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Average Salary in Lagos 2024

How much money does a person working in Lagos make?


Average Monthly Salary
352,000 NGN
( 4,230,000 NGN yearly)

LOW
88,800
NGN
AVERAGE
352,000
NGN
HIGH
1,570,000
NGN
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 Lagos typically earns around 352,000 NGN. Salaries range from 88,800 NGN (lowest average) to 1,570,000 NGN (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).


Salary Variance

This is the average salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries in Lagos 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 Lagos

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

5% of people earn
653,000 NGN or more
10% of people earn
511,000 to 653,000 NGN
20% of people earn
199,000 NGN or less
65% of people earn
199,000 to 511,000 NGN
Minimum Salary
88,800
NGN
Median
300,000
NGN
Maximum
1,570,000
NGN




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 Lagos range from 88,800 NGN (starting salary) to 1,570,000 NGN (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 300,000 NGN, which means that 50% of the population in Lagos 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 Lagos earn less than 217,000 NGN while 75% of them earn more. Also from the diagram, 75% of the population earn less than 455,000 NGN 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 Lagos. Around 65% of all reported figures are in the range 199,000 NGN to 511,000 NGN. Approximately 20% fall under the 199,000 NGN cap. Ten percent of wages are from 511,000 NGN to 653,000 NGN. Only 5% of people grossed 653,000 NGN 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 Lagos, 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 Lagos 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 Nigeria is a substantial financial commitment, with tuition fees ranging from 1,700,000 NGN to 5,100,000 NGN 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 / Lagos

Salary comparison by gender Nigeria 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 Nigeria, the average difference between the salary of male and female employees is 7% across all career fields.

Male
350,000 NGN
Female-6%
327,000 NGN
Percentage increase and decrease are relative to the previous value


Average Annual Salary Increment Percentage in Lagos

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

Nigeria

Employees in Nigeria are likely to observe a salary increase of approximately 8% every 19 months.

Annual Salary Increment Rate Nigeria
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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 Nigeria is 5%.

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 Nigeria

How much and how often are bonuses being awarded?Annual Salary Bonus Rate Nigeria
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100% of surveyed staff in Nigeria 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
Accountant240,000 NGN
Accounting Assistant188,000 NGN
Accounting Manager523,000 NGN
Bookkeeper162,000 NGN
Chartered Accountant314,000 NGN
Corporate Treasurer470,000 NGN
Financial Analyst444,000 NGN
Financial Manager690,000 NGN
Internal Auditor329,000 NGN

Administration / Reception / Secretarial
Administrative Assistant183,000 NGN
Office Manager303,000 NGN
Receptionist167,000 NGN
Secretary157,000 NGN

Advertising / Graphic Design / Events
Art Director345,000 NGN
Creative Director345,000 NGN
Graphic Designer219,000 NGN
Photographer193,000 NGN

Airlines / Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
Aerospace Engineer444,000 NGN
Air Traffic Controller381,000 NGN
Flight Attendant240,000 NGN
Pilot601,000 NGN

Architecture
Architect418,000 NGN
CAD Drafter178,000 NGN

Automotive
Mechanic131,000 NGN
Service Advisor240,000 NGN

Banking
Bank Branch Manager627,000 NGN
Teller131,000 NGN

Bilingual
Teacher266,000 NGN
Translator314,000 NGN

Business Planning
Business Analyst434,000 NGN
Business Development Manager549,000 NGN
Project Manager444,000 NGN

Care Giving and Child Care
Nanny146,000 NGN
Nursery Teacher131,000 NGN

Construction / Building / Installation
Civil Engineer324,000 NGN
Construction Project Manager575,000 NGN
Health and Safety Officer157,000 NGN

Customer Service and Call Center
Call Center Representative131,000 NGN
Customer Service Manager470,000 NGN
Customer Service Representative131,000 NGN

Engineering
Civil Engineer319,000 NGN
Electrical Engineer340,000 NGN
Engineer327,000 NGN
Mechanical Engineer329,000 NGN

Executive and Management
Chief Executive Officer784,000 NGN
Chief Financial Officer721,000 NGN
General Manager610,000 NGN
Project Manager392,000 NGN

Food / Hospitality / Tourism / Catering
Chef217,000 NGN
Executive Chef251,000 NGN
Hotel Manager627,000 NGN
Receptionist131,000 NGN
Travel Agent219,000 NGN
Waiter / Waitress110,000 NGN

Health and Medical
Dentist827,000 NGN
Dietitian679,000 NGN
Laboratory Technician261,000 NGN
Nurse272,000 NGN

Human Resources
Human Resources Manager523,000 NGN
Human Resources Officer209,000 NGN

Information Technology
Computer Technician266,000 NGN
Database Administrator344,000 NGN
Developer / Programmer340,000 NGN
Information Technology Manager575,000 NGN
Network Engineer300,000 NGN

Law Enforcement / Security / Fire
Police Officer209,000 NGN

Legal
Attorney679,000 NGN
Legal Assistant183,000 NGN

Media / Broadcasting / Arts / Entertainment
Journalist392,000 NGN

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineer296,000 NGN
Pharmacist444,000 NGN

Sales Retail and Wholesale
Cashier131,000 NGN
Sales Manager601,000 NGN
Sales Representative226,000 NGN

Teaching / Education
Elementary School Teacher239,000 NGN
Secondary School Teacher283,000 NGN

Average Hourly Wage in Lagos


2,030 NGN per hour

The average hourly wage (pay per hour) for all employees in Lagos is 2,030 NGN.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 Lagos is 510 NGN. 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
Benin City290,000 NGN
Ibadan324,000 NGN
Kaduna305,000 NGN
Kano337,000 NGN
Lagos352,000 NGN

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 Nigeria is 6% on average across all career fields.

Private Sector
329,000 NGN
Public Sector+6%
349,000 NGN
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 Lagos?

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 Lagos would range anywhere between 300,000 NGN and 455,000 NGN.

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 Lagos ranges from 88,800 NGN to 217,000 NGN. 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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