Doctors Salary in Nigeria

Medicine is one of the most respected and profitable professions throughout the world. Even though the studies of medicine are complex and very complicated, it is one of those fields that ensures you a great job with a mouth-watering salary.
| Occupation: | Doctor |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary Range: | ₦70000 – ₦1,500,000 |
| Average Monthly Salary: | ₦35000.5 |
| Description: | Doctors are responsible for providing Healthcare facilities to ill patients and those in need. |
| Minimum Qualification: | MBBS |
If you are interested in becoming a doctor in Nigeria and are wondering how much a doctor earns in Nigeria, what bonuses he gets, and what the salary structure is based on which doctors are paid in Nigeria, you have come to the right place. Here are the details to let you guys know everything about doctor salaries in Nigeria, their bonuses, their professional responsibilities, and the salary structure.
Overview Of Doctor’s Salary In Nigeria
The medical profession remains one of the higher‑earning fields in Nigeria, but salaries vary widely across experience levels, sector (public vs private), and specialization. In public hospitals, doctors are paid under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), whereas private hospitals set their own pay scales, which can be higher or lower depending on the institution. Total earnings often include allowances and benefits on top of the basic monthly salary.
Extras
Doctors can earn additional income through allowances and bonuses, such as:
- Call duty or on‑call allowance
- Hazard or clinical duty allowances
- Teaching or academic allowances (for teaching hospital roles)
- Rural posting allowances
- Housing and transport allowances (in some institutions)
These extras depend on hospital policies, rank, and responsibilities and can significantly boost total monthly earnings.
Salary Structure
Housemanship (Intern)
Doctors undergoing their one‑year internship (housemanship) typically earn:
₦150,000 – ₦250,000 per month.
NYSC Doctor Salary
During the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, doctors posted to hospitals may earn between:
₦50,000 – ₦150,000 per month, varying by hospital and location.
Post‑NYSC / Medical Officers
After NYSC, general medical officers earn approximately:
₦220,000 – ₦300,000 per month in government hospitals.
Private hospitals may pay slightly different figures, often lower for general practitioners but with potential for performance‑based earnings.
Resident Doctors / Registration Levels
Doctors in residency (specialist training) earn higher salaries:
- Junior registrars: ₦290,000 – ₦420,000 per month
- Senior registrars: ₦420,000 – ₦650,000 per month
Consultants and Specialists
Experienced specialists and consultants earn the highest salaries in the medical profession in Nigeria:
- Entry‑level consultants: ₦600,000 – ₦800,000
- Senior consultants or those in high‑demand specialties: ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000+ per month
Doctors in private practice or with combined earnings from private clinics may earn significantly more, depending on patient load and reputation.
Responsibilities of Doctors
- The fundamental responsibility of the medical professional is to make sure that they are providing the best possible care to their patients.
- Their primary responsibilities include making assessments based on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosing the disease their patients have.
- They are responsible for observing their patients’ health and conducting several tests so they can finalize the correct diagnosis.
- Doctors plan and conduct patient treatment courses and ensure that their patient lives a healthy and better life even after having some disease.
- They prescribe medications and provide extra care for injuries and homes.
- They are also responsible for letting their patients know about the treatment course, disease, and what are the risk factors that are linked to the patient’s problems.
- They also administer follow-up programs for patients.
Average Earnings
A doctor in Nigeria earns on average around ₦380,000 – ₦450,000 per month, but this figure spans different stages from junior to senior roles and varies by sector and specialization.
Additional Earnings
Doctors can make additional income of around ₦100,000 – ₦300,000+ per month through allowances, private practice, consultancy, and bonuses, depending on their role and workload.
Housemanship Salary
A doctor during housemanship typically earns between ₦150,000 and ₦250,000 per month, depending on the hospital and location.
Doctors in Nigeria have a structured salary path that grows with experience and specialization. From earning modest amounts during housemanship and NYSC to high salaries as consultants, the medical profession offers potential for stable income and career advancement. While public sector salaries are regulated under CONMESS, private practice and additional income streams can significantly boost earnings
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.
