As you prepare for a career in Nigeria’s federal civil service or are simply curious about how public workers are paid, it’s important to understand the CONPSS salary structure, which stands for Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure. Whether you’re a new graduate, a job applicant, or already in the system aiming for promotion, knowing how CONPSS works in 2025 can help you make smart decisions about your career and finances.
In this post, I’ll be showing you the CONPSS Salary Structure in Nigeria for 2025, including breakdowns by grades, levels, and monthly earnings. If you’ve been asking questions like: What is the CONPSS salary scale in Nigeria?, How much does a civil servant earn in 2025?, What are the different grade levels in CONPSS?, What’s the starting salary in the federal civil service?, Is CONPSS different from CONHESS or CONMESS?, Which level pays the most in CONPSS?, or How do promotions work in the Nigerian civil service? — then you're in the right place.
Why You Should Understand CONPSS Salary Grades and Levels
The CONPSS salary structure is used to determine how much civil servants in ministries, government agencies, and departments are paid. It’s used for non-medical, non-teaching, and non-military government jobs. Understanding this structure will help you:
Know what to expect when you get a federal government job
Plan your career and set promotion targets
Compare earnings across grade levels
Negotiate job placement and transfers better
How CONPSS Works in Nigeria
The CONPSS salary structure is based on Grade Levels (GL) and Steps:
Grade Levels (GL 01 – GL 17): Represent seniority and responsibility
Steps (Step 1 – Step 15): Represent years or progression within the same grade level
Salaries increase as you move from one step or level to the next
CONPSS Salary Structure and Monthly Pay by Grade Level (2025)
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the estimated monthly earnings for key grade levels under CONPSS in 2025:
| Grade Level (GL) | Step 1 Salary (₦) | Step 15 Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 01 | ₦62,000 – ₦70,000 | ₦90,000 – ₦100,000 |
| GL 04 | ₦100,000 – ₦110,000 | ₦140,000 – ₦150,000 |
| GL 06 | ₦120,000 – ₦130,000 | ₦170,000 – ₦180,000 |
| GL 07 | ₦140,000 – ₦145,000 | ₦180,000 – ₦190,000 |
| GL 08 (Graduate Entry) | ₦170,000 – ₦175,000 | ₦220,000 – ₦230,000 |
| GL 09 | ₦190,000 – ₦200,000 | ₦240,000 – ₦260,000 |
| GL 10 | ₦220,000 – ₦230,000 | ₦270,000 – ₦300,000 |
| GL 12 | ₦260,000 – ₦280,000 | ₦350,000 – ₦370,000 |
| GL 14 | ₦300,000 – ₦320,000 | ₦420,000 – ₦450,000 |
| GL 16 | ₦400,000 – ₦450,000 | ₦500,000 – ₦550,000 |
| GL 17 (Top-Level Director) | ₦500,000 – ₦550,000 | ₦700,000 – ₦750,000 |
Note: Salaries may vary slightly based on ministry, special allowances, and location.
What Determines Your Placement on CONPSS?
Your entry point in CONPSS depends on:
Educational qualification: ND, HND, or B.Sc. determines your starting grade level
Years of experience: For direct senior appointments
Promotion: Based on years of service, performance, and internal exams
| Qualification | Entry Grade Level |
|---|---|
| SSCE / WAEC | GL 03 – GL 04 |
| OND / NCE | GL 06 |
| HND | GL 07 |
| B.Sc / B.A / B.Ed | GL 08 |
| Master’s Degree | GL 09 |
| PhD | GL 10 – GL 12 |
Allowances and Bonuses under CONPSS
In addition to the monthly basic salary, CONPSS employees may receive:
Transport Allowance
Housing Allowance
Meal Subsidy
Leave Allowance
Hazard Allowance (for certain roles)
Pension Contributions
Annual Increment (Step increase)
Allowances are typically a percentage of the basic salary and vary by level.
FAQ – CONPSS Salary Structure in Nigeria 2025
What is the starting salary in the Nigerian civil service under CONPSS?
Entry-level staff at GL 04 earn between ₦100,000 and ₦140,000 per month.
Which grade level is for university graduates?
Graduates typically start on Grade Level 08.
How often do salary steps increase?
Civil servants move one step annually, provided there are no disciplinary issues.
Are there promotion exams in CONPSS?
Yes, especially when moving from junior to senior levels. Promotions are based on years of service, performance, and vacancies.
Is CONPSS used by teachers and doctors?
No. Teachers use CONPCASS, and doctors use CONMESS. CONPSS is for general civil service staff.
Can someone with HND be on the same level as B.Sc. holders?
Not initially. HND holders usually start at GL 07, while B.Sc. holders begin at GL 08.
What is the highest salary on CONPSS?
Top-level directors on GL 17 earn over ₦700,000 monthly, excluding allowances.
