Entry-Level Cybersecurity Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Overview

Entry-level cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria typically work in roles such as Cybersecurity Analysts, Junior Penetration Testers, or Cybersecurity Officers. These roles involve monitoring systems, supporting senior team members, and performing basic compliance tasks. Salaries vary based on location, education, certifications, industry, and employer size. Below is a detailed breakdown of salary data, including base pay, additional compensation, and influencing factors.

Average Salary

• Annual Salary: The average annual salary for entry-level cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria ranges from ₦1,200,000 to ₦2,000,000 (~₦100,000–₦166,667/month).
• Monthly Salary: Entry-level salaries typically range from ₦120,000 to ₦200,000, with some sources reporting a starting point of ₦198,000/month.
• Specific Roles:
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: ₦600,000–₦1,254,509 annually (₦50,000–₦104,542/month).
  • Cybersecurity Officer: ~₦228,000/month (net salary, based on limited data).
  • Cybersecurity Engineer: ₦1,980,000–₦2,976,900 annually (₦165,000–₦248,075/month).

Salary by Location

Salaries are higher in tech hubs due to demand and cost of living:

• Lagos:
  • Average: ₦150,000–₦200,000/month (20% higher than other cities).
  • Range: ₦120,000–₦250,000/month, depending on the employer (e.g., banks or tech firms).
• Abuja: Similar to Lagos, with salaries ranging from ₦120,000–₦200,000/month.
• Port Harcourt: Slightly lower, with averages around ₦100,000–₦150,000/month.
• Other Regions: Salaries may drop to ₦80,000–₦120,000/month in smaller cities.

Additional Compensation

• Bonuses: 48% of cybersecurity professionals receive performance bonuses, which can add ₦10,000–₦50,000/month for entry-level roles.
• Benefits: Common benefits include:
  • Transport allowances (e.g., ₦10,000–₦20,000/month).
  • Housing allowances (varies by employer).
  • Health insurance (HMOs) in corporate roles.
  • Training programs or certification sponsorships, especially in multinational firms.
• Total Pay: Including bonuses and benefits, total monthly compensation can reach ₦150,000–₦250,000 in Lagos or Abuja.

Salary Distribution

• Median Salary: Approximately ₦1,800,000 annually (~₦150,000/month), meaning 50% of entry-level professionals earn below and 50% above this amount.
• Percentiles:
  • 25th percentile: ₦1,200,000 annually (₦100,000/month).
  • 75th percentile: ₦2,000,000 annually (₦166,667/month).
• Range: Salaries below ₦120,000/month are rare in urban areas, while figures above ₦200,000/month are achievable with certifications or employment at top firms.

Factors Influencing Salary

1. Education:
   • Certificate/Diploma: ~₦1,200,000–₦1,500,000 annually.
   • Bachelor’s Degree: ~₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000 annually (increases earning potential by ~25%).
   • A degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or IT is often required (59% of job openings).
2. Certifications:
   • Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Cisco CCNA can boost salaries by up to 30%.
   • Entry-level professionals with certifications may earn ₦150,000–₦200,000/month compared to ₦120,000/month without.
3. Location: Tech hubs (Lagos, Abuja) pay 20% more than other regions due to higher demand and living costs.
4. Industry:
   • Finance, Fintech, Telecom, Oil & Gas: Pay ₦150,000–₦250,000/month due to heightened security needs.
   • Small IT Startups: Pay ₦80,000–₦120,000/month.
5. Skills:
   • Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, network security, Wireshark, or cloud security increases pay by 10–20%.
   • Soft skills like problem-solving and communication are also valued.
6. Employer Size:
   • Multinational firms (e.g., Deloitte, First Bank) offer ₦150,000–₦250,000/month.
   • Local firms may pay ₦100,000–₦150,000/month.
7. Gender: A 7% pay gap exists, with male professionals earning slightly more on average.

Salary Progression

• Experience: Entry-level professionals with 1–2 years of experience earn ~₦120,000–₦200,000/month. After 3–4 years, salaries can rise to ₦250,000–₦600,000/month.
• Certifications: Adding certifications within the first year can increase pay by ₦20,000–₦50,000/month.
• Career Path: Entry-level roles lead to mid-level positions (e.g., Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester) with salaries of ₦3,000,000–₦6,000,000 annually within 5 years.

Job Market Insights

• Demand: Nigeria’s cybersecurity sector is growing, with a projected market size of USD 345.43 million by 2029 and 2,560 weekly cyberattacks on organizations.
• Key Employers: Deloitte, First Bank, Oando Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and Rand Merchant Bank actively hire entry-level professionals.
• Roles:
  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitor networks, analyze threats (₦120,000–₦200,000/month).
  • Junior Penetration Tester: Simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities (₦150,000–₦250,000/month).
  • Cybersecurity Officer: Develop security policies (₦100,000–₦228,000/month).
• Training Opportunities: Companies often provide mentorship and training, especially in Lagos and Abuja.
• Remote Work: Some entry-level roles offer remote or hybrid options, with salaries around ₦150,000–₦200,000/month.

Strategies to Increase Earnings

1. Earn Certifications: CompTIA Security+ or CEH can boost salaries by 10–30% within months.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Internships or freelance projects enhance employability and pay.
3. Network: Attend cybersecurity conferences or join professional groups to access higher-paying roles.
4. Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas like cloud security or ethical hacking for a 10–20% pay increase.
5. Relocate: Move to Lagos or Abuja for 20% higher salaries.

Notes

• Salaries are gross figures before tax deductions. Net salaries vary based on tax rates and benefits.
• Data is sourced from PayScale, Glassdoor, MySalaryScale, and other platforms, reflecting 2024–2025 trends.
• Outliers (e.g., ₦43,000/month or ₦600,000/month) may reflect inaccurate data or niche roles.
• The field is promising due to Nigeria’s ₦5.5 trillion cybercrime loss in 2022 and government plans to train 30,000 experts by 2030.

For further details, explore platforms like PayScale, Glassdoor, MySalaryScale, or job boards like MyJobMag.