Are you searching for the microbiologist salary per month in Nigeria (2025)? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of science graduates, especially those with degrees in microbiology, want to know how much microbiologists earn in Nigeria today from hospitals and labs to food factories and research centers.
Whether you're a BSc graduate, HND holder, or MSc-qualified researcher, this guide will give you full insights into salary expectations, job roles, promotion paths, and what affects a microbiologist’s pay in Nigeria.
Overview of Microbiology Career in Nigeria
Microbiology is a major biological science that deals with the study of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In Nigeria, microbiologists work in various sectors such as:
Public health and hospitals
Food processing and beverage companies
Pharmaceutical companies
Water treatment plants
Private diagnostic labs
Research and academic institutions
The microbiologist salary per month in Nigeria depends on several key factors:
Educational qualification (BSc, HND, MSc)
Work sector (hospital, food factory, pharma, research)
Years of experience
Location and company size
Entry-Level Microbiologist Salary in Nigeria (2025)
BSc Holders in Government Agencies
If you hold a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and you’re employed in a federal or state government agency (e.g. Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Research Institutes), your salary is determined by the CONRAISS salary structure.
Entry Level Grade: CONRAISS 08
Monthly Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦160,000
Annual Salary Estimate: ₦1.4 million – ₦2 million
Other Benefits: Leave bonus, hazard allowance, pension
Private Sector (Food Companies, Laboratories)
Monthly Salary Range: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
Industries: Dangote, Nigerian Breweries, Chi Farms, Indomie, pharmaceutical companies
Typical Roles: Quality control, lab analyst, production assistant
HND Microbiology Salary in Nigeria (2025)
Though Microbiology is mostly a BSc-level course, some polytechnics offer related diplomas in science lab tech or applied microbiology. HND holders typically earn slightly less than university graduates.
Government Jobs: ₦90,000 – ₦130,000 per month
Private Labs & Firms: ₦70,000 – ₦120,000 per month
Limitations: Slower promotion, may need conversion/top-up degree to advance
MSc Microbiologist Salary in Nigeria 2025
With a master’s degree in Microbiology or Medical Microbiology, you can apply for senior research, supervisory, or academic roles.
Research & Academic Institutions:
Position: Research Fellow, Senior Analyst, Lecturer II
Monthly Salary Range: ₦180,000 – ₦300,000
Organizations: NIPRID, NAFDAC, Universities, WHO-supported labs
Private Sector (Supervisor/Head of Lab):
Salary Range: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
Industries: Food safety, biotechnology, pharmaceutical quality assurance
Microbiologist Salary Table in Nigeria (2025)
| Qualification/Level | Sector | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Entry Level | Government | ₦120k – ₦160k |
| HND Entry Level | Govt/Private | ₦90k – ₦130k |
| BSc in Private Sector | Food/Pharma/Labs | ₦80k – ₦150k |
| MSc Level | Research/Academia | ₦180k – ₦300k |
| Private Supervisor | Food/Med Companies | ₦250k – ₦400k |
Where Do Microbiologists Work in Nigeria?
Microbiologists are hired across a wide range of sectors, such as:
Health Sector
Government hospitals
Teaching hospitals
Diagnostic labs (e.g. SynLab, Afriglobal)
Food & Beverage Industry
Quality control in companies like Nigerian Bottling Company, Cadbury, Nestlé
Pharmaceuticals
Drug testing, sterilization, bio-production
Environmental and Water Companies
Monitoring microbial content in water and waste systems
Research Institutes and NGOs
Disease control labs, outbreak investigation units (e.g. NCDC, WHO)
Additional Allowances for Microbiologists in Nigeria
In government and some private sector jobs, microbiologists may receive:
Hazard Allowance: ₦15,000 – ₦40,000/month
Lab Maintenance Allowance
Uniform/Utility Allowance
Transport and Housing Support
Medical Insurance (in large companies)
13th Month Salary (end-of-year bonus)
Promotion and Career Path for Microbiologists
Government Path (CONRAISS Structure):
Graduate Microbiologist → Research Officer II → Senior Officer → Principal Research Scientist → Assistant Director
Promotion usually occurs every 3 to 4 years, based on exams and performance.
Private Sector Path:
QC Analyst → QC Supervisor → Lab Coordinator → QA Manager → Head of Microbiology Unit
In private companies, promotion is performance-based and can be quicker.
Common Duties of Microbiologists in Nigeria
Depending on the role and company, microbiologists handle tasks such as:
Performing microbial tests on food, water, and drugs
Analyzing blood, sputum, urine, and stool samples
Writing lab reports and maintaining records
Working with medical officers during disease outbreaks
Developing vaccines or testing antimicrobial agents
Ensuring safety and hygiene compliance in food production
Microbiology vs Other Science Jobs in Nigeria (2025)
| Science Job | Entry Monthly Salary | Top-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiology | ₦120k – ₦160k | ₦400k+ |
| Medical Lab Science | ₦130k – ₦170k | ₦500k+ |
| Biochemistry | ₦100k – ₦150k | ₦350k+ |
| Industrial Chemistry | ₦100k – ₦160k | ₦380k+ |
Microbiology remains a strong career choice with diverse job options in both the medical and industrial sectors.
FAQs – Microbiologist Salary Per Month in Nigeria 2025
What is the salary of a BSc microbiologist in Nigeria in 2025?
BSc microbiologists earn between ₦120,000 and ₦160,000 monthly in government roles.
How much do microbiologists earn in private companies?
Salaries range from ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 monthly depending on the company and location.
Can HND microbiologists work in government hospitals?
Yes, but they may earn less than BSc holders and face slower promotions.
Is microbiology a good course in Nigeria?
Yes, especially if you specialize or gain experience in health, food, or pharmaceutical sectors.
Can a microbiologist work in a hospital?
Yes. Many work in medical labs, helping in diagnosis and treatment of infections.
Final Thoughts: Microbiologist Salary Per Month in Nigeria (2025)
The microbiologist salary per month in Nigeria (2025) depends on several factors including your qualification, the sector you work in, and your years of experience. While government jobs offer more job security and structured benefits, private companies (especially in pharma and food) offer competitive salaries and faster promotions.
Whether you’re a BSc graduate just starting out or an MSc holder looking to climb higher, microbiology remains a strong and versatile field in Nigeria’s job market. To grow faster in the career:
Consider post-graduate studies
Get certifications in lab safety, QA/QC, or public health
Apply to specialized institutions like research labs or biotech firms
With the right skillset, microbiology can offer stable income, career growth, and job satisfaction in Nigeria.