In Nigeria today, engineering is one of the most respected and rewarding career paths. But not all engineering courses are the same when it comes to salary, job opportunities, or demand in the job market.

So if you’re planning to study engineering, or you're just curious about which fields earn the most money, this guide will help you. In this post, we reveal the Top 10 Highest Paid Engineering Courses in Nigeria based on salary, demand, and relevance in 2025.

Whether you're a JAMB candidate, a parent, or someone considering a career change, this updated list will guide you to make the right choice.

Why Choose Engineering in Nigeria?

Engineering is one of the few courses in Nigeria that still guarantees high-paying jobs, especially in industries like oil & gas, construction, telecoms, aviation, and tech.

Also, most engineering graduates have the chance to work abroad or start their own technical business after school.

But not all engineers are paid the same. Some fields are in higher demand than others — and some require more technical skill, which makes them more valuable in the eyes of employers.

Top 10 Highest Paid Engineering Courses in Nigeria (2025)

1. Petroleum Engineering

• Industry: Oil & Gas

• Average Monthly Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 (entry to mid-level)

• Best Schools: UI, UNILAG, FUTO, ABU, UNIPORT

Petroleum engineering is the highest paid engineering course in Nigeria. These engineers work with oil companies like Shell, Chevron, NNPC, Total, and ExxonMobil. They design methods to extract oil and gas from underground reserves.

2. Chemical Engineering

• Industry: Manufacturing, Oil Refining, Fertilizer Production

• Average Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦1,000,000

• Best Schools: FUTA, UNILORIN, OAU, ABU

Chemical engineers work in oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and chemical processing firms. They’re highly paid because they handle dangerous and highly technical processes.

3. Electrical/Electronics Engineering

• Industry: Power, Telecoms, Manufacturing

• Average Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000

• Best Schools: UNILAG, OAU, FUTO, UNIBEN, Covenant

This course is always in demand. Electrical and Electronics engineers are needed in PHCN, telecoms companies (MTN, GLO, Airtel), banks, and tech startups.

4. Computer Engineering

• Industry: Tech, Software, Hardware, Fintech

• Average Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦1,000,000+

• Best Schools: FUTA, LAUTECH, UNILAG, Babcock, UNIBEN

Computer engineers enjoy the advantage of working in Nigeria or remotely for foreign companies. Many of them go into software development, cybersecurity, AI, or work for tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Paystack.

5. Mechanical Engineering

• Industry: Manufacturing, Construction, Aviation

• Average Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦700,000

• Best Schools: OAU, FUTO, UNIBEN, ABU

Mechanical engineers are among the most flexible engineers. They design, operate, and repair machines — from factory equipment to car engines and aircraft parts.

6. Civil Engineering

• Industry: Construction, Roads, Bridges, Housing Projects

• Average Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦650,000

• Best Schools: UNILAG, UNN, FUTA, UNIZIK

Civil engineers are the backbone of physical development in Nigeria. They design and supervise construction of buildings, roads, dams, and bridges. Those working with top firms or government parastatals earn very well.

7. Mechatronics Engineering

• Industry: Robotics, Automation, Manufacturing

• Average Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦900,000

• Best Schools: FUTMINNA, UNILORIN, LAUTECH, AUN

This course combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. It’s in high demand in factories, robotics industries, and smart technology systems. Mechatronics engineers are highly paid due to the complexity of their skills.

8. Telecommunications Engineering

• Industry: Telecom, Internet, Satellite

• Average Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦850,000

• Best Schools: UNN, FUTA, Covenant, UNILAG

Telecoms engineers are employed by companies like MTN, GLO, Airtel, Huawei, and 9mobile. They design and maintain communication systems. With 5G expansion, their demand is increasing.

9. Automobile Engineering

• Industry: Car Manufacturing, Transportation, Workshops

• Average Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦600,000

• Best Schools: UNIBEN, LAUTECH, OAU

With more Nigerians buying cars, and companies like Innoson producing locally, the need for automobile engineers is growing. Those working with big car firms or aviation companies earn much higher.

10. Industrial & Production Engineering

• Industry: Manufacturing, Logistics, Factory Management

• Average Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦550,000

• Best Schools: UNILAG, UNIBEN, FUTMINNA

These engineers are in charge of optimizing production in factories and industries. They reduce waste, improve systems, and increase efficiency, which makes them valuable in any large company.

Bonus: Other Engineering Fields to Watch in 2025

• Biomedical Engineering – Combining health and technology

• Environmental Engineering – Climate change & waste management

• Marine Engineering – Ships, vessels, and oil rigs

Though not in the top 10 yet, these courses are growing fast in terms of future relevance and international opportunities.

Conclusion

If you want to study engineering in Nigeria, don’t just go for what’s popular — go for what pays well, has strong future demand, and fits your passion. Courses like Petroleum, Computer, Mechatronics, and Electrical Engineering are leading the pack in 2025.

But no matter which one you choose, be sure to attend a school that has full accreditation, modern facilities, and strong industry connections.