The Standards Organization Of Nigeria (SON) Salary Structure offers useful insight into the pay scale of one of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies. SON, as the body charged with product quality and standardization in the country, facilitates safety for the consumer while promoting industrial development in the country.
It is clear from its salary structure that the organization is committed to retaining experienced professionals in the regulatory and compliance sector.
This time, we will undertake a comprehensive analysis of SON’s salary structure, including allowances, benefits, career progression, and incentives.
Also read: Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Salaries in Nigeria in 2024
Overview of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)
The SON or the Standards Organization of Nigeria was formed to set up, maintain and control standards for goods, services, and processes in the country. It ensures that goods produced or imported into the country meet specified requirements for quality, safety, and performance.
SON is under the federal government of Nigeria and employs professionals in engineering, science, administration, and law enforcement. They are paid like any other federal government agency, supported by the CONRAISS and CONPSS salary schemes.
SON Salary Structure: An Introduction
In common with many other public sector organizations in Nigeria, the SON salary structure is determined by grade levels and step increment within grade.
The organization subscribes to the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) which is applicable to government parastatals and agencies that are research oriented.
An employee’s classification to different levels is based on the employee’s academic qualification, relevant work experience, and duties performed in the organization.
Each level is accompanied by a specific salary and benefits range.
Entry-Level Salary at SON
SON entry-level positions start at grade level 08 which is the case for most bachelor’ degree holders.
SON undergoes grade level 08 step increment while maintaining a fluctuating base entry level salary estimate of ₦98,000 to ₦120,000 per month.
This upper and lower range is specific to grade step position questions.
HND holders are likely to start at grade level 07, earning less than SON estimate for grade level 08.
Other candidates with a Master’s degree or some specialized disciplines are likely to gain direct entry to grade 09 or 10 and thus earn more.
SON Salary by Grade Level
Below is a general breakdown of SON salary by grade level (approximate monthly figures):
| Grade Level | Monthly Salary (₦) |
| Grade Level 07 | ₦85,000 – ₦95,000 |
| Grade Level 08 | ₦98,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Grade Level 09 | ₦122,000 – ₦140,000 |
| Grade Level 10 | ₦145,000 – ₦165,000 |
| Grade Level 12 | ₦170,000 – ₦190,000 |
| Grade Level 13 | ₦200,000 – ₦230,000 |
| Grade Level 14 | ₦240,000 – ₦270,000 |
| Grade Level 15 | ₦280,000 – ₦310,000 |
| Grade Level 16 | ₦320,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Director Level (GL 17) | ₦370,000 – ₦500,000 |
Please note that these figures are estimated ranges and actual salaries may vary based on years of experience, step levels, and allowances.
Job Roles and Salary Variations at SON
SON has a diverse scope of employment ranging from quality control officers, engineers, administrative personnel, regulatory officers, and more. Different positions have widely varying salary ranges due to the nature of the role and the qualifications needed.
Quality Controllers and Technicians Salaries at SON
SON employs QC Officers and Technicians to ensure that products SON receives and sends out meet the set company standards. Most QC Officers require specialized technical training; due to this, their pay falls between ₦120,000 to ₦200,000 monthly depending on other internal factors like experience and organization level.
Engineers Salaries at SON
SON employs engineers and specialists trained in technical fields of either mechanical, electrical, civil, or chemical engineering. They serve an important function of enforcing the standardization of industrial practices alongside the supervising SON.
Based on their field of study and experience, Engineers’ Salaries are within the range of ₦160,000 to ₦350,000.
Administrative Officer
SON also has administrative staff that are multifaceted in dealing with HR and financial as well as public relations functions. They hold different grades and job designations, hence they are paid anywhere from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 for administrative roles.
Compliance and Regulatory Officers
These officers monitor how institutions follow SON companies’ policies, regulations, and standards. They are tasked with inspection, certification, and monitoring. Salaries for regulatory officers are typically in the range of ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 monthly.
Allowances and Benefits for SON Employees
In addition to the basic salary, SON employees enjoy several allowances and fringe benefits, including:
- Transport allowance
- Housing allowance
- Meal subsidy
- Leave allowance
- Health insurance (NHIS)
- Pension contributions
- Duty tour allowance
- Hazard allowance (for technical staff)
These allowances can significantly increase the total earnings of SON staff.
Career Progression and Promotions at SON
SON provides employees with clear paths to progress in their careers. Promotions are usually based on:
- Years of service
- Routine performance evaluations
- Educational advancement
- Training and certifications
On average, an employee may move up a step every 2-3 years and a grade level every 3-5 years, subject to performance along with government policy and regulation.
SON Salary Gap Between Technical and Administrative Staff
At SON, technical positions like engineers, lab scientists, and inspectors tend to earn more than the administrative staff and other support roles. This is due to their work being more labor intensive, requiring field inspections, technical reporting, and work in risk prone areas, which are eligible for hazard and field allowances.
Administrative staff, though critical to the functioning of the organization, are paid with limited additional benefits; however both groups are part of the basic government mandated benefits package.
SON Internship and NYSC Stipend
SON also takes interns as well as NYSC members every year. Corps members serving at SON are on a monthly stipend that varies based on location and roles, earnings are between ₦30,000 and ₦40,000 on top of the normal NYSC federal stipend.
Depending on departmental policies and fund availability, interns do or do not receive stipends for the work performed.
How SON Salary Compares with Other Federal Agencies
Compared with other government bodies like NAFDAC, NESREA, NCC, SON is relatively competitive in terms of remuneration. SON may not pay as much as CBN or NNPC, but the organization offers job security, career development, and good health insurance plans.
In the fields of engineering, research, and quality assurance, there is a reputable public sector opportunity with SON.
How to Join the Standards Organization of Nigeria
Interested applicants should follow the official recruitment procedure to work at SON.
The general requirements are:
- An HND/Degree certificate showing graduation from a recognized institution
- Discharge or exclusion Certificate of National Youth Service Corps
- Relevant documents applicable for technical positions (if any)
- Passing all written examinations and interviews
SON recruitment advertisements can be found in the national newspapers or on the official SON website. It is highly recommended to prepare for these tests and refrain from using unofficial sources or intermediaries.
Final Thoughts on Standards Organization Of Nigeria (SON) Salary Structure
SON has a competitive salary scheme and offers numerous other perks for applicants interested in public service, engineering, administration, and quality control. The private sector may have higher salaries, but government jobs in Nigeria are more stable and come with government benefits and promotional prospects.
For those who are contemplating working for SON, knowing its compensation structure enables them to devise proper strategies.