Entry-Level Salaries for Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria

Landing a job in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is a dream for many fresh graduates and young professionals, and for good reason. As the backbone of the nation’s economy, this industry offers some of the highest entry-level salaries in the country, along with world-class training, international exposure, and rapid career growth.

If you’re considering a career in this field, understanding the entry-level salary structure can help you make informed decisions about where to apply.

In this article, we look into the salaries of graduate trainee staff at oil and gas companies, along with their ranking structure.

Corporate Ranking Structure in Nigerian Oil & Gas Companies

1. Graduate Trainee/Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Fresh graduates begin their careers in structured training programs, rotating through various technical and operational departments. Typical roles include Graduate Engineer, Field Trainee, and HSE Trainee, where they gain foundational industry knowledge under close supervision.

2. Junior Professional (2-5 years)

After completing training, professionals transition into specialized technical positions. Common roles at this stage include Field Engineer, Geoscientist I, and Operations Analyst, where they apply their skills to real projects while continuing to develop expertise.

3. Senior Professional (5-10 years)

Experienced professionals take on more complex responsibilities as Senior Engineers, Project Supervisors, or Reservoir Analysts. This stage marks the transition from task execution to overseeing project components and mentoring junior staff.

4. Supervisory Level (10-15 years)

Professionals advance to leadership positions such as Operations Manager or Drilling Superintendent. At this level, they manage teams, coordinate cross-functional projects, and ensure operational efficiency across multiple sites or departments.

Read Also: Bank Graduate Trainee Salary in Nigeria 2025

5. Middle Management (15-20 years)

Executives in roles like Asset Manager or Head of Geology bridge operations and corporate strategy. They oversee entire departments, manage budgets, and contribute to organizational decision-making while developing future leaders.

6. Senior Management (20+ years)

Seasoned leaders such as General Managers and Technical Directors shape company policies and long-term direction. They represent the organization in high-level negotiations and drive major business initiatives with company-wide impact.

7. Executive Leadership (C-Suite)

The highest level includes the CEO, Managing Director, and Executive Directors who provide vision and governance. These executives bear ultimate responsibility for corporate performance, stakeholder relations, and strategic growth in the competitive energy sector.

Read Also: Graduate Trainee Salaries at Consulting Firms in Nigeria (2025)

Top 7 Entry-Level Salaries for Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria

Before reading further, it is important to note that these figures were obtained from sources such as Techcabal, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, MySalaryScale, PayScale, YouTube, and others.

In addition to their basic salary, oil and gas staff receive high compensation, various perks, and opportunities for career growth that meet international standards.

1. Shell – ₦1.6 Million Monthly

Shell, a global energy leader, is renowned for offering one of the highest entry-level salaries in the oil and gas industry. Fresh graduates joining Shell can expect a base salary of approximately ₦1.6 million per month, with additional allowances that may increase total compensation. The exact amount varies by role and department, but the company’s attractive pay and growth opportunities make it a top choice for new talent.

Monthly Salary: ₦1.6 million
Annual Salary: Over ₦20 million

2. TotalEnergies & Mobil – ₦1.6 Million+ Monthly

TotalEnergies and Mobil (ExxonMobil) are key players in the energy sector, offering competitive salaries that rival Shell’s. Entry-level professionals at these companies earn over ₦1.6 million monthly, with annual compensation exceeding ₦20 million. These firms provide excellent career prospects, making them highly sought-after by graduates.

Monthly Salary: ₦1.6 million+
Annual Salary: Over ₦20 million

3. Chevron – ₦800K Monthly

Chevron, another major industry player, offers a solid ₦800,000 monthly salary for entry-level hires. While slightly lower than Shell and TotalEnergies, Chevron compensates with robust benefits, career development programs, and long-term growth potential.

Monthly Salary: Minimum ₦800,000
Annual Salary: At least ₦9.6 million

4. Oando – ₦680K Monthly

Oando, a leading African energy solutions provider, offers a competitive ₦680,000 monthly salary for entry-level roles. The company is a great option for fresh graduates looking to build a career in the oil and gas sector.

Monthly Salary: ~₦680,000
Annual Salary: ~₦8.16 million

5. Seplat – ₦570K Monthly

Seplat’s Graduate Trainee Program is perfect for graduates who want Nigerian expertise with international standards. While the ₦570K salary is lower than multinationals, Seplat offers unique perks—faster promotions, direct mentorship from industry veterans, and a chance to shape Nigeria’s energy future.

Apply Here: Seplat Energy Plc Graduate Internship Programme 2025

Monthly Salary: ₦400K–₦500K
Annual Salary: ₦6.84 million

6. Nestoil – ₦400K–₦500K Monthly

Nestoil, a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector, offers entry-level salaries between ₦400K–₦500K monthly. While lower than industry giants, Nestoil provides a strong foundation for career growth, mentorship, and skill development.

Monthly Salary: ₦400K–₦500K
Annual Salary: ₦4.8M–₦6M

Read Also: Top Companies that Accept 2:2 Grades for Graduate Trainees

7. NNPC – ₦400K–₦500K Monthly

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) remains a popular choice for job security and career growth. Entry-level salaries range from ₦400K–₦500K monthly, with additional government benefits. 

Monthly Salary: ₦400K–₦500K
Annual Salary: ₦4.8M–₦6M