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Average Salary in Nairobi 2024

How much money does a person working in Nairobi make?


Average Monthly Salary
176,000 KES
( 2,110,000 KES yearly)

LOW
44,300
KES
AVERAGE
176,000
KES
HIGH
781,000
KES
All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

A person working in Nairobi typically earns around 176,000 KES. Salaries range from 44,300 KES (lowest average) to 781,000 KES (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Nairobi vary drastically between different careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.



Pay Scale and Salaries in Nairobi

Median and salary distribution Nairobi monthly
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Salary Structure and Pay Scale Comparison

5% of people earn
336,000 KES or more
10% of people earn
263,000 to 336,000 KES
20% of people earn
102,000 KES or less
65% of people earn
102,000 to 263,000 KES
Minimum Salary
44,300 KES
Median
154,000 KES
Maximum
781,000 KES




Median Salary, maximum and minimum salary, minimum wage, starting salary, and the salary range

All salary figures displayed here are per month except when noted otherwise.
  • Salary Range, Minimum Wage, and Starting Salary

    Salaries in Nairobi range from 44,300 KES (starting salary) to 781,000 KES (maximum average salary, actual maximum is higher). This is not the minimum wage as per the law, only the lowest reported number in the salary survey that had thousands of participants and professionals from all over the country.

  • Median Salary

    The median salary is 154,000 KES, which means that 50% of the population in Nairobi earns less than that while the other half earns more. The median represents the middle salary value. Generally speaking, you would want to be on the right side of the graph with the group earning more than the median salary.

  • Percentiles and Salary Scale

    Closely related to the median are two values: the 25th and the 75th percentiles. Reading from the salary distribution diagram, 25% of the population in Nairobi earn less than 111,000 KES while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 234,000 KES while 25% earn more than that.

  • Pay Scale Structure

    We grouped the most common and recurring salaries into brackets to give more insight into what salary to expect. This method is more accurate than just the average salary and gives more insights into how salaries are actually distributed in Nairobi. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 102,000 KES to 263,000 KES. Approximately 20% fall under the 102,000 KES cap. Ten percent of wages are from 263,000 KES to 336,000 KES. Only 5% of people grossed 336,000 KES or more.

Salary Comparison by Years of Experience

How does a person's salary progress over time?

Salary Comparison By Experience Level
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Salary is primarily determined by the level of experience one possesses, with higher levels of experience resulting in higher wages.

In Nairobi, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn an average of 32% more than entry-level and junior workers in all industries and fields.

Individuals with more than five years of experience tend to earn an average of 36% more than those with less than five years of experience.

After ten years of work, salaries increase by 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

These figures should be used as rough estimates, as considering individual job titles can lead to more accurate assessments.


Change in salary based on experience varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of many different jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.
On average, a person's salary doubles their starting salary by the time they cross the 10 years* experience mark.
* Based on the average change in salary over time. Salary variations differ from person to person.

Salary Comparison By Education

How does the education level affect your salary?

Salary Comparison By Education
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Change in salary based on education varies drastically from one location to another and depends hugely on the career field as well. The data displayed here is the combined average of multiple jobs. To view accurate figures, choose a specific job title.

The correlation between higher education and higher salary is widely acknowledged, but how much of an income increase can one expect from obtaining a degree?

We conducted a study in Nairobi comparing the salaries of professionals with different levels of college degrees who held similar positions in various industries.

Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.

Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.

Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.

Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.


Is investing in a Master's degree or an MBA worth it? Is pursuing higher education worth the investment?

Earning a Master's degree or any post-graduate qualification in Kenya is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 737,000 KES to 2,210,000 KES and a duration of around two years. It's important to note that during this period, any salary increases are unlikely, assuming ongoing employment. Salary reviews are typically conducted after completing the program and obtaining the degree.

Many individuals pursue advanced education as a means of transitioning to higher-paying positions, and the statistics indicate that this is an effective strategy. On average, individuals who change jobs after earning a higher degree receive a salary increase of about 10% more than the typical annual raise.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue advanced education depends on a variety of factors, including the personal situation and experience. However, if one can afford the financial costs of obtaining a higher degree, the return on investment is likely to be worthwhile, with the ability to recoup the costs in approximately a year.



Salary and Compensation Comparison By Gender / Nairobi

Salary comparison by gender Kenya monthly
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Though gender should not have an effect on pay, in reality, it does. So who gets paid more: men or women? In Kenya, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 10% across all career fields.

Male
156,000 KES
Female-9%
142,000 KES
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Nairobi

How much are annual salary increments in Nairobi? How often do employees get salary raises?

Kenya

Employees in Kenya are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 4% every 29 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Kenya
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The figures provided here are averages of numbers. Those figures should be taken as general guidelines. Salary increments will vary from person to person and depend on many factors, but your performance and contribution to the success of the organization remain the most important factors in determining how much and how often you will be granted a raise.

The term Annual Salary Increase usually refers to the increase in 12 calendar month period, but because it is rare that people get their salaries reviewed exactly on the one-year mark, it is more meaningful to know the frequency and the rate at the time of the increase.

How to calculate the salary increment percentage?

The annual salary Increase in a calendar year (12 months) can be easily calculated as follows: Annual Salary Increase = Increase Rate x 12 / Increase Frequency

The average salary increase in one year (12 months) in Kenya is 2%.

Worldwide Salary Raises: All Countries and All Jobs

World Average Annual Salary Increment
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Salary Packages and Schemes

Not all compensation increases are reflected directly in the salary. Some companies offer upgraded packages to their staff instead of cash money. The figures displayed here account only for direct increments to the base salary.



Bonus and Incentive Rates in Kenya

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Kenya
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100% of surveyed staff in Kenya reported that they haven't received any bonuses or incentives in the previous year while % said that they received at least one form of monetary bonus.

Those who got bonuses reported rates ranging from % to % of their annual salary.

Received Bonus
%
No Bonus
100%

Types of Bonuses Considered

Individual Performance-Based Bonuses

The most standard form of bonus, where the employee is awarded based on their exceptional performance.

Company Performance Bonuses

Occasionally, some companies like to celebrate excess earnings and profits with their staff collectively in the form of bonuses that are granted to everyone. The amount of the bonus will probably be different from person to person depending on their role within the organization.

Goal-Based Bonuses

Granted upon achieving an important goal or milestone.

Holiday / End of Year Bonuses

These types of bonuses are given without a reason and usually resemble an appreciation token.

Bonuses Are Not Commissions!

People tend to confuse bonuses with commissions. A commission is a prefixed rate at which someone gets paid for items sold or deals completed while a bonus is in most cases arbitrary and unplanned.


Bonus Rates Comparison by Career Field

Finance
High
Architecture
High
Sales
High
Business Development
High
Marketing / Advertising
High
Information Technology
Moderate
Healthcare
Moderate
Insurance
Moderate
Customer Service
Moderate
Human Resources
Moderate
Construction
Low
Transport
Low
Hospitality
Low

What makes a position worthy of good bonuses and a high salary?

The main two types of jobs

Revenue GeneratorsSupporting Cast

Employees that are directly involved in generating revenue or profit for the organization. Their field of expertise usually matches the type of business.

Employees that support and facilitate the work of revenue generators. Their expertise is usually different from that of the core business operations.

Example:
A graphics designer working for a graphics designing company.

Example:
A graphic designer in the marketing department of a hospital.


Revenue generators usually get more and higher bonuses, higher salaries, and more frequent salary increments. The reason is quite simple: it is easier to quantify your value to the company in monetary terms when you participate in revenue generation.

Try to work for companies where your skills can generate revenue. We can't all generate revenue and that's perfectly fine.

Bonus Comparison by Seniority Level

Top management personnel and senior employees naturally exhibit higher bonus rates and frequencies than juniors. This is very predictable due to the inherent responsibilities of being higher in the hierarchy. People in top positions can easily get double or triple bonus rates than employees down the pyramid.

Salaries for popular jobs. Salaries by occupations.

Job TitleAverage Salary
Accounting and Finance
Accountant111,000 KES
Accounting Assistant86,400 KES
Accounting Manager260,000 KES
Bookkeeper76,600 KES
Chartered Accountant155,000 KES
Corporate Treasurer223,000 KES
Financial Analyst220,000 KES
Financial Manager326,000 KES
Internal Auditor159,000 KES

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant90,400 KES
Office Manager147,000 KES
Receptionist79,200 KES
Secretary73,500 KES

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director160,000 KES
Creative Director167,000 KES
Graphic Designer101,000 KES
Photographer96,800 KES

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer211,000 KES
Air Traffic Controller179,000 KES
Flight Attendant112,000 KES
Pilot296,000 KES

Architecture
Architect195,000 KES
CAD Drafter88,400 KES

Automotive
Mechanic60,600 KES
Service Advisor109,000 KES

Banking
Bank Branch Manager293,000 KES
Teller63,500 KES

Bilingual
Teacher133,000 KES
Translator155,000 KES

Business Planning
Business Analyst202,000 KES
Business Development Manager265,000 KES
Project Manager210,000 KES

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny70,000 KES
Nursery Teacher61,400 KES

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer162,000 KES
Construction Project Manager289,000 KES
Health and Safety Officer74,300 KES

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative65,200 KES
Customer Service Manager216,000 KES
Customer Service Representative59,500 KES

Engineering
Civil Engineer160,000 KES
Electrical Engineer166,000 KES
Engineer156,000 KES
Mechanical Engineer152,000 KES

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer364,000 KES
Chief Financial Officer361,000 KES
General Manager280,000 KES
Project Manager191,000 KES

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef108,000 KES
Executive Chef123,000 KES
Hotel Manager302,000 KES
Receptionist62,100 KES
Travel Agent106,000 KES
Waiter / Waitress52,400 KES

Health and Medical
Dentist409,000 KES
Dietitian321,000 KES
Laboratory Technician121,000 KES
Nurse126,000 KES

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager248,000 KES
Human Resources Officer95,500 KES

Information Technology
Computer Technician128,000 KES
Database Administrator170,000 KES
Developer / Programmer163,000 KES
Information Technology Manager283,000 KES
Network Engineer143,000 KES

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer101,000 KES

Legal
Attorney336,000 KES
Legal Assistant89,600 KES

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist180,000 KES

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer143,000 KES
Pharmacist215,000 KES

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier64,300 KES
Sales Manager283,000 KES
Sales Representative106,000 KES

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher119,000 KES
Secondary School Teacher130,000 KES

Average Hourly Wage in Nairobi


1,010 KES per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Nairobi is 1,010 KES.This is the rate that the average individual gets paid for every worked hour.


Hourly Wage = Annual Salary / ( 52 x 5 x 8 )

About The Hourly Pay Rate

The hourly wage is the salary paid in one worked hour. Usually, jobs are classified into two categories: salaried jobs and hourly jobs. Salaried jobs pay a fixed amount regardless of the hours worked. Hourly jobs pay per worked hour. To convert salary into hourly wage the above formula is used (assuming 5 working days in a week and 8 working hours per day which is the standard for most jobs). The hourly wage calculation may differ slightly depending on the worked hours per week and the annual vacation allowance. The figures mentioned above are good approximations and are considered to be the standard. One major difference between salaried employees and hourly paid employees is overtime eligibility. Salaried employees are usually exempt from overtime as opposed to hourly paid staff.

What is the minimum hourly rate of pay?

The minimum pay rate per hour for a person in Nairobi is 260 KES. This is the minimum as per the gathered data in the salary survey not the minimum hourly rate mandated by law.

Salary Comparison By City

CityAverage Salary
Kisumu143,000 KES
Mombasa161,000 KES
Nairobi176,000 KES

Government vs Private Sector Salary Comparison

Where can you get paid more, working in a private company or the government? The difference between the public or government sector salaries and the private sector salaries in Kenya is 14% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
140,000 KES
Public Sector+14%
159,000 KES
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value

Salary Statistics and Calculation Guide

What is considered to be a good and competitive salary in Nairobi?

It is extremely difficult to give an exact figure of a good salary when no specific job is selected, however; an estimate can be provided based purely on the cost of living. A good compensation in Nairobi would range anywhere between 154,000 KES and 234,000 KES.

Gross Salary (before tax) and Net Salary (after tax)

All salary and compensation figures displayed here are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Because taxes may differ across sectors and locations, it is difficult to accurately calculate the net salary after tax for every career.

Base / Basic Salary

The base salary in Nairobi ranges from 44,300 KES to 111,000 KES. The base salary depends on many factors including profession, experience, and education. It is not easy to provide a figure with very little information, so take this range with a grain of salt.


What is the difference between the median and the average salary?

Both are indicators. If your salary is higher than both the average and the median then you are doing very well. If your salary is lower than both, then many people earn more than you and there is plenty of room for improvement. If your wage is between the average and the median, then things can be a bit complicated. We wrote a guide to explain all about the different scenarios. How to compare your salary


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