Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria

Chemical engineers deal with the procedures that involve the manufacturing and production of goods via chemical procedures. Chemical engineers generally deal with chemical manufacturing processes and manage the production of food, fuels, biological, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals via chemical methods. Well, chemical engineering has a good scope because the engineers are generally employed in large organizations and manufacturing plants.
| Occupation: | Chemical Engineer |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Range: | ₦152000 – ₦600000 |
| Average Monthly Salary: | ₦376000 |
| Description: | Chemical engineers use scientific principles and engineering principles to maximize the efficiency of the manufactured products simply by enhancing the processes and equipment usage. |
| Minimum Qualification: | Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering |
If you are interested in the field and are looking for the demand for chemical engineers and their salary overview in Nigeria, you have come to the right place. The guide covers everything from the salary of a chemical engineer in Nigeria, the bonus they get, extra payments, professional responsibilities, and the salary structure.
Overview of Chemical Engineering Salary in Nigeria
Chemical engineering is a respected profession with competitive pay in Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors. Salaries vary by experience level, industry, location, and employer type. On average, chemical engineers in Nigeria earn around ₦292,000 per month, which translates to roughly ₦3,500,000 per year.
Salaries can range from around ₦152,000 on the low end to above ₦446,000 monthly. The median annual income for chemical engineers is about ₦3,359,900, meaning half of practitioners earn above this amount and half earn below it.
Salary Structure
Salary by Experience
Experience significantly affects pay in chemical engineering:
- Entry‑Level (0–2 years): Around ₦172,000 per month
- 2–5 Years: About ₦231,000 per month
- 5–10 Years: About ₦300,000 per month
- 10–15 Years: Around ₦364,000 per month
- 15–20 Years: Around ₦398,000 per month
- 20+ Years: Around ₦418,000 per month
Salaries grow steadily with experience in engineering roles.
Salary by Sector
Chemical engineers in Nigeria may work in various industries:
- Oil & Gas: Typically higher salaries, especially for specialized roles.
- Manufacturing & FMCG: Competitive pay in food, cement, and consumer goods companies.
- Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical: Good earnings for technical expertise.
- Government & Research: Structured pay scales but may be lower than private sector top offers.
Entry‑level salaries can be modest in government roles, while experienced engineers in oil, energy, or multinational firms can earn significantly more.
Salary Based on Education
Education impacts pay:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Average around ₦243,000 per month for degree holders starting out.
- Master’s Degree: Can boost average earnings to around ₦337,000 per month or more.
Professionals with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often have more opportunities for senior or managerial roles.
Bonuses and Benefits
Beyond base salary, chemical engineers may receive additional compensation such as:
- Performance Bonuses: Awarded for meeting or exceeding targets.
- Allowances: Housing, transport, or risk allowances, especially in hazardous or remote locations.
- Health and Retirement Benefits: Depending on employer policies.
These extras vary widely by company and sector.
Responsibilities of Chemical Engineers
There are several responsibilities that a chemical engineer in his job has to fulfill. Since they mainly deal with chemicals and the production and manufacturing of chemical products, they have a lot to do in their field. Some of the primary responsibilities are mentioned below so you can get an idea of what chemical engineers have to do.
- Chemical engineers are responsible to work on a large scale and ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- They are also responsible for conducting research to improve and enhance manufacturing procedures.
- Since they work mainly on large scales like laboratories and major manufacturing plants, they manage and monitor the overall production process.
- Chemical engineers also have to estimate the production costs and ensure that the products manufactured under their supervision are cost-efficient.
- Chemical engineers conduct research and analyze the data they receive from their research to make it useful for making improvements in production procedures.
- Moreover, chemical engineers are also involved in using mathematical principles, scientific laws, and engineering principles in order to dig out the solutions to the problems that they encounter during the production procedures.
- They design, propose, explain, and review their plans in order to make sure that the whole procedure is going according to the company’s goals.
- They also have to conduct research, make analyses, and find other ways in order to increase the quality and efficiency of the products they manufacture.
What Is the Average Salary of a Chemical Engineer in Nigeria?
The average monthly salary for a chemical engineer in Nigeria is around ₦292,000, although this varies based on experience, sector, and location.
Can Chemical Engineers Earn More in Nigeria?
Yes — engineers working in high‑pay sectors like oil & gas or in multinational corporations often earn above the national average, with monthly pay for senior roles sometimes exceeding ₦600,000 or more.
Is Chemical Engineering a Good Career in Nigeria?
Chemical engineering offers strong employment prospects and competitive salaries, particularly in industrial, energy, and manufacturing sectors. As the economy grows and industries expand, demand for skilled chemical engineers is expected to remain steady.
Article Modified on December 23, 2025. The data in this article is written and collected by multiple authors. Learn how we research on About Us.
