Looking to know how much teachers earn in Lagos State in 2025? You’re in the right place. Whether you're a prospective teacher, preparing for SUBEB or TESCOM recruitment, or just comparing state education salaries across Nigeria, this comprehensive guide gives you everything you need to know about the Lagos State salary structure for teachers in Nigeria (2025).
From monthly salary breakdowns by grade level to allowances, job responsibilities, promotion opportunities, and frequently asked questions,this article explains it all in simple terms and clear sections.
Who Pays Teachers in Lagos State?
Teachers in Lagos are employed under two government agencies:
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Lagos State SUBEB (State Universal Basic Education Board): In charge of primary school teachers in all 20 local government areas.
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Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM): Handles junior and senior secondary school teachers across the state’s public secondary schools.
Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous and economically active state, offers one of the most competitive teacher salary structures in the country especially when benefits and allowances are included.
Lagos State Salary Structure for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
Teachers are paid based on the Lagos State Civil Service Grade Level (GL) system, which is determined by the teacher's qualification, years of experience, and rank.
Salary Breakdown by Grade Level
| Grade Level (GL) | Qualification | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| GL 07 | NCE | ₦60,000 – ₦68,000 |
| GL 08 | B.Ed / HND | ₦70,000 – ₦80,000 |
| GL 09 | PGDE / M.Ed + Experience | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 |
| GL 10 – 12 | Senior Teachers | ₦100,000 – ₦125,000 |
| GL 13 – 16 | Principals/Directors | ₦130,000 – ₦190,000+ |
Lagos State teachers enjoy annual salary increments and regular promotions every 3–4 years.
Lagos State Teacher Salary Per Month (2025)
Many ask: How much do Lagos State teachers earn monthly in 2025?
Here’s a quick look:
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Entry-level (NCE, GL 07): ₦60,000 – ₦68,000
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B.Ed / HND holders (GL 08): ₦70,000 – ₦80,000
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GL 09 and above: ₦85,000 – ₦190,000+
These figures apply to both SUBEB and TESCOM teachers and exclude allowances.
Lagos State SUBEB Salary Structure for Primary School Teachers
Primary school teachers employed through SUBEB are paid the same civil service salary as their secondary school counterparts, depending on their entry grade.
| Qualification | Entry Grade Level | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| NCE | GL 07 | ₦60,000 – ₦68,000 |
| B.Ed / HND | GL 08 | ₦70,000 – ₦80,000 |
| PGDE / M.Ed | GL 09 | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 |
SUBEB teachers posted to inner city or riverine communities may receive added bonuses.
Allowances for Teachers in Lagos State (2025)
In addition to base salaries, Lagos State teachers enjoy several financial allowances depending on their posting, responsibilities, and experience level.
| Allowance Type | Estimated Monthly Value (₦) |
|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | ₦12,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Transport Allowance | ₦8,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Duty Post Allowance | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Leave Allowance | One month’s basic salary |
| Promotion Bonus | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 (one-time) |
| Rural/Hardship Allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
Promotion and Career Growth for Teachers in Lagos
Lagos State operates a merit-based promotion system. Promotions usually occur every 3 to 4 years and come with both salary increases and added responsibilities.
Promotion Path Example:
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GL 07 (NCE teacher) → GL 08 after 3 years
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GL 08 (B.Ed holder) → GL 09 after 3–4 years
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Teachers with postgraduate qualifications may skip levels during recruitment or promotion
Promotion can result in ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 monthly salary boosts.
Responsibilities of Lagos State Teachers
Teachers in Lagos are expected to:
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Teach according to the national and state curriculum
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Maintain student discipline and classroom control
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Prepare lesson notes, record results, and evaluate performance
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Participate in workshops and education training
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Engage with parents during PTA meetings
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Supervise extracurricular and civic activities
Cost of Living vs Teacher Salary in Lagos (2025)
Lagos is known for its high cost of living, but the government provides competitive teacher compensation to help balance expenses.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Lagos:
| Item | Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Feeding | ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Shared Rent | ₦25,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Transportation | ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Airtime & Utilities | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
Teachers in less expensive areas like Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu benefit more from their salary, especially when allowances are added.
Lagos Teacher Salary Compared to Other States
| State | Entry Salary (₦) | Top-Level Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos State | ₦60,000 – ₦68,000 | ₦190,000+ |
| Ogun State | ₦55,000 – ₦65,000 | ₦150,000+ |
| Oyo State | ₦52,000 – ₦60,000 | ₦140,000+ |
| Kwara State | ₦53,000 – ₦62,000 | ₦160,000+ |
| Ekiti State | ₦50,000 – ₦58,000 | ₦130,000+ |
Lagos tops the list for both starting salary and allowances among Nigerian states.
FAQs on Lagos State Salary Structure for Teachers in Nigeria (2025)
How much is Lagos State teacher salary per month?
Entry-level teachers earn ₦60,000–₦68,000, while senior staff can earn up to ₦190,000+ depending on grade level.
What is the Lagos SUBEB salary for primary school teachers?
The same civil service salary structure applies—NCE starts at GL 07, with ₦60,000+ salary.
Do Lagos teachers get pension benefits?
Yes, teachers are enrolled in the PENCOM contributory pension scheme.
Are rural teachers paid more in Lagos?
Yes, teachers posted to rural or riverine communities receive hardship/rural posting allowances.
Can an NCE holder apply for Lagos TESCOM or SUBEB?
Yes. NCE is the minimum requirement for primary schools (SUBEB), while B.Ed or HND is required for most TESCOM positions.
Final Thoughts: Is Teaching in Lagos State Worth It in 2025?
The Lagos State salary structure for teachers in Nigeria (2025) offers one of the highest pay scales among all states. With structured promotions, generous allowances, and consistent salary payments, Lagos remains one of the most attractive states for career teachers.
If you're asking, “Is a teaching job in Lagos worth it?” — the answer is a resounding yes.
Whether you’re starting with NCE or hold a B.Ed or M.Ed, Lagos State offers financial reward, career growth, and job security.