If you are wondering how much oil company workers earn per month in Nigeria in 2025, this guide gives you everything you need to know. The Nigerian oil and gas sector is one of the most attractive industries in terms of pay, benefits, and career growth.
Oil company jobs are some of the highest-paying jobs in Nigeria today. Many young Nigerians dream of working in Shell, Chevron, Total, or ExxonMobil because of the high salaries, allowances, and prestige that come with these positions.
In this article, we will explain:
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The monthly salaries of oil company workers in Nigeria (2025 updated)
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The highest-paying oil jobs and their salaries
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Entry-level and senior-level salaries
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Benefits and allowances oil workers enjoy
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Skills and qualifications needed to get these high-paying jobs
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A summary table of salaries for easy reference
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Tips to increase your chances of getting hired in the oil sector
Whether you are a fresh graduate, experienced professional, or just curious, you will find clear, helpful, and accurate information here.
Why Oil Company Jobs Pay So Well in Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer and depends heavily on oil for its revenue. Oil companies make billions of dollars annually, and they need the best talents to maintain their operations.
Here are a few reasons why oil company workers earn more:
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The industry is highly technical and requires special skills.
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Many oil jobs involve risk, tough environments, and long hours.
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Companies compete for top talent by offering attractive pay packages.
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Some workers have to live and work offshore or in remote areas.
Entry-Level Salaries in Nigerian Oil Companies
Fresh graduates or entry-level workers in oil companies already start at salaries that are higher than most industries in Nigeria. On average, entry-level engineers, geologists, or administrative staff can expect between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 per month, depending on the company.
For example:
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Shell Nigeria: ₦400,000 – ₦600,000
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Chevron Nigeria: ₦350,000 – ₦500,000
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Total Energies Nigeria: ₦300,000 – ₦450,000
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ExxonMobil Nigeria: ₦400,000 – ₦550,000
In addition to base salary, they also enjoy bonuses, free accommodation, medical care, and other perks.
Senior-Level Salaries in Nigerian Oil Companies
As you gain experience, your salary increases significantly. Senior staff, supervisors, and managers can earn between ₦1 million and ₦5 million per month, depending on their position and years of experience.
For example:
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Senior Engineers: ₦1.5 million – ₦2.5 million per month
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Project Managers: ₦2 million – ₦4 million per month
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Operations Managers: ₦2.5 million – ₦5 million per month
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Executives/Directors: ₦5 million and above per month
Highest-Paying Jobs in the Nigerian Oil Industry
Here are the highest-paying positions in oil companies and what they earn on average in 2025.
1. Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas.
Salary: ₦1.5 million – ₦4 million per month
2. Drilling Engineers
They plan and oversee the drilling of wells.
Salary: ₦1.2 million – ₦3.5 million per month
3. Geologists and Geophysicists
They study the earth to locate oil and gas reserves.
Salary: ₦1 million – ₦3 million per month
4. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Managers
They ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Salary: ₦1 million – ₦2.5 million per month
5. Project Managers
Responsible for managing large oil projects.
Salary: ₦2 million – ₦4 million per month
6. Offshore Platform Managers
They oversee operations on offshore rigs.
Salary: ₦2.5 million – ₦5 million per month
7. Maintenance Supervisors
They maintain equipment and machinery.
Salary: ₦800,000 – ₦2 million per month
Summary Table: Oil Company Salaries in Nigeria 2025
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (₦) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Staff | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Petroleum Engineer | 1,500,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Drilling Engineer | 1,200,000 – 3,500,000 |
| Geologist/Geophysicist | 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
| HSE Manager | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 |
| Project Manager | 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Offshore Platform Manager | 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Maintenance Supervisor | 800,000 – 2,000,000 |
| Senior Engineer | 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 |
| Operations Manager | 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Executive/Director | 5,000,000 and above |
Allowances and Benefits for Oil Company Workers in Nigeria
In addition to high salaries, oil workers also enjoy generous allowances and benefits:
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Housing Allowance: Many companies provide free housing or a housing stipend.
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Transport Allowance: Covering daily commuting or official trips.
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Medical Care: Comprehensive healthcare for employees and their families.
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Meal Allowance: Subsidized or free meals at work.
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Risk Allowance: Especially for those working in offshore or hazardous areas.
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Bonuses: Annual performance bonuses and profit-sharing schemes.
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Pension and Retirement Benefits: Attractive pension contributions.
Skills and Qualifications to Work in an Oil Company
To land a good job in the oil sector, you need a combination of education, skills, and experience.
Common Degrees
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Petroleum Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Geology/Geophysics
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Environmental Science
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Project Management
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Business Administration (for support roles)
In-Demand Skills
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Technical expertise in your field
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Safety awareness
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Problem-solving and critical thinking
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Ability to work in teams
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Willingness to work in challenging environments
How to Get a Job in an Oil Company
Here are some practical steps to improve your chances:
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Get the right degree and relevant certifications.
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Gain experience through internships or entry-level roles.
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Apply early when companies advertise openings.
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Network with professionals in the industry.
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Be willing to start in a remote location to build experience.
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Keep updating your skills through training and workshops.
Comparing Oil Company Salaries to Other Industries
To put things in perspective:
| Industry | Average Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | 1,000,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Banking | 200,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Telecommunications | 250,000 – 2,000,000 |
| Manufacturing | 150,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Civil Service | 80,000 – 400,000 |
Clearly, oil and gas remains at the top in terms of pay and benefits.
Why Oil Jobs Are Still Popular in 2025
Even with the push toward renewable energy, oil remains a major part of Nigeria’s economy. Working in this sector offers:
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Financial stability
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Professional growth
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Opportunities for international exposure
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Prestige and respect
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much do entry-level workers earn in oil companies?
They earn between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 per month plus allowances.
What is the highest-paying position in an oil company?
Top executives and offshore platform managers can earn over ₦5 million per month.
Do oil company workers pay taxes?
Yes, just like every other worker in Nigeria.
Is working offshore more lucrative?
Yes, because of risk and isolation, offshore workers earn higher allowances.
Tips for Getting a High-Paying Oil Job
To secure a good role in this lucrative industry:
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Obtain the right qualifications and certifications.
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Apply early and prepare well for competitive exams and interviews.
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Build connections and understand the sector you want to enter.
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Keep upgrading your skills to stand out from other candidates.
Final Thoughts on Oil Company Workers Salary Per Month in Nigeria 2025
The oil company workers’ salary per month in Nigeria (2025) shows why the industry remains one of the most attractive to Nigerians. With entry-level salaries starting around ₦300,000 and senior roles exceeding ₦5 million monthly, it’s clear that oil companies offer financial opportunities unmatched by most other sectors.
If you are planning a career in this industry, start by acquiring the right education, building relevant skills, and being ready to work in challenging environments. With determination and preparation, you can join the thousands of Nigerians enjoying the benefits of working in oil and gas.