₦80k – ₦150k | ₦120k – ₦250k | ₦350k – ₦600k |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | ₦150k – ₦250k | ₦250k – ₦450k | ₦600k – ₦900k |
| Senior-Level (10+ yrs) | ₦300k – ₦500k+ | ₦500k – ₦800k | ₦1m – ₦2.5m |
Chemical Engineering Salary by Qualification
BSc Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria
Most university graduates with a Bachelor’s degree earn between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000 monthly, depending on sector and location. Oil and gas firms offer the highest BSc salaries.
HND Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria
Polytechnic graduates typically earn ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 monthly in sectors like food, cement, or consumer goods. With experience and certification, HND holders can earn more.
MSc Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria
Postgraduates or those with international certifications can earn ₦400,000 – ₦1.5 million monthly, especially in oil, petrochemicals, and consulting firms.
Top Industries That Employ Chemical Engineers in Nigeria
Chemical engineers are hired across multiple sectors in Nigeria, including:
Oil & Gas: NNPC, Shell, Chevron, NLNG
Cement & Construction: Dangote Cement, Lafarge
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG): Nestlé, Unilever, PZ Cussons
Pharmaceuticals: Fidson, Emzor
Agro-Processing: Olam Nigeria, Flour Mills
Government Agencies: DPR, FMST, NAFDAC, SON
Each of these industries pays differently, with oil & gas being the most lucrative.
Allowances and Benefits for Chemical Engineers in Nigeria
In addition to basic salary, chemical engineers may receive:
Housing/Rent allowance
Transport allowance
Utility and Hazard pay
Leave Bonus
Health Insurance
Pension Contribution
Performance Bonus
Offshore allowances (for oil workers)
These benefits vary by employer and location but can boost take-home pay by 20% to 50%.
Promotion Path for Chemical Engineers in Nigeria
Promotion depends on the sector:
In Government:
Graduate Engineer → Senior Engineer → Assistant Director → Director
Promotion typically occurs every 3–5 years based on years of service and performance.
In Private Sector:
Trainee Engineer → Process Engineer → Supervisor → Plant Manager → General Manager
Promotion is often faster but tied to results, targets, and company expansion.
Job Roles & Responsibilities of Chemical Engineers
Some key duties of chemical engineers in Nigeria include:
Designing process systems for refining, production, or treatment
Supervising chemical production or processing lines
Ensuring safety and environmental compliance
Conducting quality assurance and lab testing
Managing plant operations and maintenance schedules
Writing technical documentation and reports
Researching new product development and formulation
Demand for Chemical Engineers in Nigeria (2025 Outlook)
The demand for chemical engineers in Nigeria continues to grow in:
Modular refineries and petrochemical plants
Food technology and packaging
Waste treatment and recycling systems
Gas processing and energy startups
With the Dangote Refinery, modular refinery expansion, and manufacturing sector reforms, chemical engineering remains a top-paying and secure career path in Nigeria.
FAQs – Chemical Engineering Salary Per Month in Nigeria 2025
What is the starting salary for chemical engineers in Nigeria?
Fresh graduates earn between ₦120,000 and ₦250,000 per month on average.
Which industry pays chemical engineers the highest in Nigeria?
Oil and gas industry, where pay can start from ₦350,000 and rise to over ₦2 million monthly.
How much do government-employed chemical engineers earn?
Government salaries range from ₦80,000 to ₦500,000+ depending on level and years of service.
Can HND holders earn well in chemical engineering?
Yes. With certifications and experience, HND holders can earn over ₦300,000 monthly.
Is chemical engineering a good course in Nigeria?
Yes. It offers diverse job opportunities, attractive salaries, and strong industry demand.
Final Thoughts: Chemical Engineering Salary Per Month in Nigeria (2025)
The chemical engineering salary per month in Nigeria (2025) remains one of the most attractive across all engineering fields. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, your earning potential depends on your industry, skillset, and continuous growth.
BSc holders working in oil and gas earn the highest salaries, while government and manufacturing sectors offer stability and long-term benefits. With Nigeria’s growing industrial base, chemical engineers will continue to play a crucial role in economic development.
To increase your chances of success:
Get certified (e.g., COREN, PMP)
Gain experience through internships or IT placements
Apply to high-paying sectors like energy, petrochemicals, or FMCG
Stay updated on technology and process improvements
Chemical engineering in Nigeria is not just a job — it's a solid, high-paying career for those who are prepared.