Looking for the top 10 highest paying banks in Nigeria in 2025? You’re not alone. As banking remains one of the most competitive sectors in the country, many job seekers, fresh graduates, and financial professionals are eager to know which Nigerian banks offer the best salaries and benefits.
Whether you're planning a career in banking, comparing your current bank’s offer, or simply exploring the financial sector, this detailed guide will show you everything you need to know. From entry-level salary to bonuses, this article breaks down the top-paying banks in Nigeria right now.
Why Banking Is Among the Highest Paying Jobs in Nigeria
The Nigerian banking sector has always been known for offering stable jobs, structured promotions, and good salaries. Banks operate in a regulated environment and require top talent to manage funds, provide customer service, analyze risks, and handle complex digital systems.
To remain competitive and retain skilled professionals, banks in Nigeria offer generous salary structures, regular promotions, bonuses, and allowances.
Let’s now look at the 10 highest paying banks in Nigeria for 2025.
1. Access Bank Plc
Why Access Bank is one of the highest paying banks in Nigeria:
Access Bank offers one of the most attractive compensation packages in the country. Since merging with Diamond Bank, Access has become a banking giant with stronger revenue and greater reach. This allows them to offer excellent salary and incentive structures.
Estimated Salary Structure:
Entry-Level Staff: ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 monthly
Customer Service Officer: ₦150,000 – ₦220,000
Relationship Manager: ₦400,000 – ₦600,000
Manager Level: ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000
Annual Bonus: Performance-based, ₦500,000+ for junior staff
Access Bank is known for intense training, structured career growth, and fast promotions for top performers.
2. Zenith Bank Plc
Zenith Bank is known for financial strength and staff welfare. It remains one of the most stable banks in Nigeria and offers competitive pay to all categories of workers.
Zenith Bank Salary Breakdown:
Entry-Level Graduate: ₦170,000 – ₦210,000 per month
Banking Officer: ₦350,000 – ₦550,000
Branch Manager: ₦850,000 – ₦1,500,000
Drivers and Support Staff: ₦80,000 – ₦120,000
Other Benefits: Housing allowance, medicals, and 13th-month bonus
Zenith’s corporate structure makes it one of the most attractive banks to build a career in Nigeria.
3. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
GTBank is a favorite among young professionals due to its modern banking systems, digital culture, and strong salary structure.
GTBank Salary Estimates:
Graduate Trainee: ₦140,000 – ₦180,000 per month
Entry-Level Staff: ₦180,000 – ₦230,000
Mid-Level Officer: ₦400,000 – ₦700,000
Branch Heads and Managers: ₦1,000,000+
Bonuses: Regular performance bonuses and profit sharing
GTBank also offers attractive health packages, travel opportunities, and internal staff loans.
4. United Bank for Africa (UBA)
UBA has improved its salary structure over the years and is now one of the highest paying banks in Nigeria in 2025.
UBA Salary Details:
Graduate Trainee: ₦120,000 – ₦150,000
Entry-Level Officer: ₦180,000 – ₦210,000
Customer Relationship Manager: ₦400,000 – ₦600,000
Branch Manager: ₦1,000,000+
Incentives: Yearly performance rewards and team bonuses
UBA’s continental reach across Africa makes it an exciting place for ambitious professionals.
5. First Bank of Nigeria
As Nigeria’s oldest bank, First Bank continues to offer one of the most generous salary structures in the sector.
First Bank Salary Range:
Trainee/Graduate Staff: ₦150,000 – ₦170,000
Entry-Level Banker: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000
Banking Officer: ₦350,000 – ₦550,000
Senior Managers: ₦900,000 – ₦1,300,000
Bonuses and Allowances: Transport, health, housing
First Bank is known for long-term job security, promotion by merit, and strong retirement benefits.
6. Stanbic IBTC Bank
Stanbic IBTC, part of the Standard Bank Group, is one of the highest paying banks in Nigeria, especially for finance and investment roles.
Stanbic IBTC Salary Structure:
Graduate Trainee: ₦180,000 – ₦220,000
Entry-Level Analyst: ₦250,000 – ₦300,000
Relationship Manager: ₦600,000 – ₦900,000
Investment Banking Roles: ₦1,500,000+
Other Perks: Free certifications, health insurance, paid leave
Their pay structure is particularly attractive for finance, risk management, and investment roles.
7. Ecobank Nigeria
Ecobank offers good pay across its retail and corporate banking divisions and has strong regional integration in Africa.
Ecobank Salary Estimates:
Graduate Entry Level: ₦140,000 – ₦170,000
Banking Officer: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000
Relationship Managers: ₦600,000 – ₦850,000
Senior Staff: ₦1,000,000+
Bonus: Up to ₦1,000,000 yearly based on performance
Ecobank invests heavily in staff training and digital systems.
8. Fidelity Bank Plc
Fidelity Bank may not always make headlines, but it pays competitively and promotes fast.
Fidelity Bank Salary Breakdown:
Graduate Trainee: ₦120,000 – ₦140,000
Entry-Level Banker: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
Banking Officer: ₦300,000 – ₦450,000
Managers: ₦700,000+
Incentives: Performance bonuses and end-of-year gift rewards
Fidelity is known for staff-friendly HR policies and growth potential.
9. Union Bank of Nigeria
Union Bank has rebranded over the last decade and improved its employee welfare structure.
Union Bank Salaries:
Graduate Intern/Trainee: ₦100,000 – ₦140,000
Entry-Level Banker: ₦150,000 – ₦190,000
Senior Officers: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000
Branch Managers: ₦1,000,000+
Staff Benefits: Pension, leave, allowances, and loans
The bank provides a mix of traditional values and modern banking opportunities.
10. Polaris Bank
Polaris Bank is gaining attention for its decent salary packages and support for early-career staff.
Polaris Bank Salary Structure:
Graduate Entry: ₦110,000 – ₦150,000
Banking Officer: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
Branch Heads and Managers: ₦600,000+
Allowances: Transport, lunch, and health benefits
Polaris remains one of the fastest-growing banks for those willing to build from the ground up.
Summary Table: Top 10 Highest Paying Banks in Nigeria (2025)
| Bank Name | Entry-Level Salary (₦) | Manager-Level (₦) | Bonuses/Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Bank | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 | ₦700,000 – ₦1,000,000 | Yes, high |
| Zenith Bank | ₦170,000 – ₦210,000 | ₦850,000 – ₦1,500,000 | Yes, 13th month |
| GTBank | ₦180,000 – ₦230,000 | ₦1,000,000+ | Yes, profit sharing |
| UBA | ₦180,000 – ₦210,000 | ₦1,000,000+ | Yes, performance-based |
| First Bank | ₦180,000 – ₦220,000 | ₦900,000 – ₦1,300,000 | Yes, transport + housing |
| Stanbic IBTC | ₦250,000 – ₦300,000 | ₦1,500,000+ | Yes, investment benefits |
| Ecobank | ₦140,000 – ₦170,000 | ₦1,000,000+ | Yes, up to ₦1m bonus |
| Fidelity Bank | ₦150,000 – ₦180,000 | ₦700,000+ | Yes, rewards + bonus |
| Union Bank | ₦150,000 – ₦190,000 | ₦1,000,000+ | Yes, staff loans |
| Polaris Bank | ₦110,000 – ₦150,000 | ₦600,000+ | Yes, basic perks |
Pro Tips for Choosing a High Paying Bank in Nigeria
Go beyond salary: Look at bonuses, work-life balance, and promotion speed.
Ask insiders: Former and current staff can share useful information.
Review job roles: Some departments (IT, Risk, Treasury) pay more.
Check career path: A fast-growing bank offers faster promotions.
Avoid only chasing big names: Smaller banks sometimes offer better conditions.
FAQs – Highest Paying Banks in Nigeria 2025
Which bank pays the highest salary in Nigeria in 2025?
Access Bank, Zenith, and Stanbic IBTC currently top the list based on verified salary data.
How much do entry-level bankers earn in Nigeria?
Most banks pay between ₦140,000 and ₦250,000 per month at entry-level in 2025.
Do banks in Nigeria offer bonuses?
Yes, almost all commercial banks offer yearly or quarterly performance bonuses.
Are there extra allowances?
Yes. Many banks provide health insurance, staff loans, transport, lunch, and paid leave.
Which bank is best for career growth?
GTBank, UBA, and Access Bank are known for structured promotions and internal training.
Final Thoughts: Top 10 Highest Paying Banks in Nigeria (2025)
The top 10 highest paying banks in Nigeria for 2025 offer great opportunities for those looking to build a stable and rewarding career. While salary is important, it’s also wise to consider company culture, promotion speed, bonuses, and training support.
Whether you're fresh out of school or switching banks, use this guide to make an informed decision and position yourself for success in Nigeria’s ever-competitive banking sector.