Looking to understand the CONHESS salary structure in Nigeria for 2025? You're in the right place. Whether you're a health worker, preparing for employment in a federal hospital, or comparing government salary structures in Nigeria, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about the CONHESS salary, rank levels, and allowance structure in Nigeria from entry-level medical staff to top-level consultants and directors.
We’ll break down monthly salaries by grade level, list the main allowances, explain how promotions work, and answer common questions about CONHESS in Nigeria today.
Summary: CONHESS Salary and Allowance Structure in Nigeria (2025)
| CONHESS Level / Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Allowance Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| CONHESS 1 – 3 | ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| CONHESS 4 – 6 | ₦85,000 – ₦130,000 | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 |
| CONHESS 7 – 9 | ₦135,000 – ₦190,000 | ₦35,000 – ₦60,000 |
| CONHESS 10 – 12 | ₦200,000 – ₦300,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 |
| CONHESS 13 – 15 | ₦320,000 – ₦500,000+ | ₦100,000+ |
What is CONHESS?
CONHESS stands for Consolidated Health Salary Structure. It is the official salary structure used for non-physician health workers in Nigeria, such as nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, radiographers, physiotherapists, dental technologists, health record officers, and more.
It is designed by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to ensure uniform pay across federal health institutions like:
Federal Medical Centres (FMCs)
Teaching Hospitals
National Health Agencies
State-level health ministries (where adopted)
CONHESS Salary Levels and Monthly Pay (2025)
The CONHESS structure consists of 15 levels, and each level has steps 1 to 9, which determine incremental salary increases based on years of service.
Entry-Level Salary (CONHESS 1 – 3)
₦50,000 – ₦80,000/month
These levels are for junior support staff such as assistants, attendants, and some clerical workers in the health system.
Mid-Level Health Professionals (CONHESS 4 – 6)
₦85,000 – ₦130,000/month
These levels cover technicians, auxiliary nurses, and other staff with OND or equivalent qualifications.
Senior Technical Staff (CONHESS 7 – 9)
₦135,000 – ₦190,000/month
At this stage, health workers are expected to hold HND, BSc, or be licensed practitioners (like staff nurses, radiographers, or health record officers).
Management and Specialized Roles (CONHESS 10 – 12)
₦200,000 – ₦300,000/month
This range includes unit heads, clinical supervisors, principal officers, and experienced specialists.
Top-Level and Director Positions (CONHESS 13 – 15)
₦320,000 – ₦500,000+/month
Reserved for deputy directors, directors, and consultants in senior management.
Main Allowances Under CONHESS in Nigeria (2025)
In addition to base salary, workers under CONHESS enjoy several allowances tied to their role, work environment, and qualification.
Standard Allowances Include:
Call Duty Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦40,000 for staff on emergency rosters
Shift Duty Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000/month for night/weekend workers
Hazard Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 (for direct patient-care roles)
Rural Posting Allowance: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (for those in remote areas)
Professional Registration Allowance: Annual coverage for license renewals
Uniform Maintenance: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 quarterly
Housing Allowance: ₦30,000 – ₦100,000 depending on location and grade
Leave Allowance: One month’s basic salary (paid annually)
Allowances vary across hospitals and depend on funding, staff union agreements, and risk classification.
Promotion in CONHESS Structure
Promotions under CONHESS are based on:
Years of service (minimum 3 years at a level)
Annual performance appraisal
Completion of required professional exams or training
Vacancy and budget availability
Each promotion leads to an automatic step-up in salary or transition to the next grade level with increased pay and allowances.
CONHESS vs CONMESS: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | CONHESS | CONMESS |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Non-physician health workers | Medical doctors and consultants |
| Entry Level | CONHESS 7 or 8 for BSc holders | CONMESS 2 for doctors (house officers) |
| Allowances | Shift, call duty, hazard | Specialist, clinical duty, teaching |
| Example Professions | Nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists | Medical doctors, surgeons, consultants |
CONHESS Salary vs Other Public Sector Structures (2025)
| Salary Structure | Entry-Level Salary (₦) | Top-Level Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| CONHESS | ₦50,000 – ₦80,000 | ₦500,000+ |
| CONMESS | ₦170,000 – ₦220,000 | ₦800,000+ |
| CONTISS (Universities) | ₦120,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦600,000+ |
| CONPSS (Agencies) | ₦90,000 – ₦150,000 | ₦400,000+ |
CONHESS is generally well-structured for non-doctor roles, but many health workers still advocate for increased hazard and rural allowances.
How CONHESS Salary is Paid
Salaries are paid monthly through IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System)
Workers receive payslips from hospital HR units
Payments include basic pay + allowances – deductions (PENCOM, NHIS, tax)
Leave, call duty, and uniform allowances are processed quarterly or yearly
Benefits of Working Under CONHESS
- Federal pension-backed job
- Regular promotions and salary upgrades
- Access to health insurance (NHIS)
- Hazard pay and rural incentive options
- Eligibility for workshops and international training
- Opportunity to grow within hospital management
Cost of Living vs CONHESS Salary (2025)
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Feeding | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Transport | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Accommodation (shared) | ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 |
| Airtime & Utilities | ₦7,000 – ₦12,000 |
Even entry-level health workers on CONHESS 7 earning ₦130,000+ can live modestly, especially with added allowances.
FAQs on CONHESS Salary and Structure in Nigeria (2025)
What is CONHESS 7 salary in Nigeria?
The basic monthly salary is around ₦130,000 – ₦150,000, excluding allowances.
Which professions are on CONHESS in Nigeria?
Pharmacists, radiographers, nurses, lab scientists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, etc.
Is CONHESS a federal salary structure?
Yes. It is used across federal health institutions, though some states also adopt it.
What is the difference between CONHESS and CONTISS?
CONHESS is for health workers, while CONTISS is used in universities and polytechnics.
Do workers under CONHESS receive hazard allowance?
Yes. Hazard allowance is part of standard pay for frontline staff.
Final Thoughts: Is CONHESS Salary Worth It in 2025?
The CONHESS salary, allowance and rank structure in Nigeria (2025) remains one of the most structured and regulated salary systems for health professionals who are not doctors. With clear career progression, access to multiple allowances, and pension benefits, it offers stability and long-term growth.
If you're asking, “Is CONHESS worth it as a career path?” — the answer is yes. Especially if you’re in the health sector and aiming for a federal job with reliable income and benefits.