The need for data analytics continues to increase in Nigeria, big Data Engineers have also become increasingly important. But have you ever asked yourself this simple question “What is the salary of a Big Data Engineer in Nigeria?”
This article will, however, try to look at the various salary trends of Big Data Engineers in Nigeria in 2024, the factors that determine their salary, and also help both the employers and the employees in their job searching processes.
Also See: Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) in Nigeria (PDF Download)
Understanding the Role of Big Data Engineers
Before we go into Big Data Engineer Salaries in Nigeria 2024, let us see what a Big Data Engineer does.
A Big Data Engineer’s role includes the design, construction, and maintenance of large-scale data systems while enforcing data quality, data scalability, and data security.
Big Data Engineers are knowledgeable in data architecture, Java, Python, and parsing tools including Hadoop and Spark.
Trends in Big Data and Engineering in Nigeria
A remarkable growth in the big data industry in Nigeria over the past years has been witnessed.
In the past two years or so, Nigerian companies especially in finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and e-commerce have actively assumed the strategy of adding value to their businesses with new possibilities of data analytics.
The increase in data-oriented initiatives has of course led to an increase in the need for trained Big Data Engineers.
The big data engineers’ demand curve shows that by 2024, no slowing down would be experienced in demand for these professionals, which is caused by the proliferation of devices and digital interactions generating unprecedented volumes of data. Furthermore,
Nigerian companies are recognizing the need to invest in robust data infrastructure to remain agile and responsive.
As regards the growth of the big data country Nigeria’s growth is also attributed to the government progress initiatives encouraging the digitization of the economy.
Such approaches create opportunities for computer experts who are willing to exploit those factors in this ever-changing sphere.
Salaries of Big Data Engineers in Nigeria in 2024
The following is a list of the current salary ranges for Big Data Engineers in Nigeria, which are based on national averages as well as available internet sources such as Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, and LinkedIn:
| CATEGORY | SALARIES PER YEAR |
| Entry-level (0-3 years of experience) | ₦3,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 per annum |
| Mid-level (4-7 years of experience) | ₦8,000,000 – ₦14,000,000 per annum |
| Senior-level (8-12 years of experience) | ₦18,000,000 – ₦25,000,000 per annum |
| Lead/Manager-level (13+ years of experience) | ₦30,000,000 – ₦40,000,000 per annum |
Big Data Engineer Salary Ranges in Different Nigerian Cities
A close look at the other aspects of compensation indicates that there are differences in salary packages for Big Data Engineers in different regions of Nigeria.
Lagos is also one of the highest-paying locations in this field mainly due to the presence of many multinationals and start-ups.
In Lagos state, a mid-level Big Data Engineer will earn approximately N5M to N8M a year.
There are also good opportunities for salary growth in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where Big Data Engineer salaries vary from N4.5M to about N7M.
These cities are generally expensive to live in although it is fair to say that the earnings are attractive too, thus counter-balancing some relocation budgets.
On the other hand, Ibadan and Port Harcourt are emerging technology hubs but the salary ranges are quite low, generally between N3M and N5M per annum.
Such discrepancies highlight the necessity to factor in both earnings and living costs when assessing a job that has been offered.
How Much Does A Big Data Engineer Make Per Month In Nigeria?
The average monthly salary ranges for Big Data Engineers in Nigeria.
- Experienced Level: ₦8000,000 above,000 per month
- Mid-Level: ₦400,000 and above per month
- Entry Level: ₦185K and above per month
Do not forget that these figures can change based on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, professional experience, and the hiring company.
Factors Affecting Big Data Engineer Salaries in Nigeria
Several reasons can be given for the differences in the salaries paid to Big Data Engineers in Nigeria.
First is experience; those with years of extensive hands-on experience in managing large datasets and developing sophisticated data structures get to enjoy higher salaries.
Education also matters; data engineers with some degrees and qualifications in relation to their fields are paid higher salaries than engineers with lesser qualifications.
Certifications such as Certified Data Engineer (CDE) or Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) can also have an effect on a data engineer’s salaries
In addition, location is also a factor to consider as we saw earlier. Cities like Lagos and Abuja which have developed technology clouds pay better compared to smaller cities and towns.
Some jobs also pay better depending on their demand in certain industries; for example, jobs in the data analytics hot zones like finance and telecommunications are bound to pay well.
According to industry experts, salary trends are becoming more and more ‘competitive for talents so to speak. To lure data engineer experts into companies, it is becoming popular that the firms provide good salaries and benefits.
Career Paths and Opportunities for Big Data Engineers in Nigeria
There is better career growth for Big Data Engineers in Nigeria and many avenues to pursue.
Professionals can begin as Data Analysts or Junior Big Data Engineers, thereafter advancing to Senior Data Engineers, Data Architects, and Chief Data Officers among others depending on the experience and skills possessed.
Areas where Big Data growth is concentrated right now include the fintech and eHealth sectors as well as online retail.
Fintech firms apply data analytics more so in marketing, risk management, and other applications that best serve customers.
The case is not so different in the healthcare industry where the data is used to anticipate problems through analytics and improve efficiency for an increase in patient satisfaction.
For Nigerian job seekers, you will need to align with industries that are going through rapid digital changes, particularly in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing.
Strategies for Enhancing Salary as a Big Data Engineer in Nigeria
To make more money as a Big Data Engineer, one must, therefore, think of how the career is to be advanced.
Getting the requirements is one thing; knowing programming languages like Python or SQL and having knowledge about cloud technologies, especially AWS or Azure are very much in demand.
Networking is the other important factor. Making friends with coworkers in the tech field, going to meetups and conferences, or participating in online communities can be highly beneficial for the career.
Such a professional network is an important means of exchanging ideas and knowledge and it also helps in getting attention from the employers.
Understanding salaries and negotiating them is a part of how business can be won in financial terms.
Negotiating salaries effectively is a skill that can significantly impact financial outcomes. Job seekers should research industry benchmarks, articulate their unique value proposition, and be prepared to advocate for competitive compensation packages.
After Thought
In Nigeria, the compensation packages of Big Data Engineers are a function of factors such as region, years of experience, sector, competencies, and accreditation.
With the sustained rise in the need to mine data and come up with insights from that data, the profession of Big Data Engineer will be very critical and there will continue to be very good salary and growth opportunities.