Are you searching for information about Cisco network engineer salary in Nigeria because you are looking to work as a Cisco Network Engineer? Or more importantly, are you already working in the field and are interested in knowing whether your salary is worthwhile? You are in the right place!
The demand for skilled network engineers in Nigeria is rising, thanks to the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
This article dives deep into Cisco network engineer salary in Nigeria,, providing insightful statistics and references to help you understand what to expect if you’re considering a career in this field.
Also see: Big Data Engineer Salaries in Nigeria 2024
What is a Cisco Network Engineer?
The Cisco Network Engineer is involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of networks utilizing Cisco technology.
This professional is responsible for the performance and functionality of the organization’s information technology systems.
They are responsible for routers, switches, firewalls, and a range of other networking equipment to control the traffic flow, diagnose and fix problems, and enhance the performance of the network.
Average Salary Range for Cisco Network Engineers in Nigeria
The following salary ranges for a Cisco Network Engineer in Nigeria are obtained from various job sources, analysis of job postings, and surveys of industry-related bodies.
CCNA Certification Holders:
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦2.5 million – ₦4 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦4 million – ₦8 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦10 million – ₦15 million per annum
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Certification Holders:
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦4 million – ₦6 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦8 million – ₦12 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦15 million – ₦20 million per annum
CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) Certification Holders:
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦6 million – ₦8 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦10 million – ₦15 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦20 million – ₦25 million per annum
Average Salary Range for Cisco Network Engineers in Nigeria by Education
Although work experience and professional certifications are very important factors for Cisco Network Engineers’ salaries, education also plays a significant role. Here’s a comparative average salary distribution for Cisco Network Engineers in Nigeria based on the level of education.
Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Relevant Field (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering)
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦3.5 million – ₦5 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦5 million – ₦8 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦9 million – ₦20 million per annum
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Relevant Field
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦1.8 million – ₦3 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦3.5 million – ₦6 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦6.5 million – ₦11 million per annum
Postgraduate Degree (MSc) in Relevant Field
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦4 million – ₦6 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦8 million – ₦12 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦14 million – ₦22 million per annum
Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Relevant Field
- Entry-level (0-3 years of experience): ₦6 million – ₦8 million per annum
- Mid-level (4-7 years of experience): ₦10 million – ₦15 million per annum
- Senior-level (8-12 years of experience): ₦18 million – ₦25 million per annum
What is CCNA Certification?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an entry-level certification that validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.
It is one of the most recognized certifications in the IT industry and serves as a foundational step for anyone aspiring to become a Cisco Network Engineer.
The Role of a Cisco Network Engineer
A Cisco network engineer is an expert in designing, developing, and administrating networks using Cisco technology solutions.
It is mainly responsible for the general functioning, efficiency, and security level of the organization’s systems and networking infrastructures.
The role often involves tasks such as:
- Setting up and administering routers & switches
- Installing security
- Resolving network problems
- Monitoring the functionality of the network
The CCNA certification validates a professional’s ability to perform these tasks effectively, making it a valuable asset for network engineers.
The Demand for Cisco Network Engineers in Nigeria
As one of Africa’s top economies, Nigeria has witnessed the growth of its IT sector. Such improvement has led to an increased requirement for competent network engineers due proprietary need for dependable networks.
A report published by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that the telecommunications industry accounted for 12.45% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country as of the year 2022.
Factors Influencing Cisco Network Engineer Salary in Nigeria
Several factors can impact the salaries of Cisco Network Engineers in Nigeria, including:
Experience: Generally, the more experience you have, the higher your earning potential. Entry-level engineers may earn less compared to those with several years of experience.
Location: Salaries can vary based on the cost of living and demand for network engineers in different regions of Nigeria. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt often offer higher salaries.
Industry: Network engineers working in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and oil and gas may command higher salaries due to the critical nature of their roles.
Education and Additional Certifications: A degree in computer science or a related field, along with additional certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE), can significantly boost earning potential.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary as a Cisco Network Engineer
- Gain Experience: Acquire practical experience by engaging in various projects doing difficult tasks.
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Advance level certificates like CCNP and CCIE should be obtained as they tend to increase the earning levels.
- Stay Updated: Always learn so as to keep up with the current as well as emerging networking concepts and business relevant practices.
- Network: Establish and develop professional contacts in the industry in order to seek job openings, as well as learn about the average pay for the positions.
- Negotiate: Do not hesitate when it comes to discussing your salary and compensation package. Gather information and build a case as to why the amount you are requesting is reasonable.
Conclusion
In Nigeria, the need for Cisco Certified Engineers is ever-increasing due to the advancement of the IT industry in the country. Salary expectations for fresh CCNA certification holders are great as the average is in the range of N2.5 million and N15 million per year depending on experience and from where they work. However, further certifications such as CCNP or CCIE will also increase the aggressiveness of future earnings.
Please note that:
- The salary figures provided in this post are obtained from employers’ job postings and other sources of information online.
- 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.