Engineering is one of the most respected and rewarding professions in Nigeria, offering excellent career prospects, high earning potential, and opportunities to work in both local and global industries.

In 2025, the demand for engineers in Nigeria remains strong, driven by the oil and gas industry, telecommunications, construction, energy, and technology sectors. But not all engineers earn the same salary — some fields pay significantly more than others.

In this guide, we will explore the highest paid engineers in Nigeria in 2025, breaking down the top engineering fields, their roles, and the average salaries professionals in those areas earn. We’ll also explain what influences these salaries and how you can position yourself to earn more as an engineer.

If you’re a student choosing an engineering discipline, a professional considering a career move, or just curious about engineering salary trends, this comprehensive article will answer all your questions.

Introduction to Engineering in Nigeria

Engineering plays a critical role in Nigeria’s development. From building infrastructure to managing oil rigs and creating innovative technology solutions, engineers are vital to economic growth.

Over the decades, Nigeria has invested in training engineers through universities and polytechnics. In 2025, thousands of engineers work across sectors like:

• Oil & Gas

• Civil and Structural Projects

• Energy and Power Generation

• Telecommunications

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

But salaries vary greatly, depending on the field, expertise, and employer.

Why Some Engineering Fields Pay More

Not all engineering jobs are equal in terms of earnings. Some fields are more lucrative because of:

• High demand and low supply of specialized skills

• The level of risk involved in the job

• The profitability of the industry (e.g., oil & gas)

• Required technical expertise and certifications

For example, an engineer working offshore in oil rigs earns more than a civil engineer supervising a construction site.

Overview of Engineering Salaries in Nigeria 2025

In 2025, the average monthly salary for engineers in Nigeria ranges between ₦150,000 for entry-level roles and over ₦2,500,000 for highly experienced specialists in top-paying industries.

Fresh graduates can expect to start around ₦150,000–₦300,000/month depending on the field and employer, while senior engineers in oil, gas, or IT can earn well over ₦1,000,000/month.

Top 10 Highest Paid Engineering Fields in Nigeria

Let’s look at the most lucrative engineering disciplines in Nigeria today.

1. Petroleum Engineering

Average Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦2,500,000/month

Petroleum engineers design and manage the extraction of oil and gas from reservoirs. Nigeria’s oil-rich economy makes this one of the highest-paying engineering jobs.

They work for multinational companies like Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and local firms.

Roles:

• Reservoir Engineer

• Drilling Engineer

• Production Engineer

2. Chemical Engineering

Average Salary: ₦400,000 – ₦1,800,000/month

Chemical engineers work in industries like petrochemicals, fertilizers, manufacturing, and food processing. In Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, chemical engineers are in high demand.

Roles:

• Process Engineer

• Quality Control Engineer

• Plant Manager

3. Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Average Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦1,500,000/month

Electrical engineers design and maintain power systems, while electronics engineers focus on electronic devices and systems. They work in power companies, telecoms, and manufacturing.

Roles:

• Power Systems Engineer

• Telecommunications Engineer

• Instrumentation Engineer

4. Civil Engineering

Average Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦1,200,000/month

Civil engineers design and supervise infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Salaries are higher in large construction firms and government contracts.

Roles:

• Structural Engineer

• Project Manager

• Construction Engineer

5. Software/Computer Engineering

Average Salary: ₦400,000 – ₦2,000,000/month

As Nigeria’s technology ecosystem grows, software and computer engineers are increasingly in demand. They work in fintech, telecoms, and tech startups.

Roles:

• Software Developer

• Systems Engineer

• DevOps Engineer

6. Mechanical Engineering

Average Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000/month

Mechanical engineers design and maintain machinery in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation.

Roles:

• Maintenance Engineer

• Design Engineer

• Production Manager

7. Marine Engineering

Average Salary: ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000/month

Marine engineers work with ships, oil rigs, and offshore platforms. Given the risks and specialized skills required, they earn some of the highest salaries.

Roles:

• Offshore Engineer

• Naval Architect

• Vessel Maintenance Engineer

8. Aerospace Engineering

Average Salary: ₦600,000 – ₦2,500,000/month

Although still a niche field in Nigeria, aerospace engineers work with airlines, defense contractors, and maintenance firms, commanding premium salaries.

Roles:

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

• Avionics Engineer

9. Structural Engineering

Average Salary: ₦350,000 – ₦1,200,000/month

A specialized branch of civil engineering, structural engineers focus on the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

10. Industrial & Production Engineering

Average Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦900,000/month

Industrial engineers improve efficiency in production processes in factories and manufacturing plants.

Factors That Affect Engineers’ Salaries

Several factors determine what engineers earn:

• Industry: Oil and gas pay the highest.

• Location: Lagos and Abuja generally pay more.

• Experience: Senior engineers earn much more.

• Certifications: COREN, PMP, and other certifications increase earning potential.

• Employer: Multinationals pay better than small local firms.

How to Earn More as an Engineer in Nigeria

Here are ways to increase your income:

• Get professional certifications.

• Gain specialized skills in high-demand areas.

• Work for multinational corporations.

• Take on leadership roles or project management responsibilities.

• Consider contract jobs in high-risk environments like offshore rigs.

Career Growth Opportunities in Engineering

With experience and qualifications, engineers can progress to:

• Senior/Chief Engineer roles

• Project or Operations Manager

• Engineering Consultant

• Executive/Director roles

Summary Table: Highest Paid Engineers in Nigeria (2025)

FAQs About Engineers’ Salaries in Nigeria

1. Which engineering field pays the highest in Nigeria?

Petroleum engineering generally pays the highest, especially in oil and gas companies.

2. What is the average starting salary for engineers in Nigeria?

Entry-level engineers earn between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000/month, depending on field and employer.

3. Do engineers earn more in private or public sectors?

Private and multinational companies usually pay more than government jobs.

4. Can engineers in Nigeria earn over ₦1,000,000/month?

Yes, especially in petroleum, marine, aerospace, and senior management roles.

5. Do certifications help increase salary?

Yes. Certifications like COREN, PMP, and specialized training can significantly boost earnings.

6. Are engineering jobs in demand in Nigeria?

Yes. Industries like oil and gas, IT, and power generation still have strong demand.

7. What city pays engineers the most?

Lagos and Abuja typically offer the highest salaries due to concentration of top companies.

8. Is software engineering better than petroleum engineering?

Both are lucrative, but petroleum still pays slightly higher on average.

9. Can women succeed in high-paying engineering fields in Nigeria?

Absolutely. Many women excel in engineering and earn top salaries.

10. What is the best way to choose a high-paying engineering career?

Consider your interests, industry trends, earning potential, and demand before choosing.

Conclusion

Engineering remains one of the most lucrative and rewarding careers in Nigeria. In 2025, fields like petroleum, marine, software, and aerospace engineering continue to offer the highest salaries due to their technical demands and economic importance.

Whether you’re starting your journey as an engineer or considering a shift into a more profitable discipline, understanding salary trends is crucial.

With the right education, skills, certifications, and experience, you can position yourself in one of the highest-paid engineering fields in Nigeria.