₦20M PA: Top 10 High-Paying Engineering Companies in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to a diverse range of industries, and engineering plays a vital role in the country's economic growth. Whether it's in oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, or manufacturing, engineers are essential across various sectors.

Not surprisingly, some of the highest-paying companies in Nigeria are engineering-focused. So if you're an engineer or aspiring to become one, landing a job at one of these companies can be a career-defining move.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 highest-paying engineering companies in Nigeria, exploring career opportunities and expected salaries. We'll also discuss what it takes to get hired by these industry giants.

1. Chevron Nigeria Limited

One of the major players in the oil and gas sector, Chevron is known for offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits. Engineers working with Chevron can expect to work on large-scale oil exploration and production projects, where their skills are tested and rewarded handsomely.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦8 million – ₦20 million per year (depending on the role and experience).
• Popular roles: Petroleum Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
• How to get hired: Strong experience in the oil and gas sector is key, along with certifications like COREN. A background in project management can also be beneficial.

2. Shell Nigeria

Shell is one of the largest oil companies in Nigeria, and it offers some of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the country. Engineers here work on high-profile projects, including offshore oil rigs and refineries, with state-of-the-art technology.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦10 million – ₦22 million per year.
• Popular roles: Drilling Engineer, Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Safety Engineer.
• How to get hired: A degree in petroleum or chemical engineering is highly desirable. Additionally, strong analytical and technical skills, along with years of relevant experience, can make you stand out.

3. Dangote Group

Dangote Group is a giant in manufacturing and construction, known for its cement factories, refineries, and sugar processing plants. It offers substantial salaries to engineers working in various capacities.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦5 million – ₦18 million per year.
• Popular roles: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Structural Engineer.
• How to get hired: Practical experience in manufacturing, construction, or plant operations is essential. Proficiency in technical tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB will enhance your chances.

4. ExxonMobil Nigeria

Another big name in the oil and gas sector, ExxonMobil is renowned for its well-paying engineering roles. Engineers here are involved in exploration, drilling, and production operations in both offshore and onshore settings.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦9 million – ₦21 million per year.
• Popular roles: Petroleum Engineer, Subsea Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
• How to get hired: A solid understanding of oil and gas processes, coupled with a degree in a relevant engineering discipline, can put you on the path to success. Certifications and technical competence are critical.

5. Julius Berger Nigeria

As one of the biggest construction companies in Nigeria, Julius Berger offers top salaries to engineers, particularly in civil and structural engineering roles. The company is involved in high-profile construction projects, including bridges, roads, and buildings.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦7 million – ₦17 million per year.
• Popular roles: Civil Engineer, Project Engineer, Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer.
• How to get hired: Experience in large-scale infrastructure projects is key. Julius Berger looks for candidates who can handle complex engineering tasks with precision.

6. Total Nigeria

Total is a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, offering highly competitive salaries to its engineering workforce. The company values innovation and technical expertise, with engineers playing an essential role in upstream and downstream operations.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦8 million – ₦20 million per year.
• Popular roles: Production Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Project Engineer.
• How to get hired: A strong academic background in engineering, combined with hands-on experience in oil and gas, will increase your chances. Advanced technical certifications can also be advantageous.

7. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

NNPC is Nigeria’s state-owned oil corporation, and it offers lucrative salaries to engineers, especially those involved in oil exploration, refining, and distribution.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦6 million – ₦18 million per year.
• Popular roles: Petroleum Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Civil Engineer.
• How to get hired: To stand out in NNPC’s competitive recruitment process, you need an excellent academic record, relevant work experience, and possibly internships within the oil and gas sector.

8. Flour Mills of Nigeria

Flour Mills of Nigeria, one of the largest agro-allied companies, also offers well-paying engineering roles, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering. Engineers are critical to the maintenance and operation of machinery in its production plants.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦5 million – ₦15 million per year.
• Popular roles: Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Plant Engineer, Process Engineer.
• How to get hired: Experience in manufacturing or production engineering is vital. Knowledge of automation technologies and industrial machinery will give you a significant edge.

9. Schlumberger Nigeria

Schlumberger is a major oilfield services company that provides cutting-edge technology to the oil and gas industry. Engineers working here are exposed to global best practices and are rewarded with high salaries.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦9 million – ₦19 million per year.
• Popular roles: Petroleum Engineer, Field Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
• How to get hired: Strong technical skills and expertise in oilfield services are essential. Schlumberger often looks for candidates with international exposure or experience.

10. Lafarge Africa

Lafarge Africa is a leading building materials company in Nigeria, with a strong focus on cement production. The company offers competitive salaries to engineers who play a critical role in the operations and maintenance of its factories.

• Average salary for engineers: ₦5 million – ₦12 million per year.
• Popular roles: Mechanical Engineer, Process Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
• How to get hired: A background in materials engineering or production engineering, along with experience in industrial processes, can boost your chances of landing a job at Lafarge.

Tips for Getting Hired at Top-Paying Engineering Companies in Nigeria

If you’re aiming to work at one of these high-paying companies, it’s essential to position yourself strategically. Here are some key tips:

1. Build a Strong Educational Foundation: Most top-paying companies in Nigeria require a solid academic background in engineering. Aim for top grades and consider pursuing postgraduate degrees or relevant certifications.
2. Gain Hands-on Experience: Internships, apprenticeships, and early-career jobs in your field are crucial. The more hands-on experience you have, the better your chances of standing out during the hiring process.
3. Network Effectively: Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with experts in your field. Networking can sometimes open doors that academic qualifications cannot.
4. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Engineering is a dynamic field. Keeping up with the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies will make you more attractive to potential employers.
5. Invest in Certifications: Professional certifications like COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria), PMP (Project Management Professional), or other specialized certifications can give you an edge over other candidates.
6. Prepare for Rigorous Recruitment Processes: Many of these top-paying companies have demanding recruitment processes that include multiple rounds of interviews, technical assessments, and psychometric tests. Be ready to demonstrate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusion

Working for one of the highest-paying engineering companies in Nigeria offers more than just an attractive salary. It provides opportunities for career growth, skill development, and working on cutting-edge projects. However, these roles are highly competitive, so it’s crucial to be well-prepared, both academically and professionally.

If you’re passionate about engineering and willing to put in the effort, these companies can offer you not just a job, but a career that’s both financially and professionally rewarding.