Are you wondering about the lawyer vs doctor salary in Nigeria in 2025 and asking, “Who earns more between lawyers and doctors?” You are not alone. This is a very common question among students, parents, and even professionals who want to choose a profitable career path in Nigeria.
Both law and medicine are prestigious careers in the country, but their earnings vary depending on many factors such as experience, type of employer, and specialization.
This guide explains everything you need to know about lawyer and doctor salaries in Nigeria. We will compare lawyer vs doctor salary, break down lawyer salaries by type and level, and also answer popular related questions about corporate, criminal, government, and entry-level lawyer salaries in Nigeria.
Why Compare Lawyer vs Doctor Salary in Nigeria?
Choosing between law and medicine is one of the biggest decisions for young Nigerians. Both fields require many years of education and dedication, but it is important to know which career is more financially rewarding.
Knowing who earns more—lawyers or doctors—will help you:
-
Choose the right career based on your goals.
-
Set realistic salary expectations.
-
Focus on specializations that pay better.
Let’s dive into the full breakdown of salaries for both professions.
How Much Do Lawyers Earn in Nigeria in 2025?
On average, lawyers in Nigeria earn between ₦100,000 and ₦2,000,000 per month in 2025.
Lawyers’ salaries depend on their experience, specialization, location, and type of employer. Below, we break it down further by type of lawyer and their level.
Entry-Level Lawyer Salary in Nigeria
Fresh law graduates or junior associates earn around:
-
₦100,000 – ₦300,000 per month.
This is common in small to mid-sized law firms.
Criminal Lawyer Salary in Nigeria
Criminal lawyers handle criminal defense and prosecution.
-
₦200,000 – ₦1,000,000 per month.
Earnings depend heavily on whether they work for government, private firms, or high-profile clients.
Government Lawyer Salary in Nigeria
Government lawyers work as state counsel or legal officers in ministries and agencies.
-
₦150,000 – ₦500,000 per month.
The pay is stable but often lower than the private sector.
Corporate Lawyer Salary in Nigeria
Corporate lawyers handle business transactions, contracts, and compliance for companies.
-
₦300,000 – ₦1,500,000 per month.
Corporate law remains one of the highest-paying legal fields.
Corporate Lawyer Salary Per Month
Specifically, corporate lawyers in large firms or multinationals can earn:
-
₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000 per month, especially at senior levels.
Highest Paid Types of Lawyers in Nigeria
Some areas of law pay more than others. The highest-paid types of lawyers in Nigeria include:
-
Corporate & commercial lawyers.
-
Energy & oil and gas lawyers.
-
Senior partners in prestigious law firms.
-
International arbitration lawyers.
These professionals can earn ₦1,000,000 to ₦2,500,000+ per month.
How Much Do Doctors Earn in Nigeria in 2025?
Doctors in Nigeria earn between ₦150,000 and ₦1,800,000 per month in 2025, depending on their specialty, employer, and experience.
Entry-Level Doctor Salary in Nigeria
House officers (fresh doctors) earn about:
-
₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per month.
General Practitioner (GP) Salary
General doctors working in private hospitals or clinics earn:
-
₦200,000 – ₦600,000 per month.
Specialist Doctor Salary
Specialists like surgeons, obstetricians, and consultants earn more.
-
₦700,000 – ₦1,800,000 per month.
Government vs Private Sector for Doctors
Doctors working in private hospitals can sometimes earn more than those in public hospitals if they have high-paying clients.
Lawyer vs Doctor Salary in Nigeria: Who Earns More?
So, who earns more—a lawyer or a doctor in Nigeria?
The answer depends on the level and specialization:
-
At entry level, doctors usually earn slightly more than lawyers.
-
At mid to senior level, lawyers—especially corporate, oil & gas, and senior partners—often earn more than doctors.
-
The highest-earning lawyers in Nigeria earn more than ₦2,000,000 per month, while the highest-earning doctors earn around ₦1,800,000 per month.
Summary Table – Lawyer vs Doctor Salary in Nigeria (2025)
| Role/Level | Lawyers Salary (₦/Month) | Doctors Salary (₦/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 100,000 – 300,000 | 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Mid-Level | 300,000 – 800,000 | 300,000 – 700,000 |
| Senior/High-Level | 800,000 – 2,500,000+ | 700,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Corporate Lawyer | 300,000 – 1,500,000+ | Not applicable |
| Criminal Lawyer | 200,000 – 1,000,000 | Not applicable |
| Government Lawyer | 150,000 – 500,000 | 150,000 – 500,000 |
| Highest-Paid Professionals | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000+ | 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 |
Why Some Lawyers Earn More Than Doctors
Here are a few reasons why some lawyers surpass doctors in earnings:
-
Lawyers can take on high-paying corporate and international clients.
-
Senior lawyers often own their firms and earn from profits.
-
Lawyers in specialized areas like arbitration and oil & gas charge premium rates.
-
Some lawyers also earn from speaking engagements, book deals, and consultancy.
On the other hand, doctors often rely on salaries and fixed consultancy fees, which can limit their earnings.
Tips for Lawyers Who Want to Earn More
If you want to maximize your earnings as a lawyer in Nigeria, follow these tips:
1. Specialize in High-Paying Areas
Focus on corporate law, energy law, or arbitration.
2. Work in Lagos or Abuja
These cities offer better-paying opportunities.
3. Join Top-Tier Law Firms
Prestigious law firms pay higher salaries and have better clients.
4. Keep Learning and Networking
The more certifications and connections you have, the higher your earning potential.
5. Take on Private Clients
Aside from your main job, private practice or consultancy can boost your income.
FAQs – Lawyer vs Doctor Salary in Nigeria
Q: Do lawyers earn more than doctors in Nigeria?
A: At senior levels, yes. Corporate and senior lawyers often earn more than doctors.
Q: What is the entry-level salary for lawyers in Nigeria?
A: Around ₦100,000–₦300,000 per month.
Q: Which type of lawyer earns the highest salary in Nigeria?
A: Corporate, energy, and senior partners in top law firms.
Q: How much does a criminal lawyer earn in Nigeria?
A: Between ₦200,000 and ₦1,000,000 per month.
Q: Is a government lawyer salary high in Nigeria?
A: Government lawyers earn between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 monthly.
Q: How much does a corporate lawyer earn per month in Nigeria?
A: Corporate lawyers earn between ₦300,000 and ₦1,500,000 monthly, and more at senior levels.
Q: Who earns more at entry level—lawyer or doctor?
A: Doctors usually earn slightly more at entry level.
Final Thoughts: Lawyer vs Doctor Salary in Nigeria (2025)
Both lawyers and doctors are respected professionals in Nigeria, and both can earn good money. At the entry level, doctors tend to earn more, but as careers progress, lawyers especially those in high-demand specializations—can surpass doctors in earnings.
If you’re choosing between law and medicine, focus on your passion and also consider the earning potential. With hard work, networking, and the right specialization, both careers can give you financial stability and respect in society.