If you’re thinking about a career in banking or accounting in Nigeria — or you’re simply curious how much people in those jobs earn — this guide is for you.
Bankers and accountants are two of the most respected and financially stable careers in Nigeria’s economy. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, mid-career professional, or aiming for the top, understanding how much these roles pay will help you plan your career or negotiate your salary.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Real salary ranges for bankers and accountants in Nigeria
- Entry level vs senior roles
- Typical monthly and annual pay
- Live, Nigeria-specific salary data
- Tables comparing roles and pay
Let’s jump in 👇
📊 Banker Salaries in Nigeria — What to Expect
A “banker” in Nigeria can mean a lot of different things — from a teller and customer service officer to a banking officer or assistant manager. Salaries vary widely based on experience, institution, and job level.
Here are average figures based on real pay reports from Nigerian banking employees:
| Job Level | Monthly Salary (Approx) | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Banker | ₦180,000 – ₦250,000 | ₦2.2m – ₦3.0m |
| Mid-Level Officer | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 | ₦3.6m – ₦6.0m |
| Senior Banker | ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 | ₦7.2m – ₦10.8m |
| Assistant Manager | ₦800,000 – ₦1,300,000+ | ₦9.6m – ₦15.6m+ |
💡 These ranges reflect industry data from surveys and reports covering several Nigerian banks.
📍 Entry Level Salaries — What Fresh Bankers Earn
If you’re starting as a graduate trainee or entry banker, your first salary will likely be in this range:
- Standard Chartered Bank: ~₦514,000 per month
- Stanbic IBTC Bank: ~₦511,000 per month
- Providus Bank: ~₦433,000 per month
- Wema Bank: ~₦388,000 per month
- UBA: ~₦376,000 per month
- Fidelity Bank: ~₦360,000 per month
(Source: employee-reported salary list for banks in Nigeria)
These figures show that bank entry salaries in Nigeria can often be well above the national average salary, especially in the larger international or Tier-1 banks.
📈 Mid- and Senior Level Bank Pay
As you gain experience and rise to:
- Banking Officer
- Senior Banking Officer
- Assistant Manager or Supervisor
you could earn:
| Role | Estimated Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Banking Officer | ₦600,000 – ₦1,000,000 |
| Senior Banking Officer | ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000+ |
| Assistant Manager | ₦850,000 – ₦1,300,000+ |
These numbers come from salary estimates across multiple banks and reflect what top-performers and more experienced staff make.
💼 Note: In many banks, bonuses, profit sharing, housing allowance, and other benefits can significantly boost take-home pay.
📊 Accountant Salaries in Nigeria
Accountants also vary widely in pay depending on experience and industry. Accountants in banks, big firms, government, and multinational companies usually earn more than those in smaller businesses.
Here’s the average salary data drawn from multiple Nigerian salary reports:
| Level / Role | Typical Monthly Pay | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Accountant | ₦105,000 – ₦200,000 | ₦1.2m – ₦2.4m |
| Mid-Level Accountant | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 | ₦2.4m – ₦4.8m |
| Chartered / Experienced Accountant | ₦400,000 – ₦700,000+ | ₦4.8m – ₦8.4m+ |
| Financial Controller/Senior | ₦700,000+ | ₦8m+ |
Payscale data suggests:
- Average accountant salary ~ ₦1,297,205 per year (≈ ₦108,000/mo)
- Salary range from ₦20,000 to ₦4m+ annually depending on experience and role.
Regional data shows accountants in Abuja earning around ₦90,000 up to ₦428,000 per month on average.
📍 Why Accountant Pay Varies So Much in Nigeria
Several factors influence salaries for accountants:
✅ Experience and Certification
- A Chartered Accountant (CA) usually earns much more than a regular graduate accountant.
- Senior accountants who manage teams or handle complex audits command higher pay.
✅ Industry
Accountants in banks, oil & gas, manufacturing, and multinational firms tend to earn significantly more than those in small local businesses.
✅ Location
Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt generally pay higher salaries than smaller towns.
📊 Banker vs Accountant — Which Pays More?
In many cases:
| Comparison | Typical Monthly |
|---|---|
| Entry Banker (big bank) | ₦350,000 – ₦500,000+ |
| Entry Accountant | ₦105,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid Banker | ₦600,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Mid Accountant | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Senior Banker | ₦800,000 – ₦1.3m+ |
| Senior Accountant | ₦400,000 – ₦700,000+ |
Generally, bankers (especially at larger banks) tend to earn higher starting and senior salaries compared to accountants in local firms, although experienced chartered accountants can earn competitive salaries in big companies.
💡 Real Questions Nigerians Search
❓ Do bankers earn more than accountants in Nigeria?
Typically, yes — especially at entry and mid levels in large banks. However, experienced accountants with professional certifications (e.g., CA, ACCA) can earn competitive pay.
❓ How much does a banker earn per month?
A typical banker in Nigeria earns between ₦180,000 and ₦900,000+ per month, depending on bank, experience, and role.
❓ What is the salary of an accountant in Nigeria?
Accountant salaries range widely — from roughly ₦100,000 to ₦700,000+ per month.
❓ Which banking job pays highest?
Senior roles like Assistant Manager, Branch Manager, and specialized finance roles usually pay the highest within banks.
🧠 Tips to Increase Your Salary
📌 1. Get Professional Certification
Certifications like CA (Chartered Accountant) or ACCA often lead to better pay.
📌 2. Gain Experience
Experience significantly increases earning potential in both banking and accounting.
📌 3. Work in Larger Firms or Banks
Big commercial banks and multinational firms often pay better and offer bonuses and allowances.
📌 4. Specialized Roles
Specializations like risk management, investment banking, auditing, and taxation often attract higher salaries.
📌 Summary
Bankers and accountants play essential roles in Nigeria’s economy — and both careers can be financially rewarding.
📍 Typical pay ranges in 2026:
- Bankers: ₦180,000 – ₦1,300,000+ monthly
- Accountants: ₦105,000 – ₦700,000+ monthly
Experienced professionals, certifications, and working for large banks or companies boost earnings significantly.