It is necessary to delve into architect salary in Nigeria for students, and the professionals intending to join the workforce to know how much to expect as salary in relation to their skill level.
In Nigeria, architecture is regarded as a very important profession with architects being involved in the development of the nation’s infrastructure and any other construction.
As the quality of infrastructure and housing in the country is increasingly being sought and given attention so does the need to hire professional architects. But how much do these professional architects earn in Nigeria?
This post provides a detailed analysis of architect salaries in Nigeria, including factors influencing earnings, industry standards, and statistics.
Also see: Big Data Engineer Salaries in Nigeria 2024
Overview of the Nigerian Architecture Sector
In Nigeria, there is expansion within the architecture industry that is fueled by urbanization and infrastructural development.
It may be gathered from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that the construction sector (which includes architecture) accounted for around 3.69% of Nigeria’s GDP in the year 2020.
There is a constant development and expansion of activities within the construction industry in Nigeria due to reasons such as urbanization, economic growth, and infrastructural development.
It is this growth that creates opportunities for architects and presents a bright future for this profession.
Therefore, as the demand for high-quality design and sustainable construction rises, architects who possess the required skills and abilities will be highly sought after.
Average Architect Salaries in Nigeria
Let us analyze the salaries earned by architects in Nigeria in different strata.
Entry-Level Architects
As one can expect, entry-level architects tend to earn lower salaries at the beginning of their careers.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an Entry Level Architect in Nigeria is between N100,000 to N200,000 per month.
This is subject to change depending on the region, the firm’s location, and the level of education of the said architect.
Mid-Level Architects
On getting to the mid-level, the earnings of architects with three to seven years of experience often continue to grow sharply.
Such mid-level architects in Nigeria are estimated to earn salaries ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 per month.
Architects in this phase are mostly engaged in projects that are of higher complexity and are expected to take managerial positions.
Senior Architects
The ‘senior’ architects and lead designers who have been practicing for over seven years and have been in the top ranks earn the most.
In Nigeria, senior architects make between N500,000 to N900,000 per month or even more, depending on the location and company.
A few senior architects, especially those with prominent firms or in niche areas, may capture salaries running into millions monthly.
Architects’ Salary by Location
Architect salary in Nigeria is also affected by location. For instance, architects in major cities like Lagos, and Abuja are paid higher salaries than their counterparts in smaller cities because more modern constructions and infrastructure development are high in big cities so their demands are usually higher.
Let us look at some examples of mid-level architects
- Lagos: ₦3.2 million – ₦5.5 million per annum
- Abuja: ₦2.9 million – ₦4.8 million per annum
- Port Harcourt: ₦2.5 million – ₦4.2 million per annum
- Other cities: ₦2 million – ₦3.5 million
Which Architecture Has The Highest Salary?
Landscape Architecture: Average salary ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 per year.
- Concentrates on creating designs for public spaces, parklands, and horticultural landscapes.
Urban Planning: Average salary ranges from $70,000 to $140,000 per year.
- Concerned with planning and building the urban environment, its transport, and systems.
Interior Architecture: Average salary ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 each year.
- Deals with planning and arranging interior shots including objects, illuminations, and surfaces.
Sustainable/green architecture: The average salary range is $70,000-$130,000 per year.
- Deals with the construction, design, and technological processes that aim to minimize the effects of these activities on the environment.
Computational architecture: Average salary range of $80,000 to $150,000 per year.
- Architecture is mixed with computer science and mathematical knowledge to help design complicated buildings and their systems.
Architecture Engineering: Average salary ranges from $90,000 to $160,000 per year.
- Deals with the installation and designing of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing features of structures.
Commercial Architecture: Average salary ranges from $70,000 to $140,000 per year.
- Involves the designing of various commercial facilities such as office buildings, plazas, and other commercial centers.
Industrial architecture: average annual salary ranges from 70,000 dollars to 130,000 dollars.
- Encompasses the planning of structures such as factories, storage facilities, and similar construction structures.
Residential architecture: Average salary ranges from $60,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year.
- Targeting in planning and implementing designs for houses, condominiums, apartments, and other places meant for dwelling.
Historic Preservation Architecture: Average salary ranges from $60,000 to $110,000. Each year.
- Involves the conservation, rehabilitation, and documentation of the architectural and other physical heritage of the site.
Factors Influencing Architect Salary in Nigeria
There are many reasons why Nigerian architects are differently paid. Among these are:
Experience Level:
Entry-level architects earn lower salaries than architects with many years of experience on the job. The higher your years of experience as an architect, the higher your pay scale.
Location:
It is not uncommon for architects in urban areas such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to be paid more than their counterparts in other parts of Nigeria due to high costs of living and greater demand for architectural services.
On the other hand, though, the earnings of architects in smaller cities, towns or rural areas are likely to be lower.
Educational Background:
Architects with advanced education levels (master’s, doctorates, etc) or who have acquired professional certificates are likely to have better salaries.
The placement of fresh graduates, irrespective of their performances, affects their employment prospects.
Type of Employer:
Private Sector: Employment in the private practice or private firms is likely to earn more than in the government sector.
Public Sector: Employment in government, as mentioned earlier offers less pay but better conditions and job security.
Self-Employed: Self-employed architects or architects operating their practice have fluctuating earnings based on the clientele and projects they undertake.
Specialization:
It is possible that architects who specialize in particular sectors, such as residential design, commercial architecture, or urban planning, earn more than those who take a generalist approach to the profession.
Career Advancement And Additional Income Streams For Architects In Nigeria
Architects have opportunities to pursue advancement in their careers and seek other sources of income.
Some options include:
Specialization: Focusing on one area of the profession is likely to increase earnings and provide some new career options.
Freelancing: It is also possible for architects to add to their earnings by rendering services on a freelance basis or working with other professionals.
Entrepreneurship: Certain architects may decide to establish their own offices, having been able to control the projects that they take on and earn more.
Teaching and Research: Specialists with degrees higher than underground and considerable experience can work in academia and teach students or do research.
FAQs – Architect Salary in Nigeria: A Detailed Analysis
How much is an architect paid in Nigeria?
Architects are paid based on several factors such as experience, qualification, types of jobs, and location.
Average salary ranges for architects in Nigeria based on experience:
- Entry-level (0-3 years): ₦1.8 million – ₦2.5 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years): ₦2.8 million – ₦4.2 million
- Senior-level (8-12 years): ₦4.5 million – ₦6.3 million
- Principal/Lead Architect (13+ years): ₦7 million – ₦10 million
How much does a junior architect make in Nigeria?
Glassdoor reports that the national average income for a Junior Architect in Nigeria is approximately NGN 150,000 per month.
How long does it take to become an architect in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, pursuing a career as an architect entails acquiring certain academic qualifications, gaining practical experience, and securing professional qualifications registration.
Here’s a clear step-by-step process on how to achieve that.
Academic qualifications (5-6 years)
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch): 5 years
- To this end, it is necessary to get a B.Arch degree from a recognized university in Nigeria.
Practical experience: 2-3 years
Total Duration: 8-12 years
Note:
- Duration may vary depending on individual circumstances.
- Continuing professional development (CPD) is required to maintain registration and licensure.
What do architects do in Nigeria?
Architects are accountable for the design of buildings as well as the supervision of the construction process. They carry out such responsibilities as:
- Design and Planning
- Building Design
- Project Management
- Technical and Regulatory
- Communication and Collaboration
- Sustainability and Innovation
- Business and Administrative
How many registered architects do we have in Nigeria?
There are less than 4,000 architects in Nigeria as at 2023 according to Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
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Conclusion
Architect salary in Nigeria vary based on experience, location, types of employment, and industry. While the average salary is around ₦2.8 million per annum, architects with several years of experience can earn up to ₦10 per annum.
If you’re considering a career in architecture or looking to negotiate a salary, understanding these trends and industry standards can help in making the right decision.
Please note that:
- The salary figures provided in this section are obtained from employers’ job postings and other sources of information.
- Some of the salaries expressed above are projections and pay rates for actual positions may differ from them due to such factors as the area of work, the company size, the job description, and the experience or education of the person.