Petroleum Engineering Salary in Nigeria (2024)

It is easy to see why Petroleum engineering is among the most coveted professional line in Nigeria today. Apart from the fact that they are regarded as hot-cakes in the labour market in the country, they are seen as indispensable and among the most rated in the oil and gas industry.

Does “oil and gas” ring a bell in your head, and pocket? Well, you are not alone. It is no news that the oil and gas industry is a core part of the economy and the home of the money in Nigeria, and most other parts of the world. Simply put, the oil and gas industry is a dream for lots of Nigerian youths, and yes, that is so deserved.


petroleum engineering salary in nigeria

Petroleum engineering is among the highest paying professions in Nigeria. In fact, as at 2016, the profession was the highest paying profession for entry level. Till date, they still remain among the most coveted professions in the country.

Along with other professional fields in the oil and gas sector like Geology, Geophysics and other similar fields, petroleum engineering is dynamic, adventurous and well-paying. Bonuses asides, the basic pay is something to savour.

Have you ever asked yourself how much petroleum engineers earn? This post takes a look at how much petroleum engineers earn, specifying how much some companies pay petroleum engineers.


How Much Do Petroleum Engineers Earn in Nigeria?

Petroleum engineering is one of the leading professions in Nigeria. It is the highest paying engineering profession and stands with the highest paying jobs in the industry today. Their pay is as suiting as the regards they get in the society today. It is safe to say they are among the most secure professions in Nigeria today. Petroleum engineers are not restricted to offshore operations in the oil and gas sector. In fact, some petroleum engineers work with civil engineers and function in other engineering fields as well.

Salaries of petroleum engineers vary per company. Generally, basic salaries of petroleum engineers are on the high side and they are also entitled to bonuses, which also depend on the company. Here, we will consider how much some top companies pay their petroleum engineers.

Shell Nigeria

Shell is one the international oil and gas companies in Nigeria. They are also one of the highest paying oil and gas companies in this part of the world. They are presently the largest and the oldest oil producing company here in Nigeria. When it comes to how much they pay petroleum engineers, they rank among the top 4 to 5 oil companies.

For entry level staff, they pay between N3, 300, 000 – N8, 000, 000 per annum depending on the job positing and specification. Also, factors like location and nature of the job. This excludes basic allowances they are entitled to throughout the year.


 Total E&P

Just like Shell Nigeria, Total E&P rank among the top oil and gas companies in Nigeria. They are also ranked among the oil and gas companies with the highest number of staff in the industry. This has not in any way affected the employee’s payroll though. For starters, Total E&P pay between N7, 000, 000 – N12, 000, 000 per annum depending on the position, job specification and location.

Schlumberger Nigeria

This is another oil and gas servicing company that has stamped its name in the sands of time in the country. There are right there with the very best in terms of services and quality of staff. For a start, Schlumberger pays between N2, 700, 000 – N5, 000, 000 per year depending on the position and job description.

Exxon-Mobil Nigeria

If you are an aspiring petroleum engineer, Exxon-Mobil is a great company to start your career. Apart from the fact they offer flexibility in terms of job description, they give plenty room for growth and train you to be the very best in your specialization. For a start, Exxon-Mobil pays petroleum engineers between N6, 000, 000 – N10, 000, 000 per annum.

Some other oil companies include


  • Oando Nigeria: N1,600, 000 – N5, 000, 000 per annum
  • Chevron: N6 million – N9 million per annum
  • Saipem: N2.4 million – N4.8 million per annum
  • Halliburton: N3.6 million – N4.5 million per annum
  • Seplat: N2million to N4.5 million per annum

Check Salaries of Other Professionals in Nigeria



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