For graduates seeking to achieve financial independence, starting a banking career in Nigeria is often a good option. This is due to the fact that banks (including the entry-level positions) generally offer competitive salaries alongside their remarkable prestige.
Are you searching for the highest paying banks in Nigeria? If yes, then your search ends here because this post compiles a list of the top 10 banks that pay their graduates the most, as well as insight on company benefits and work culture.
In light of Nigeria’s soaring inflation, Nigerian banks are now starting to considerably increase the remuneration of employees in order to retain top talent.
Whether you’re considering a career in banking or you’re curious about how much banks pay their entry level employees, this article covers the top 10 banks with the highest salaries for entry-level staff in Nigeria.
We’ve done the research based on employee reviews, insider reports, and verifiable salary data from reliable sources. Let’s dive in.
Also read: First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Salary Structure in Nigeria (2025)
Top 10 Best-paying banks for entry-level staff and their estimated salaries
Below are the list of the 10 Nigerian banks that pay the highest salaries to newly recruited graduates also known as entry level, or executive graduates trainees.
1. Access Bank
Access Bank is known as one of the highest paying banks in Nigeria when it comes to entry-level positions. Fresh graduates working here earn an average monthly salary ranging between ₦300,000 – ₦440,000.
According to Mysalaryscale, the average salary of staff in Access bank is ₦400,000 per month
Aside from the mentioned salary, the bank also attracts fresh graduates with other benefits like medical health insurance, performance-based bonuses, and travel allowance.
Access Bank is known for its innovative culture and aggressive expansion which makes it a perfect launchpad for high-achieving graduates who want to build a solid career in banking.
2. Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank is one of the most prestigious banks in Nigeria, and the bank’s compensation packages do not differ. The monthly salaries of its entry-level employees is between ₦245,000 – ₦294,000.
According to Legit.ng, Executive trainees (ETs) in Zenith bank, which is an entry level position, who previously received ₦245,000 per month, would now receive ₦294,000 as a result of the recent increase in Zenith bank’s salary
The bank is also renowned for its structured training programs that help new employees develop their skills rapidly. Additional perks include health insurance, housing allowances, and opportunities for personal development through sponsored certifications.
Also read: Zenith Bank Past Questions and Answers: Free Download in PDF
3. Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO)
Also referred to as GTBank, GTCO is one of the most preferred banks by young professionals because of its lively workplace. Entry-level salaries at GTCO are between ₦340,000 to ₦460,000 monthly according to data from Legit,ng and other salaries surveys carried out.. Moreover, employees are paid annual bonuses and enjoy healthcare and wellness programs.
For recent graduates, working at GTCO is appealing because of its focus on new technologies and innovations as well as the dynamic atmosphere of the financial sector.
4. First Bank of Nigeria
As one of the earliest and most reputable banks in the country, First Bank of Nigeria is known for its reliability.
FBN offers entry-level positions between ₦250,000 to ₦350,000 monthly.
Businessday NG reported that staff working in technology-related positions in FBNare paid an estimated net monthly salary of ₦420,000, while non-technology roles start at approximately ₦312,000.
Other than their pay, staff and employees of the bank enjoy a friendly work environment. Inclusion and investment in employees are part of the company culture.
Other benefits available for junior staff include housing, medical insurance, and pension plans. Given its reputation, First Bank is a safe consideration for career-builders in the banking sector.
5. United Bank for Africa (UBA)
United Bank for Africa is another major Nigerian bank. The monthly salary for most new employees is around ₦400,000. According to data obtained from Legit NG. This figure nearly matches that of businessday.ng which gave UBA an entry level salary as ₦376,000.
Like any other notable banks, UBA provides its workers with many other benefits such as lower interest rates on loans, annual bonuses, full training, and many more.
The bank operates in 20 African countries, which presents countless opportunities for growth within and outside Nigeria.
6. Stanbic IBTC Bank
The professionalism and international best practices they integrate in their operations sets Stanbic IBTC Bank apart from others.
Graduates who join as entry level staff are offered a monthly salary in the range of ₦200,000 to ₦350,000 according to various online sources investigated, however, Businessday NG set Stanbic IBTC Bank estimated monthly net salary as around ₦511,000, although this high figure could not be independently verified by us.
On a separate note, the bank appreciates the well-being of its employees by providing numerous benefits which include private health care insurance, retirement plans, and incentives based on performance.
With Stanbic IBTC’s bright workplace, employees are bound to excel, personally and professionally.
7. Union Bank of Nigeria
Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the longest-running names in the Nigeria-online Banking market. Entry level staff earn a monthly salary between ₦280,000 – ₦364,000 according to our investigation, however, there was a recent raise in the salaries of staff working with Union Bank of Nigeria. From the report of Techeconomy, the revised structure carried out by Union Bank now sees entry-level executive trainees earning ₦364,000 monthly, up from ₦260,000.
This figure, however, nearly matches that of Businessday NG which reported the salary of union bank’s entry level to be ₦350,000.
So they remain competitively positioned amongst the best paying banks for fresh graduates in Nigeria. The bank supplements their salary with allowances for meals, and health insurance in addition to potential career advancement through internal promotion and training.
8. EcoBank Nigeria
EcoBank offers a highly paid dynamic work environment for entry level employees. The rest of staff are not left behind as they also enjoy pay and benefit packages that include subsidized health related loans, travel allowances, and health services.
Employees starting their career at EcoBank earn between ₦280,000 – ₦320,000 per month according to findings done. However, Legit reported EcoBank entry level salaries to be ₦394,000 after the recent salary raise that happened across several tier-1 and tier-2 banks in Nigeria.
There are numerous opportunities available beyond Nigeria because of EcoBank’s pan African operations.
9. Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank is popular for its relaxed corporate atmosphere and high regard for employee welfare and work-life balance.
Monthly, Fidelity Bank pays its entry-level positions salary of ₦360,000 according to Businessday NG, while data from Legit.ng presented Fidelity bank’s salary to be ₦389,000 for entry level. Apparently, Fidelity bank is among the banks that recently increased the salaries of their staff as a result of Nigeria’s current inflation problems and economic hardship.
Fidelity Bank provides additional benefits like health insurance and provident funds, and even pays bonuses.
They support further career advancement and professional certifications which the company happily funds.
10. Providus Bank
When compared to other banks, Providus Bank is unique in its offer of an estimated net salary of close to ₦433,000 per month according to Businessday NG.
With its focus on modern technology and employee training, it becomes an appealing choice for young graduates looking to start their career in the banking industry.
BONUS
Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Chartered Bank is said to be the highest paying banks in Nigeria in terms of salaries of entry level staff, however, we cannot independently verify this claim by some online sources due to the fact that it is difficult getting entry level staff that works with Standard Chartered Bank.
Like Businessday NG reports, Standard Chartered Bank purportedly has an estimated net salary of about ₦514,000 a month for their entry-level positions.
The bank came back to Nigeria in 1999 and opened to the public on the 15th of September during the same year as a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank Plc which is based in the United Kingdom.
As a result of its global presence and structured graduate training programme, Standard Chartered offers new graduates the opportunity to develop their careers to be in line with internationally accepted requirements.
Also read: Bank Teller Salary in Nigeria: An Overview
Why These Banks Stand Out
The above banks have become renowned not only for their high pay but also for their comprehensive benefits and structured onboarding which comes with ample room for career growth.
Their reputations precede them, making them the darling of employees looking for jobs, and they also have systems and processes that enable employees to advance in their careers..
Tips for Landing a Banking Job in Nigeria
If you are hoping to grab a place in these well paying banks, the following will increase your chances of succeeding:
- Update Your CV: This should include such skills as financial analysis, problem solving, and computer skills.
- Utilize Social Media: If you are on LinkedIn, use it to network, as well as search for job openings. Additionally, attend any career fairs available and connect with some current employees.
- Prepare For The Interview: Ensure you do thorough research on the bank so that you understand what they do, their values, and any gaps they may have which you can assist in closing.
- Use Internship Opportunities: The application process tends to be more competitive so these opportunities allow you to have a unique advantage.
Customer-oriented, highly motivated, and willing to learn are among the key traits sought by banks in Nigeria. Putting emphasis on these attributes will assist you greatly in getting into the sector.
Final Thoughts on Top 10 Banks With The Highest Salaries: For Entry-Level Staff In Nigeria
Among the banks in Nigeria, there are numerous opportunities for entry-level positions, as a result of competitive salaries being offered by different commercial banks in Nigeria.
If you’re looking for opportunities in the banking sector in Nigeria, innovation, or career advancement, these top 10 banks are a highly recommended starting point for a career in banking.
The top 10 banks with the highest salaries listed above are well known for offering their employees excellent starting salaries, employee benefits, and bonuses alongside great company reputations.
FAQs – Top 10 Banks With The Highest Salaries: For Entry-Level Staff In Nigeria
Which bank pays the highest salary in Nigeria?
According to Businessday.ng, and some other online salary survey sites, Standard Chartered Bank pays the highest salaries in Nigeria with a salary of ₦514,000 a month.
What is the Entry Level salary for banks in Nigeria?
Different banks have their entry level salary as presented in this “Top 10 Banks With The Highest Salaries”
What is the salary of Entry Level staff in GTB?
GTB pays its entry level staff salary of ₦460,000 monthly
How much does Stanbic iBTC pay Entry Level?
Stanbic iBTC pays its entry level staff salary of ₦511,000, which is one of the highest salaries being paid by a Nigeria commercial bank.
Disclaimer:
It should be pointed out that the figures presented in this post were compiled from research conducted on numerous salary benchmarking websites, job boards, news blogs, and other publicly accessible resources.