Civil engineering is a noble profession that has existed since human civilization began. Civil engineers have been instrumental in shaping our built environment, from the construction of the pyramids in Egypt to modern-day skyscrapers.
The salary of a civil engineer in Nigeria is one of the best-kept secrets in the country. If you’re not a civil engineer, you may not know this.
Still, civil engineering is one of the highest-paying professions in Nigeria. It is not uncommon to hear civil engineers boasting about their salaries and comparing them to other professions.
Civil engineering salary in Nigeria ranges from N80,000 to N1 million per month, depending on several factors. Let’s go deeper.
Civil Engineering Salary In Nigeria
Like many countries in the world, Nigeria has a significant demand for civil engineers due to the need for infrastructure development.
But then, as a civil engineer in Nigeria, you must be ready to face some unique challenges with the job.
From navigating the bureaucratic government systems to dealing with corrupt contractors, civil engineers in Nigeria have to be masters of adaptation and innovation.
However, one thing that makes all these challenges bearable is the salary.
I remember having a conversation with a senior civil engineer friend of mine.
He was telling me that he had just bought a new car and was planning to vacation in Dubai.
I was amazed, and I couldn’t help but ask, “How do you guys make so much money?”
He looked at me with a smug smile planted on his face and said, “My dear, it’s simple. We build the country, and the country pays us handsomely for it.”
If you’re considering venturing into civil engineering in Nigeria, here’s what you can expect in terms of salary.
Civil Engineering Salary In Nigeria
Starting Salary For Civil Engineers In Nigeria
As a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, you can expect to earn between N80,000 to N150,000 per month as a starting salary.
The salary may vary depending on the company, the location, and the experience level.
However, this is just the starting point.
Mid-Career Salary For Civil Engineers In Nigeria
Your salary will also increase as you gain more experience and climb up the career ladder.
A mid-career civil engineer with 5-9 years of experience can earn between N300,000 to N600,000 per month.
This is a significant increase from the starting salary and is a testament to the value that civil engineers bring to the table.
Senior Civil Engineers Salary In Nigeria
Suppose you have over ten years of experience as a civil engineer in Nigeria. In that case, you can expect to earn upwards of N1 million per month.
Yes, you read that right.
N1 million per month. This is not a typo.
Senior civil engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in Nigeria, and it’s not hard to see why.
I remember an incident where a group of civil engineers was having a discussion about their salaries.
One of them said, “The only time I feel poor is when I’m standing next to a billionaire.” They all burst out laughing, knowing that their salaries were nothing to scoff at.
Read Also: Building Materials Business in Nigeria: How to Start
Factors That Affect Civil Engineer Salary In Nigeria
But let’s be honest; we didn’t choose to become civil engineers for the money, did we?
No, we chose this profession because we are passionate about designing structures that improve people’s lives.
Still, it’s always good to earn a salary that allows us to live comfortably and perhaps splurge on some luxury items once in a while.
As civil engineers, we have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that challenge us and allow us to grow professionally.
We get to see the tangible results of our work, which can be incredibly rewarding.
Several factors can affect the salary of a civil engineer in Nigeria. Some of these factors include:
1. Location
Civil engineers working in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller towns and rural areas.
This is because major cities have a higher cost of living. Hence, employers have to offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent.
2. Experience
In terms of experience, entry-level civil engineers in Nigeria can expect to earn around ₦100,000 ($245) to ₦150,000 ($367) per month.
However, with more experience and skills, the salary can increase significantly.
A civil engineer with 5-10 years of experience can earn anywhere from ₦300,000 ($735) to ₦500,000 ($1,225) per month, while those with over ten years of experience can earn upwards of ₦1,000,000 ($2,450) per month.
As mentioned earlier, the more experience you have, your salary will increase.
As civil engineers gain more experience, they acquire new skills and knowledge, which they can use to tackle complex projects.
Employers are willing to pay more for experienced civil engineers who can deliver quality work.
3. Company
Different companies have different salary structures, and some may pay higher than others.
Civil engineers who work for large multinational companies or government agencies can often earn higher salaries and enjoy better benefits than those who work for smaller companies or non-governmental organizations.
4. Industry
The industry in which civil engineer works also plays a role in determining their salary.
Civil engineers working in the oil and gas or the construction industry tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in the construction industry.
This is because these industries are driven by profit, and employers are willing to pay more for skilled workers who can help them make a profit.
5. Qualifications
A civil engineer’s education level is also a factor that determines their salary.
Civil engineers with advanced degrees like a Master’s or Ph.D. are likely to earn higher salaries than those with only a Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced degrees demonstrate higher expertise and specialized knowledge, which is valuable to employers.
6. Employer Size
The size of the employer also plays a role in determining the salary of a civil engineer.
Large firms with a lot of resources and contracts are likely to pay higher salaries than small firms with fewer resources.
Large firms have a greater capacity to generate revenue, which means they can afford to pay their employees more.
7. Job Title
The job title of a civil engineer can also influence their salary.
Senior-level civil engineers, such as project managers or directors, tend to earn more than entry-level civil engineers.
This is because senior-level civil engineers have more responsibility and oversight, and their decisions significantly impact the company’s bottom line.
8. Economic Conditions
Finally, the country’s economic conditions can also affect civil engineering salaries.
During times of economic growth, there may be more demand for civil engineers, which can lead to higher salaries.
Conversely, during times of economic downturn, civil engineering salaries may decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for Civil Engineers in Nigeria?
The average salary for a Civil Engineer in Nigeria ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦400,000 per month, depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and level of education.
Which factors influence Civil Engineering Salary in Nigeria?
Factors that can influence Civil Engineering Salary in Nigeria include the level of education, years of experience, location, employer, job title, and industry.
What is the salary range for entry-level Civil Engineers in Nigeria?
The salary range for entry-level Civil Engineers in Nigeria is between ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 per month.
How does the level of education affect Civil Engineering Salary in Nigeria?
The level of education can significantly affect Civil Engineering salaries in Nigeria. Civil Engineers with a higher degree, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a Bachelor’s degree.
What is the highest-paying Civil Engineering job in Nigeria?
The highest-paying Civil Engineering job in Nigeria is typically the position of a Project Manager, with an average salary of ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 per month, depending on the company and location. Other high-paying positions include Senior Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer.
Read Also: Engine Oil Business in Nigeria: How to Start
Conclusion
Various factors, including experience, location, industry, education, and employer size, determine the salary of a civil engineer in Nigeria.
It’s important to note that while salary is an important consideration, it’s not the only factor determining job satisfaction.
Civil engineers in Nigeria have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that challenge them and allow them to grow professionally. They get to see the fantastic results of their work, which can be incredibly rewarding.