Mechanical Engineering Salary in Nigeria

Mechanical engineering is one of the best courses in Nigeria to study, which provides students with a bright future. It is not only attractive, but the field is very productive, and as a profession, mechanical engineers are among those specialists who earn quite a handsome salary. Mechanical engineers are involved in dealing with mechanical devices and their creation.

Occupation:	Mechanical Engineer
Monthly Salary Range:	₦150000 – ₦700,000
Average Monthly Salary:	₦75350
Description:	Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing, designing, and creating power-producing machines. For example, electric generators, steam and gas turbines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and internal combustion engines.
Minimum Qualification:	Bachelor’s Degree

If you are looking to select mechanical engineering as your career and are searching for how much mechanical engineers earn in Nigeria and what the professional responsibilities are, you have come to the right place as I am going to elaborate here the overview of mechanical engineer’s salary in Nigeria and everything related to them. Let’s take a look and unfold some of the facts and figures related to mechanical engineer salaries in Nigeria.

Overview Of Mechanical Engineering Salary

Mechanical engineering is a well‑recognized profession that involves designing, analyzing, and manufacturing mechanical systems. It is both intriguing and challenging, requiring a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.

In Nigeria, mechanical engineers earn competitive salaries compared to many other professions. The average monthly salary for a mechanical engineer is approximately ₦300,000 – ₦350,000. Salaries vary based on experience, educational level, company, and location. Engineers working in oil & gas, manufacturing, and large multinational companies typically earn more than those in smaller firms.

Extras

Mechanical engineers in Nigeria often receive incremental salary increases as they gain experience. On average, engineers may see a noticeable salary adjustment every 1.5 to 2 years, often around 10–15% depending on performance and company policy.

Bonuses and incentives are not guaranteed but many engineers report receiving annual performance bonuses ranging from 3% to 7% of their annual salary, especially in larger firms or oil and gas sectors.

Professional Experience

Salary progression in mechanical engineering in Nigeria strongly correlates with experience. Below is a general breakdown:

Experience Level	Monthly Salary Range
0–2 Years	₦150,000 – ₦220,000
2–5 Years	₦220,000 – ₦300,000
5–10 Years	₦300,000 – ₦450,000
10–15 Years	₦450,000 – ₦550,000
15+ Years	₦550,000 – ₦700,000+

Early‑career engineers earn modest salaries, while mid‑career and senior engineers, especially in specialized industries like petrochemicals or automotives, can earn significantly more.

Salary Comparison By Gender

While salary should ideally be equitable, a gap often exists in practice. In Nigeria, male mechanical engineers generally earn slightly more than their female counterparts. On average:

• Male Mechanical Engineer Salary: ~₦325,000 per month
• Female Mechanical Engineer Salary: ~₦290,000 per month

This difference is approximately 10–12% but varies depending on the company, experience, and negotiation.

Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers perform a wide range of duties related to the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems:

• Mechanical engineers are responsible for performing an entire product development cycle.
• They are responsible for designing the systems and designing the components and parts of that particular system to meet the requirements.
• They are also responsible and involved in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and making interpretations about the results so that the data, facts, and figures are used for the development of certain energy-producing or energy-using machines.
• They are responsible for testing and evaluating the theoretical designs they have made.
• Mechanical engineers also make estimations about the budget of the project.
• They also make evaluations about modification and alteration in the designs of the product to minimize malfunctioning.
• Mechanical engineers check the final product and ensure that it is safe and reliable for use by the general public.
• They also prepare reports and documentation based on their theories and the experiments they have conducted.

What Skills Should Mechanical Engineers Have?

Mechanical engineers should possess strong mathematical and analytical abilities, computer skills, and knowledge of:

• Thermodynamics
• Material science
• Mechanics and dynamics
• Machine design and manufacturing processes
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Proficiency with engineering software (e.g., CAD tools)

Is There a Salary Difference Between Male and Female Mechanical Engineers?

Yes, although it shouldn’t be the case, there is a noticeable difference. Male mechanical engineers in Nigeria tend to earn around 10–12% more than female engineers on average. However, this varies by company and experience, and many organizations now adopt equal‑pay policies.

What is the Average Salary of Highly Professional Mechanical Engineers?

Mechanical engineers with more than 15 years of experience, especially those in managerial or senior technical roles, can expect monthly salaries between ₦550,000 and ₦700,000+. Advanced qualifications, specialized skills, and industry certifications further boost salary prospects.