Audio engineering is one of the most, if not the most, artistic and technical professions allowing for a free and flawless creative process at the same time.
The last decade has seen phenomenal growth in the audio engineering sector in Nigeria thanks to the country’s growing music and film industries.
As the demand for quality sound continues to grow, so will the need for sound mixing and editing professionals. But, how much is an audio engineer’s salary in Nigeria for 2024?
Here, we will analyze the audio engineer salary in Nigeria for 2024, its average values, industry specifics, and growth prospects.
Also See: Big Data Engineer Salaries in Nigeria 2024
What Does an Audio Engineer Do?
But first, let us define what an audio engineer is before we delve into audio engineer salary in Nigeria for 2024.
Audio engineers deal with the technical side of the sound during recording, mixing, and reproducing.
They do this in multiple scenes, such as; recording studios, live concerts, television, and radio and movie production.
For an audio engineer, some of the key responsibilities include
- Installing and using sound equipment
- Capturing, modifying, and combining audio sequences
- Making sure the sound is clear and good
- Working with producers, directors, and singers to get the desired sound
The Current State of Audio Engineering in Nigeria
While the economy continues grappling with challenges like technological disruption and toughening competition across geography and industries, the global entertainment & media (E&M) sector still managed to remain on its growth path in the year 2023 with the total revenues growing by 5% further to $2.8 billion in 2023 according to the statistics presented by PWC, indicating significant demand for skilled professionals, including audio engineers.
Average Salary of an Audio Engineer in Nigeria for 2024
Entry-Level Positions
Typically, an entry-level audio engineer in Nigeria would earn an average salary ranging from ₦600,000 to ₦1,200,000 annually.
Mid-Level Positions
This group of professional audio engineers should also expect the average yearly salary to be between ₦1,200,000 to ₦3,000,000.
Senior-Level Positions
A senior audio engineer with more than ten years of experience in the profession and possibly with other qualifications can earn between 3,000,000 to 6,000,000 naira per year and even more depending on the area of specialization and the organization.
Senior audio engineers usually partake in high-level projects and management consultancy positions as well.
Industry-Specific Salaries for Audio Engineers
Audio engineers are paid different salaries depending on the industry they belong to.
Music Industry: ₦1.2 million – ₦2.5 million per annum
Film and Broadcasting: ₦1.5 million – ₦3.2 million per annum
Live Events: ₦1 million – ₦2 million per
Audio Engineer Bonus and Incentive Rates in Nigeria
Only around a quarter of sound engineers have reported receiving a bonus in the past year, sadly most audio engineers especially those in the film and broadcasting receive little or no bonus.
Most workers in the field of sound engineering have only reported receiving a bonus of 3% to 5% of their annual salaries.
Depending on your position, your employer may provide you a different bonuses. Including:
Personal performance bonus:
An individual’s bonus for overall performance on the job is known as an individual performance bonus. Bonuses of this kind are the norm.
Company performance bonus:
The purpose of a company’s performance bonus is to distribute a portion of the company’s profits to the employees.
Target/ Goal-based bonus:
An individual or group may be eligible for a bonus known as a “goal-based bonus” if they reach predetermined targets.
Holiday bonus:
An end-of-year or holiday bonus is a way to reward employees for their efforts during the year and is typically paid out around the holidays.
Factors Influencing Audio Engineer Salaries in Nigeria
Experience
As in any profession, experience comes into play when determining one’s salary. A fresh graduate or a junior audio engineer will naturally earn less salary than someone with more experience.
Yet, as audio engineers acquire skills and create a good portfolio, the potential to earn higher income increases.
Education and Certifications
While a formal education is not a prerequisite, possessing a degree in audio engineering or any other related field can raise one’s earning potential.
Further, holding such certifications from established bodies can make an applicant more marketable and command better remuneration.
Location
Where an audio engineer works can also determine the amount of salary he or she will be earning.
It is not uncommon for audio engineers in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja to attract better salaries than their counterparts in small towns.
This difference in salary is because of factors like the cost of living and the high demands of audio engineers in urban areas due to the high concentration of the entertainment industry in urban areas.
Types of Employment
It is understandable that the earning potential of freelance audio engineers may vary from the one with fulltime employment at a company.
Since freelancers can determine their rates and can work on several projects at the same time, it is expected that they can earn higher income as long as they have a regular flow of clients.
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as an Audio Engineer in Nigeria
Invest in Education and Training
It is important to further your education as well as career development because the audio engineering profession is dynamic.
To improve your prowess and be more employable, you should take part in workshops, take up online classes, and pursue relevant certifications.
Build a Strong Portfolio
An excellent portfolio filled with your best work can be one of the factors that increase your earnings as an audio engineer.
Make sure that every portfolio you prepare has an assortment of work to highlight your skills.
Quality recordings, mixed and mastered songs and clips, and edited audio clips can serve as a hook to potential employers or clients.
Network and Build Relationships
Networking is necessary in the field of entertainment. It’s not just the jobs you do that bring opportunity, meeting or knowing other professionals in the field, going to the trade events and joining the relevant associations can bring about new opportunities.
Some gigs that pay better will depend on those who recommend you to clients or which clients recommend you.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends
There are many changes in the profession of audio engineering because there are many changes in technology and trends.
To be able to respond to the current needs in audio production it is vital that one keeps abreast with the changes in the industry.
Read relevant literature, follow influential audio engineers on professional networks, and choose to engage in discussions in forums to keep abreast.
Audio Engineer Salary Comparisons with Other Countries
To provide a more comprehensive understanding, let’s examine the differences between the salary of audio engineers in Nigeria and those in other countries:
States of America
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States of America, the annual pay of an audio engineer in the United States is approximately $53,000 on average.
On average, the starting salary for entry-level roles is roughly $30,000, while the annual salary for senior-level engineers can reach approximately $80,000.
United Kingdom of Great Britain
It is estimated that audio engineers in the United Kingdom earn an annual salary that ranges from £25,000 to £40,000 on average.
Professionals with years of expertise can make more than £50,000 per year, whereas entry-level roles normally begin at £16,000.
SA (South Africa)
The annual salary range for audio engineers in South Africa typically falls anywhere between R150,000 and R300,000.
Engineers with entry-level positions may make approximately R100,000 per year, whereas engineers with senior-level positions may earn more than R400,000 per year.
In spite of the fact that salaries in Nigeria could be lower than those in some Western nations, it is important to take into account the prevailing economic conditions and the cost of living when determining prospective earnings.
The expansion of Nigeria’s entertainment industry has created exceptional chances for audio engineers who are skilled in their craft.
Audio Engineer Salary Comparison by Cities in Nigeria
Estimated Average Salaries (Annual)
Although accrual salaries can be expected to vary, below is a broad category of what one could expect as a sound engineer in the income categories of major cities in Nigeria:
| CITY | ESTIMATED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE |
| Lagos | ₦2,000,000 – ₦5,000,000 |
| Abuja | ₦1,800,000 – ₦4,500,000 |
| Port Harcourt | ₦1,500,000 – ₦4,000,000 |
| Ibadan | ₦1,200,000 – 3,500,000 |
| Kano | ₦1,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Benin City | ₦1,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Asaba | ₦1,200,000 – 3,000,000 |
FAQs – Audio Engineer Salary In Nigeria For 2024 (A Detailed Analysis)
Are audio engineers in high demand?
Yes, audio engineers are in high demand in Nigeria and worldwide because the entertainment industry is growing rapidly in Nigeria caused by the growth of Nigeria’s music and motion picture industries.
As the entertainment industry is booming, there is increasing demand plus supply for audio engineers.
The entertainment industry of Nigeria has been predicted to expand further as well where the music sector shall gross around ₦48.8 billion by.
This continued growth will probably entail more job openings for audio engineers raising the salaries for this particular position.
What is the highest salary for an audio engineer?
According to Salary Explorer, the highest salary for an audio or sound engineer is N405,000 per month
Is an audio engineer a good job?
Yes, an audio engineer is a good job. Audio engineering can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering many benefits.
Let’s see some of the reasons why an audio engineer is a good job.
Pros:
Artistic Activity: Engaging with varied projects such as sound for movies, working with music, and live shows offers an audio engineer a place for artistic freedom and creativity.
Diversity: Each undertaking brings about its challenges, which means there are no dull moments ever.
Nice Pay: In terms of remuneration, freelance audio engineers earn upwards of $50,000, while their experienced counterparts can earn $100,000 and above, depending on their specialization.
Peace of Mind: There is a good outlook for audio engineers in terms of employment as there is plenty of customer demand for good audio engineers.
Room for Growth: With experience, they can grow into more senior positions, open their organizations, or become consultants and freelancers.
Final Thoughts: Audio Engineer Salary In Nigeria For 2024 (A Detailed Analysis)
The audio engineer salary in Nigeria for 2024 reflects the industry’s growth and demand for quality professionals.
It is anticipated that between the years 2024 and beyond, there will be an increase in the demand for professional audio engineers because the entertainment industry is predicted to maintain its growth trajectory.
Various factors influence salaries in the field of audio engineering in Nigeria, including experience, education, location, and the type of job.
Audio engineers in Nigeria can boost their earning potential and experience happy careers if they make investments in education, construct a robust portfolio, actively network with other professionals, and remain current with the latest developments in the field.
Whatever your interests may be—whether it be music, cinema, or broadcasting—the knowledge and abilities that you bring to the table will be of critical importance in determining your relevance and remuneration.
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.