Offshore Electrician Salaries in Nigeria

For technical specialists like electricians, the offshore oil and gas sector in Nigeria offers unrivaled opportunities, especially when it comes to competitive salaries and allowances. The skill level of an offshore electrician is commensurate with the demand and salary scale. 

This guide captures details regarding offshore electrician salaries in Nigeria for 2025, covering payment ranges, factors affecting salaries, bonuses, and explored career advancement.

Also check: HVAC Technician Salary In Nigeria

What Does an Offshore Electrician Do?

Offshore electricians take care of the installation and maintenance of the platform’s electrical systems. Communication systems also fall under the electricians’ jurisdiction and require their expert attention, as do the numerous lights, controls, motors, and generators aboard. 

To qualify as an offshore electrician, one must obtain the credentials to work on the equipment and be able to troubleshoot in extremely difficult and hazardous environments.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Maintenance of electrical systems
• Diagnosis of any faults and repairs
• Providing a safe workplace
• Active participation in engineering design projects.

Average Offshore Electrician Salary in Nigeria (2025)

An offshore electrician’s salary in Nigeria is projected to be between ₦450,000 and ₦2,500,000 per month in 2025 according to our investigation, with the best-paying companies located in the capital and offshore port cities. 

However, data from MysalaryScale indicate that the average salary for offshore electricians is  ₦378,000  per month

This amount varies based on the company, the nature of the contract, and the individual’s prior experience. The projected range for salary by level of experience is shown below:

Experience Level	Monthly Salary Range (₦)
Entry-level (0–2 years)	₦450,000 – ₦1,200,000
Mid-level (3–5 years)	₦1,200,000 – ₦1,800,000
Senior (5+ years)	₦1,800,000 – ₦2,500,000+

Note: Salaries may also include bonuses, offshore allowances, and hazard pay.

Factors That Affect Offshore Electrician Salaries

There are some criteria that determines  how much an offshore electrician is paid in Nigeria:  

• Certifications and experience: Higher pay is usually associated with more years of work as well as additional certifications and a CompEx and STCW.  
• Company Type: Local firms tend to pay less than multinational companies like Shell, Chevron and Total.  
• Rotational Schedule: Salary and allowances are contingent on the rotation schedule, for instance, 28/28 and 14/14 rotations.  
• Rig Location: Rigs that are located at deep water tend to offer higher compensation than others due to tougher conditions.  
• Specialization: Electricians with competencies in high voltage systems, low current systems and installations in hazardous areas tend to earn more. 

Offshore vs. Onshore Electrician Salaries in Nigeria

Due to the following reasons, offshore electricians in Nigeria get paid significantly higher than onshore:  

• Hazardous working conditions and remoteness.  
• Extended working hours and rotation.  
• Seclusion and few amenities.  
• Higher demand from offshore oil and gas projects.  

The average earnings of an onshore electrician is estimated to be between ₦200,000 to ₦600,000 per month depending on their location and level of experience.

Top Companies Hiring Offshore Electricians in Nigeria

Several reputable companies regularly recruit offshore electricians in Nigeria. These include:

• Shell Nigeria
• Chevron Nigeria
• TotalEnergies
• ExxonMobil
• Seadrill
• BW Offshore
• Saipem
• Aveon Offshore
  

Working with these companies often comes with better salaries, health benefits, training, and career progression opportunities.

Required Certifications for Offshore Electricians in Nigeria

To qualify for offshore electrical jobs in Nigeria, candidates must possess both trade certifications and offshore safety training. Required certifications include:

• Trade Test Certificates (Grade I, II, III)
• HND/B.Eng in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (for higher-level roles)
• BOSIET or HUET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training)
• CompEx Certification (Hazardous area training)
• OGTAP or OPITO-Approved Courses
  

These certifications not only improve safety awareness but also boost salary potential.

Typical Work Schedule and Rotation Patterns

Offshore electricians work in rotation patterns, meaning they work on the rig for a specific number of days, followed by an equal number of rest days at home. Common rotations include:

• 14/14 (14 days offshore, 14 days off)
• 28/28 (28 days offshore, 28 days off)

Longer rotations usually come with higher offshore allowances and bonuses.

Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary

Apart from the monthly salary, offshore electricians in Nigeria are offered a range of benefits which include:  

• Free accommodation, Meals aboard the Rig  
• Medical Coverage (both local and overseas)  
• Life Insurance as well as Pension Plan Contributions  
• Sponsorship for Training and Certifications  
• Hazard allowance
• Sponsorship for Basic Safety Training (BST)  
• Transport and Flight Tickets  

Additionally, some multinational corporations provide bonuses for exceptional performance and gratuities upon completing the contract.  

Career Growth and Future Outlook

Offshore electricians can advance to supervisory or engineering roles with time and training. Potential career paths include:

• Electrical Supervisor  
• Maintenance Superintendent  
• Electrical Engineer  
• Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)  

As the country is augmenting its offshore oil exploration activities, the opportunities for skilled electricians are anticipated to rise steadily until 2030 and maintain strong demand thereafter.  

Techniques for Obtaining High-Paying Positions for Offshore Electricians

Strategies for obtaining an appealing offshore role as an electrician are listed below:  

• Revise your CV to include certifications along with relevant offshore work experience  
• Leverage LinkedIn to connect with recruiters as well as oil and gas discussion boards  
• Post your application on job boards within the industry such as Rigzone, Oilandgasjobsearch, and Ogajob 
• Participate in Offshore Training Courses  
• Be Flexible with Rotation and Location

Breaking into the workforce is made easier with adequate qualifications and strong networking skills.

Conclusion on Offshore Electrician Salaries in Nigeria

For skilled trades in Nigeria, offshore electrician jobs are some of the highest paying. With proper training, experience, and the right certifications, an electrician can earn as much as ₦2.5 million a month, with free accommodation, insurance, and rotation leave. Opportunities in this field are expected to grow as Nigeria invests more into offshore exploration.