Looking for the updated Sterling Bank salary structure and allowance in Nigeria? You’re in the right place. Sterling Bank is one of the most innovative banks in Nigeria, known for its digital initiatives and vibrant work environment. As a result, many fresh graduates, mid-level bankers, and industry professionals want to know exactly how much Sterling Bank pays, what benefits they offer, and how the compensation compares to other top-tier banks.
Whether you're applying as a teller, credit officer, branch manager, or executive, this guide gives you everything you need—monthly salary ranges, allowance breakdown, bonus structure, career path, real cost-of-living comparisons, and tips on maximizing your offer.
Who Is Sterling Bank?
Sterling Bank is a full-service commercial bank founded in 1960. Over the years, it has evolved into a tech-savvy, customer-focused institution with strengths in digital banking, SME financing, and corporate services. In 2025, Sterling Bank is recognized as one of Nigeria's most innovative banks, rewarded for its forward-thinking solutions and investment in employee welfare.
Quick Overview – Salary by Role (2025)
Here’s a fast look at the Sterling Bank salary structure and allowance, categorized by job title and level:
Role / Level | Base Salary (₦) | Estimated Total Pay (₦) |
---|---|---|
Teller / Customer Service Officer | 140,000 – 180,000 | 170,000 – 220,000 |
Credit / Relationship Officer | 200,000 – 300,000 | 250,000 – 380,000 |
Branch Supervisor / Team Lead | 300,000 – 500,000 | 350,000 – 650,000 |
Branch Manager | 500,000 – 800,000 | 600,000 – 1,000,000 |
Area / Zonal Manager | 800,000 – 1,200,000 | 900,000 – 1,500,000 |
Department Head / Specialist | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | 1,400,000 – 2,500,000 |
Executive (C-Suite) | 2,500,000 – 5,000,000+ | 3,000,000 – 8,000,000+ |
This snapshot shows how allowances and incentives significantly increase total compensation in Sterling Bank’s salary structure.
1. Teller / Customer Service Officer Salary
Role Summary
Sterling Bank tellers and customer service officers are the frontline staff: they handle deposits, withdrawals, account openings, and customer support. They must be friendly, quick with transactions, and reliable.
Base Salary & Allowance
Base Pay: ₦140,000 – ₦180,000 per month
Transport Subsidy: ₦20,000 – ₦40,000
Feeding Allowance: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
Mobile/Data Top-Up: ₦4,000 – ₦8,000
Health Insurance (HMO): Employer-sponsored
Pension & Gratuity: Standard contributions
Total Take-Home
Combining allowances, monthly take-home can reach ₦170,000 – ₦220,000.
2. Credit / Relationship Officer Salary
Who They Are
These mid-level professionals build customer relationships, manage loans, and drive SME account growth. They must balance sales, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Base Salary & Allowance
Base Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
Transport / Fuel Allowance: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
Feeding / Hospitality: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Mobile/Data: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Target-Based Incentive: ₦10,000 – ₦80,000
Professional Support: Workshop/training budget
Combined Pay
Monthly income ranges ₦250,000 – ₦380,000.
3. Branch Supervisor / Team Lead Salary
Role Profile
These staff supervise junior staff, oversee operations, support branch managers and lead small teams or projects.
Salary & Perks
Base Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000
Transport Allowance: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
Utility Support: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000
Client Hosting: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000
Performance Bonus: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 quarterly or yearly
Learning Budget: Workshops or certifications
Estimated Take-Home
Total monthly earnings: ₦350,000 – ₦650,000.
4. Branch Manager Salary
Role Responsibilities
Branch Managers lead operations, drive profitability, manage risk, mentor staff, and represent the bank in the community.
Base Salary & Allowances
Base Pay: ₦500,000 – ₦800,000
Official Car or Car Allowance: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
Housing Stipend: ₦100,000 – ₦200,000
Client Hospitality & Events: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
Performance Bonus: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 yearly
Branch Project Budget: For branding and events
Total Compensation
Potential total take-home: ₦600,000 – ₦1,000,000+.
5. Area / Zonal Manager Salary
Job Overview
Area and Zonal Managers oversee 3–7 branches, drive area business targets, manage escalations, and support branch managers in performance.
Salary & Benefits
Base Salary: ₦800,000 – ₦1,200,000
Mobility & Vehicle Maintenance: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
Housing Allowance: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
Zone-Level Incentives: ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 annually
Leadership Development: Conference/trainings
Estimated Take-Home
Monthly take-home: ₦900,000 – ₦1,500,000.
6. Department Head / Specialist Salary
Who They Are
Heads of departments in HR, IT, Risk, Marketing, Trade Finance, and other functions. High-skill professionals leading large teams.
Base Pay & Allowances
Base Salary: ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,800,000
Executive Car/Housing: ₦250,000 – ₦500,000
Project/Operational Budget: For initiatives
Annual Bonus: ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000
Support Tools: Laptop, mobile, training budgets
Combined Monthly Take-Home
Ranges from ₦1,400,000 – ₦2,500,000+.
7. Executive (C-Suite) Compensation
Who They Are
Includes CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, CMO, and other senior executives driving strategy and performance.
Salary Package
Base Salary: ₦2,500,000 – ₦5,000,000+ monthly
Equity / Stock Options: Standard for senior execs
Car or Allowance: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000
Housing or Rent Allowance: ₦400,000 – ₦1,000,000
Generous Health Cover: For family
Annual Bonus: 20% – 50% of salary (₦1M+)
Retirement Benefits & Car Plans
Total Compensation
Add-ons and bonuses can push total monthly income to ₦3,000,000 – ₦8,000,000+.
Allowance and Benefit Breakdown Across All Roles
Allowance Type | Range (₦) / Benefit Type |
---|---|
Transport / Mobility | 20,000 – 400,000 |
Housing / Utility | 30,000 – 500,000 |
Feeding / Client Hosting | 10,000 – 150,000 |
Mobile / Data | 4,000 – 10,000 |
Official Car / Leased Car | Provided to senior staff |
Health Insurance (HMO) | Full family coverage |
Pension & Gratuity | Employer statutory contribution |
Bonus Structure | Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual bonuses |
Career Development | Training, certifications |
Housing & Personal Loans | Available to staff |
Bonuses, Equity, and Career Growth
Bonus Structure
Sterling Bank uses a tiered reward system based on:
Individual performance
Team/branch/zone outcomes
Company targets met
Bonuses include:
Quarterly performance bonuses (₦50k – ₦200k)
Annual bonus (13th salary)
Project-specific rewards (₦100k – ₦1M)
Equity & Long-Term Benefits
Senior hires may receive stock options
Retaining top talent through retention bonuses
Access to leadership training and mentorship programs
Invitations to industry conferences
Cost of Living Comparison
Let’s see how living costs compare to Sterling Bank salary:
Role | Monthly Salary (₦) | Living Costs (₦) | Comfort Level |
---|---|---|---|
Teller / Customer Service | 170k – 220k | 90k | Adequate for basic city living |
Credit / Relationship Officer | 250k – 380k | 150k | Comfortable, include savings |
Branch Supervisor | 350k – 650k | 200k | Very comfortable with extra comforts |
Branch Manager | 600k – 1M | 300k | High lifestyle, investments possible |
Zonal Manager | 900k – 1.5M | 400k | Luxury lifestyle and investment |
Department Head | 1.4M – 2.5M | 500k | Top-tier life with asset building |
C-Suite Executive | 3M – 8M | 700k+ | Elite lifestyle with savings |
This table shows that at all levels, Sterling Bank’s salary structure supports comfortable living, even in high-cost cities like Lagos or Abuja.
Career Path & Promotion in Sterling Bank
Typical Career Journey
Entry-Level: Teller → Customer Service Officer
Mid-Level: Credit/Relationship Officer
Team Lead / Supervisor
Branch Manager
Area / Zonal Manager
Department Head / Specialist
Executive Leadership
Progress is based on experience, performance, leadership skills, and sometimes educational qualifications.
Promotion Criteria
Consistently achieving targets
Taking on more responsibility
Demonstrating leadership
Earning relevant certifications (CIBN, data, risk management)
Positive branch / team performance
Internal leadership assessments
Pro Tips for Navigating Sterling Bank Salary Structure
Highlight Allowances Early – Ask about car, housing, feeding in interviews
Showcase KPI Achievements – Bring numbers to prove results
Upskill Often – Certifications help negotiate higher salary
Keep Records – Document your performance impact
Excel in Client Experience – High customer satisfaction can translate to bonuses
Position for Leadership – Seek mentorship and manage small teams first
FAQs – Sterling Bank Salary and Allowance Structure
What does a Sterling Bank Teller earn?
Around ₦170,000 – ₦220,000 per month including allowances.
Do staff get housing allowance?
Yes, for managers and above—ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000 depending on role.
Are there bonuses?
Yes. Sterling Bank offers monthly, quarterly, and annual bonuses, plus project incentives.
What does a Branch Manager take home?
Estimated total is ₦600,000 to ₦1,000,000 per month when all benefits are included.
Can executives earn over ₦5M monthly?
Yes. C-suite executives often earn ₦3,000,000 to ₦8,000,000+ monthly, depending on structure and performance.
Final Thoughts: Sterling Bank Salary Structure and Allowance (2025)
The Sterling Bank salary structure and allowance setup in 2025 reflects a modern, flexible, and performance-driven institution. From comfortable teller earnings to luxurious executive packages, the structure is competitive and rewarding.
If you're preparing to work at Sterling Bank, this guide gives you everything you need—from salary expectations and allowance breakdown to career path and negotiation tips. Sterling Bank stands out as a bank that rewards performance, growth, and innovation.