Radiography Internship Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details With Complete Breakdown

Radiography internships in Nigeria are a crucial step for aspiring radiographers, providing hands-on clinical experience and technical skills necessary to operate imaging equipment safely and effectively. This one-year mandatory program, undertaken after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Radiography, bridges academic training with professional practice. For students and graduates considering this path, understanding the salary structure, influencing factors, and career implications is essential. This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of radiography internship salaries in Nigeria for 2025, including pay ranges, employer types, locations, and additional benefits. Data is sourced from credible platforms like MySalaryScale, Nigerian Informer, and job postings to ensure accuracy.

Overview of Radiography Internships in Nigeria

Radiography internships are a required component of the training process to become a certified radiographer in Nigeria. After completing a five-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Radiography (B.Rad.) degree from an accredited university, graduates must undertake a one-year internship at a recognized institution, such as federal or state teaching hospitals, private diagnostic centers, or specialized clinics. The internship focuses on practical skills, including operating X-ray, MRI, and CT equipment, patient positioning, radiation safety, and assisting radiologists in diagnostic procedures. Interns work under the supervision of experienced radiographers and must register provisionally with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) to practice during this period. Following the internship, graduates complete a one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program before obtaining full RRBN certification.

The internship is paid, similar to medical housemanship, and provides a stipend to support interns while they gain clinical expertise. The program is rigorous, involving tasks like performing diagnostic imaging, maintaining equipment, and adhering to safety protocols, making it a vital step toward employability in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Average Salary Breakdown

Radiography internship salaries in Nigeria vary depending on the employer (government vs. private sector), location, and institution type. Below is a detailed breakdown of salary ranges in Nigerian Naira (NGN) per month for 2025, adjusted for economic trends and inflation, with approximate conversions to US Dollars (USD) based on an estimated exchange rate of ₦1,600/USD.

General Salary Range

• Average Monthly Salary: ₦100,000 ($63 USD)
• Monthly Range: ₦80,000–₦150,000 ($50–$94 USD)
• Annual Range: ₦960,000–₦1,800,000 ($600–$1,125 USD)
• Median Salary: ₦102,000/month ($64 USD), based on data from MySalaryScale.
• 25th Percentile: ₦80,000/month ($50 USD) – 25% earn less, 75% earn more
• 75th Percentile: ₦120,000/month ($75 USD) – 75% earn less, 25% earn more

Salary by Employer Type

• Federal Teaching Hospitals (e.g., LUTH, UNTH):
  • Monthly: ₦100,000–₦150,000 ($63–$94 USD)
  • Annual: ₦1,200,000–₦1,800,000 ($750–$1,125 USD)
  • Example: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) pays an average base salary of ₦152,681/month (₦1,832,172/year), with potential additional pay (e.g., allowances) up to ₦475,000/month, though this includes bonuses not typically available to interns.
  • Salary Scale: CONHESS 08, ranging from ₦1,102,850–₦1,639,592/year.
• State Teaching Hospitals:
  • Monthly: ₦80,000–₦120,000 ($50–$75 USD)
  • Annual: ₦960,000–₦1,440,000 ($600–$900 USD)
  • Lower than federal institutions due to state budget constraints.
• Private Diagnostic Centers or Hospitals:
  • Monthly: ₦80,000–₦120,000 ($50–$75 USD)
  • Annual: ₦960,000–₦1,440,000 ($600–$900 USD)
  • Some private facilities, especially in urban areas like Lagos, may pay up to ₦120,000/month for interns with strong academic records or prior training.
• Specialized Clinics (e.g., NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre):
  • Monthly: ₦100,000–₦130,000 ($63–$81 USD)
  • Annual: ₦1,200,000–₦1,560,000 ($750–$975 USD)
  • Higher pay for specialized imaging roles like radiotherapy.

Salary by Location

• Lagos:
  • Monthly: ₦100,000–₦150,000 ($63–$94 USD)
  • Highest salaries due to high demand, cost of living, and concentration of federal hospitals and private clinics.
• Abuja:
  • Monthly: ₦100,000–₦130,000 ($63–$81 USD)
  • Competitive pay in federal institutions and private diagnostic centers.
• Port Harcourt:
  • Monthly: ₦90,000–₦120,000 ($56–$75 USD)
  • Driven by healthcare facilities supporting the oil and gas sector.
• Other Cities (Enugu, Ibadan, Delta):
  • Monthly: ₦80,000–₦100,000 ($50–$63 USD)
  • Lower pay in less urbanized areas due to reduced demand and budgets.

Bonuses and Incentives

• Bonuses: Rare for interns, with most receiving no additional cash bonuses. Some federal hospitals may offer minor incentives (e.g., ₦10,000–₦20,000/year) tied to performance or holiday periods.
• Allowances:
  • Housing Allowance: Provided in some federal hospitals, typically ₦5,000–₦10,000/month.
  • Transport Allowance: Up to ₦5,000/month in government facilities.
  • Accommodation: Some institutions, like St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos, offer free accommodation, reducing living expenses.
• Non-Financial Benefits: Access to training facilities, mentorship, and high employability post-internship, with many interns securing permanent roles at their training institutions.

Factors Influencing Radiography Internship Salaries

Several factors affect internship salaries in Nigeria:

1. Employer Type:
   • Federal teaching hospitals pay the highest due to adherence to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). Private facilities offer variable pay, often lower but with potential perks like accommodation.
2. Location:
   • Urban centers like Lagos and Abuja offer higher salaries due to increased demand and living costs, while rural areas pay less.
3. Institution Reputation:
   • Prestigious institutions like LUTH or UNTH pay more and attract competitive candidates, aligning with CONHESS scales.
4. Economic Conditions:
   • Inflation and currency depreciation impact real income, though government salaries are periodically adjusted.
5. Demand for Radiographers:
   • High demand for qualified radiographers increases internship opportunities and pay, especially in specialized fields like radiotherapy.
6. Intern Performance:
   • Exceptional interns may receive slightly higher stipends or priority for permanent positions post-internship.

Salary Comparison with Related Internships

Radiography internship salaries are competitive within Nigeria’s healthcare sector:

• Medical Interns (Housemanship): ₦150,000–₦200,000/month ($94–$125 USD), higher due to doctors’ salary structure.
• Pharmacy Interns: ₦100,000–₦150,000/month ($63–$94 USD), similar to radiography.
• Medical Laboratory Science Interns: ₦80,000–₦120,000/month ($50–$75 USD), slightly lower.
• Nursing Interns: ₦70,000–₦100,000/month ($44–$63 USD), generally lower due to higher supply of nurses.

Radiography internships offer a balance of competitive pay and high employability compared to other allied health professions.

Career Path and Post-Internship Prospects

The radiography internship is a stepping stone to a lucrative career:

• Post-Internship Roles:
  • Many interns are retained by their training institutions, with starting salaries of ₦120,000–₦180,000/month ($75–$113 USD) in federal hospitals or private clinics.
  • Entry-level radiographers earn ₦2,662,900/year (₦221,908/month) with 0–2 years of experience.
• NYSC Salary:
  • During the mandatory NYSC year, radiographers earn ~₦50,000/month ($31 USD), depending on the state and clinic, significantly lower than internship pay.
• Career Progression:
  • With 2–5 years of experience, salaries rise to ₦150,000–₦250,000/month ($94–$156 USD).
  • Specialization in MRI, CT, or interventional radiography can yield ₦400,000–₦1,000,000/month ($250–$625 USD) in private facilities.
  • Opening a diagnostic center can generate ₦1,200,000–₦6,000,000/year ($750–$3,750 USD).
• Further Education:
  • A Master’s degree or certifications in specialized imaging increases salaries by ~10%, with master’s holders earning ₦5,806,300/year (₦483,858/month).

Job Market and Demand

The demand for radiography interns in Nigeria is strong due to:

• Scarcity of qualified radiographers, making internships a pipeline for skilled professionals.
• Expansion of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja.
• Legal requirements mandating RRBN-certified radiographers for imaging tasks, increasing internship opportunities.
• Growing adoption of advanced imaging technologies (e.g., MRI, CT) in private and public sectors.

Internship opportunities are available at:

• Federal teaching hospitals (e.g., LUTH, UNTH, UCH)
• State hospitals and diagnostic centers
• Private clinics and specialized facilities (e.g., NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre)
• Research institutions

Tips for Maximizing Internship Earnings and Experience

1. Target Federal Hospitals:
   • Apply to institutions like LUTH or UNTH for higher salaries and structured training.
2. Seek Urban Opportunities:
   • Focus on Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt for better pay and exposure to advanced equipment.
3. Leverage Accommodation Benefits:
   • Choose facilities offering free housing to reduce living costs, such as St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital.
4. Build Technical Skills:
   • Gain proficiency in MRI, CT, or ultrasound during internships to enhance employability post-internship.
5. Network with Supervisors:
   • Establish relationships with radiologists and senior radiographers for mentorship and job recommendations.
6. Prepare a Strong CV:
   • Highlight academic achievements and any prior training to secure competitive internship placements.

Conclusion

Radiography internships in Nigeria are a critical and paid training phase, offering salaries ranging from ₦80,000–₦150,000/month ($50–$94 USD), with an average of ₦100,000/month ($63 USD). Federal teaching hospitals like LUTH and UNTH provide the highest pay, often adhering to the CONHESS 08 scale, while private facilities may offer perks like accommodation. Salaries vary by location, with urban centers like Lagos and Abuja paying more. The internship not only provides financial support but also enhances employability, with many interns securing permanent roles earning ₦120,000–₦180,000/month post-internship. By targeting reputable institutions, upskilling, and leveraging benefits, interns can maximize their earnings and lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career in Nigeria’s growing healthcare sector.