One of the most common misconceptions about cybersecurity professionals is that we are all “hackers.” But it’s not true.
While some cybersecurity professionals may have a background in hacking or ethical hacking, not all of us do. In fact, most of us are just regular people who are passionate about technology and want to help protect businesses and individuals like yourself from cyber threats.
So, if you’re considering getting into cybersecurity because you want to be a “hacker,” you might want to rethink your career path.
Another common misconception is Cyber Security Salary in Nigeria. Today, I’m going to clear the air.
How Much Do Cybersecurity Professionals Earn In Nigeria?
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field globally, and Nigeria is no exception.
With the increasing number of cyber attacks, businesses, and organizations are becoming more aware of the need for cybersecurity experts to protect their systems and data.
This increased demand for cybersecurity professionals has led to an increase in cybersecurity salaries in Nigeria.
Now, not all cybersecurity professionals are introverted computer geeks who spend all their time in front of a screen. While it is true that cybersecurity professionals need to have a strong understanding of technology, communication skills are also essential.
Cybersecurity professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with their colleagues and clients, especially when explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical people.
Cyber Security Salary In Nigeria
Cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria are some of the highest-paid IT professionals in the country.
But how much you can expect to make as a cybersecurity professional in Nigeria depends largely on several factors such as your experience, certification, level of education, industry, and location. However, I can give you a rough idea of what to expect.
A cybersecurity professional’s average salary in Nigeria is between ₦500,000 ($1,250) to ₦3,000,000 ($7,500) annually. Let’s discuss the determining factors deeper.
What Determines Cyber Security Salary In Nigeria?
As a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience, I have seen the field grow and evolve over time. When I first started in cybersecurity, the field was still relatively new in Nigeria. The salaries were less lucrative than they are today.
However, as the demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased, so has the pay. Cybersecurity professionals are among the highest-paid professionals in the technology industry.
No lies about that. But before you get paid, a number of things come to play.
1. Experience
Experience is top of the table.
As with any profession, experience plays a significant role in determining your salary as a cybersecurity professional.
An entry-level cybersecurity analyst in Nigeria can expect to earn around ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per month. With three to five years of experience, this figure can increase from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 per month.
Cybersecurity managers can earn upwards of ₦1,000,000 per month depending on their experience and skills.
2. Certifications
Following closely is certifications.
Certifications are also essential in determining your cybersecurity salary.
Certifications like the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) can significantly increase your salary as a cybersecurity professional in Nigeria.
According to the 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report by Global Knowledge, a CISSP-certified cybersecurity professional in Nigeria can earn an average of ₦1,600,000 per year.
3. Level of Education
One factor that can impact your cybersecurity salary is your level of education.
Having a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or any related field can increase your earning potential. However, a master’s degree can open up even more opportunities and lead to higher salaries.
There was actually a time when having a degree in cybersecurity was not a requirement for the job, but those days are long gone.
As the field has become more specialized, having a cybersecurity degree or a related field has become increasingly important.
4. Location
Location is an essential factor that can determine your cybersecurity salary in Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, is home to some of the highest-paying cybersecurity jobs in the country.
Then again, as the cost of living in Lagos is considerably high, weighing the salary against the cost of living before accepting a job offer is essential. Think your options through.
Other cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu also have opportunities for cybersecurity professionals with varying salary ranges.
Cybersecurity professionals in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt earn higher salaries than those in other cities because of the high demand for cybersecurity professionals in these cities, as they are home to most of the country’s largest businesses and organizations.
5. Industry
Another subtle factor to consider is the industry you work in. I said subtle because people mostly overlook it, but you shouldn’t.
Cybersecurity professionals in the financial sector earn much higher salaries than those in other industries. The reason for this is not far-fetched.
The financial sector deals with sensitive financial data, and any breach in security can be catastrophic.
As a result, the financial sector places a higher value on cybersecurity professionals than other industries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cybersecurity a lucrative career in Nigeria?
Yes, cybersecurity is one of the most lucrative IT careers in Nigeria. With the growing number of cyber-attacks and the need for businesses and organizations to protect their systems and data, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise.
What is the average salary of a cybersecurity professional in Nigeria?
The average salary of a cybersecurity professional in Nigeria depends on several factors, such as experience, certification, and location. An entry-level cybersecurity analyst can expect to earn around ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 per month, while a cybersecurity manager can earn upwards of ₦1,000,000 per month.
What certifications should I have to earn a higher salary as a cybersecurity professional in Nigeria?
Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CEH can significantly increase your salary.
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Conclusion
A cybersecurity analyst walked into a bar and ordered a drink. The bartender asked, “Why the long face?” The analyst replied, “I just found a vulnerability in your network.” Only cybersecurity analysts will get it.
Cybersecurity is an excellent career choice; your services will always be needed. Then again, consider the factors determining cyber security salary in Nigeria before taking the step.