QA Engineer Salary in Nigeria in 2025

QA Engineer Salary in Nigeria in 2025: Full Details with Complete Breakdown

Introduction

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers in Nigeria play a vital role in the tech and engineering sectors, ensuring that software, products, or services meet quality standards before reaching end-users. They design and execute tests to identify bugs, ensure compliance with specifications, and improve processes, particularly in software development and manufacturing industries. With Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem and increasing demand for quality software, QA Engineers are in high demand, commanding competitive salaries. This article provides a detailed breakdown of QA Engineer salaries in Nigeria in 2025, including base pay, allowances, benefits, and factors influencing earnings, based on data from PayScale, SalaryExplorer, Glassdoor, WorldSalaries, and job postings.

QA Engineer Roles and Responsibilities

QA Engineers focus on ensuring product quality through systematic testing and process improvement. Their key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and executing test plans, test cases, and automated test scripts.
  • Identifying, analyzing, and documenting software bugs or product defects.
  • Collaborating with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure quality standards.
  • Conducting functional, regression, performance, and user interface (UI) testing.
  • Implementing quality assurance methodologies, such as Agile or DevOps, and using tools like Selenium, JUnit, or Postman.
  • Monitoring production processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO for manufacturing or regulatory frameworks for software).

QA Engineers work in sectors like software development, fintech, telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare, with roles ranging from entry-level to senior or managerial positions.

Qualifications and Training

Becoming a QA Engineer in Nigeria typically requires a combination of education, technical skills, and certifications:

  • Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A Higher National Diploma (HND) may suffice for some roles, though a degree is preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in testing tools (e.g., Selenium, Postman, JUnit), programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript), and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps, Jenkins).
  • Certifications: Certifications like ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), Certified Software Quality Analyst (CSQA), or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer enhance credibility and earning potential.
  • Experience: Entry-level roles require 1–4 years of experience, while senior roles demand 5–10+ years, often with supervisory or automation expertise.
  • Soft Skills: Attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are essential.

Training typically involves a 4–5-year degree program, followed by internships, bootcamps (e.g., Andela, Decagon), or self-learning through platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Certifications and practical experience are critical for career advancement.

Salary Structure for QA Engineers in Nigeria

QA Engineer salaries in Nigeria vary based on experience, sector (public vs. private), location, and skills. Public sector roles, though rare for QA Engineers, are governed by the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), while private sector salaries, especially in tech, are more lucrative and variable. The federal minimum wage adjustment to ₦70,000 in 2024 has influenced entry-level salaries, but QA Engineers earn significantly more due to their specialized skills. Below is an estimated salary breakdown for 2025, based on data from PayScale, Glassdoor, SalaryExplorer, and WorldSalaries.

Level Grade Level (CONPSS, if applicable) Monthly Salary (₦) Annual Salary (₦)
Entry-Level QA Engineer GL 8–9 100,000 – 300,000 1,200,000 – 3,600,000
Mid-Level QA Engineer GL 10–12 300,000 – 600,000 3,600,000 – 7,200,000
Senior QA Engineer GL 13–15 600,000 – 1,200,000 7,200,000 – 14,400,000
Lead/Principal QA Engineer GL 16–17+ 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 14,400,000 – 30,000,000

Notes:

  • Entry-Level QA Engineers (1–4 years of experience): Earn ₦100,000–₦300,000 monthly, typically in startups or smaller firms. PayScale reports an average annual salary of ₦3,000,000, while Glassdoor notes ₦293,333 monthly in Lagos (including bonuses).
  • Mid-Level QA Engineers (5–9 years): Earn ₦300,000–₦600,000 monthly, often in tech hubs like Lagos or Abuja. WorldSalaries reports an average of ₦3,706,100 annually in Lagos, with a median of ₦3,781,400.
  • Senior QA Engineers (10–15 years): Earn ₦600,000–₦1,200,000 monthly, particularly in multinational firms or fintech companies. PayScale notes a high of ₦15,000,000 annually for top earners.
  • Lead/Principal QA Engineers (15+ years): Earn ₦1,200,000–₦2,500,000 monthly, often in leadership roles or with automation expertise. Remote roles with international companies can pay $30,898–$55,876 annually (₦15,449,000–₦27,938,000 at ₦500/$).
  • Median Salary: SalaryExplorer reports a median monthly salary of ₦281,000, with 25% earning below ₦229,000 and 25% above ₦322,000.
  • Lagos-Specific Salaries: Glassdoor reports a median of ₦293,333 monthly in Lagos, with a range of ₦210,833–₦516,667.
  • These figures are gross salaries before tax deductions and include base pay but exclude allowances unless specified.

Allowances and Benefits

QA Engineers, particularly in the private sector, receive allowances and benefits that enhance their total compensation. Public sector benefits follow CONPSS guidelines, while private sector packages vary by employer. Common allowances include:

  1. Housing Allowance:
    • Covers accommodation costs, especially in tech hubs like Lagos or Abuja.
    • Estimated Range: 20–30% of basic salary (e.g., ₦30,000–₦120,000 monthly for mid-level engineers).
  2. Transport Allowance:
    • Supports commuting expenses, especially for on-site roles.
    • Estimated Range: ₦10,000–₦50,000 monthly.
  3. Performance Bonuses:
    • Paid for meeting project milestones or quality targets, common in tech firms.
    • Estimated Range: ₦50,000–₦500,000 annually, or ₦33,333 monthly in Lagos (Glassdoor).
  4. Medical Allowance:
    • Provides access to private health insurance or the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for public sector employees.
    • Private sector firms often offer comprehensive HMO plans.
  5. Professional Development Allowance:
    • Covers costs for certifications (e.g., ISTQB, AWS) or training programs.
    • Estimated Range: ₦50,000–₦200,000 annually, depending on employer.
  6. Stock Options or Profit Sharing (private sector):
    • Offered by startups or multinational firms, particularly for senior roles.
    • Estimated Range: Varies widely, potentially adding ₦100,000–₦1,000,000 annually.
  7. Pension (public and private sectors):
    • Contributions to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) ensure retirement benefits.
    • Typically 8% of basic salary (employee) and 10% (employer).
  8. Remote Work Benefits:
    • For remote roles, companies may provide internet stipends or equipment allowances.
    • Estimated Range: ₦10,000–₦50,000 monthly.

Total Take-Home Pay:
With allowances, total monthly compensation can be 1.3–1.8 times the basic salary. For example:

  • A mid-level QA Engineer with a base salary of ₦400,000 may take home ₦520,000–₦720,000 monthly.
  • A senior QA Engineer earning ₦800,000 monthly, plus bonuses and remote work benefits, could take home ₦1,040,000–₦1,440,000 monthly.

Additional Income: Freelancing and Remote Work

QA Engineers in Nigeria can significantly increase earnings through freelancing or remote work for international companies:

  • Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork or Toptal offer opportunities to provide QA services for global clients, earning $15–$50/hour (₦7,500–₦25,000 at ₦500/$). Monthly earnings can range from ₦500,000–₦2,000,000 for part-time work.
  • Remote Work: Job postings on X indicate remote QA Engineer roles in Nigeria paying $30,898–$55,876 annually (₦15,449,000–₦27,938,000).
  • Consulting: Experienced QA Engineers can consult for startups or firms, earning ₦500,000–₦1,500,000 per project.

Factors Influencing QA Engineer Salaries

Several factors impact QA Engineer salaries in Nigeria:

  1. Experience:
    • Entry-level (1–4 years): ₦1,200,000–₦3,600,000 annually. PayScale reports ₦1,392,685 for 1–4 years.
    • Mid-level (5–9 years): ₦3,600,000–₦7,200,000 annually, a 32% increase. PayScale notes ₦1,952,110 for 5–9 years.
    • Senior (10–15 years): ₦7,200,000–₦14,400,000 annually. Salaries may decrease slightly for 10–19 years (₦1,373,850) due to market saturation, per RollThePay.
    • Lead/Principal (15+ years): Up to ₦30,000,000 annually, especially in remote roles.
  2. Location:
    • Tech hubs like Lagos and Abuja offer 20–30% higher salaries due to demand and cost of living. Glassdoor reports a median of ₦293,333 monthly in Lagos.
    • Smaller cities like Ibadan or Port Harcourt offer lower salaries but may have lower living costs.
  3. Sector:
    • Private Sector (Tech): Pays significantly more, with averages of ₦3,706,100 annually in Lagos. Fintech, e-commerce, and multinational firms (e.g., Andela, Interswitch) offer top salaries.
    • Private Sector (Non-Tech): Manufacturing or healthcare QA roles pay ₦1,440,000–₦6,000,000 annually, per PayScale.
    • Public Sector: Rare for QA Engineers, but follows CONPSS, offering ₦1,200,000–₦7,200,000 annually with stability but lower pay.
  4. Education and Certifications:
    • A Master’s degree increases salaries by 10–20%, with an average of ₦5,711,000 annually in Lagos.
    • Certifications like ISTQB or AWS boost earnings by 15–25%, especially in automation testing roles.
  5. Skills:
    • Proficiency in test automation (e.g., Selenium, Postman) increases salaries by 2%, per RollThePay.
    • Knowledge of CI/CD tools (e.g., Azure DevOps) or programming (e.g., Python) commands higher pay.
    • Microsoft Office skills have minimal impact (2%).
  6. Gender:
    • Male QA Engineers may earn slightly more (up to 13% in some sectors), though data is limited.
  7. Economic and Policy Factors:
    • The 2024 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000 has raised entry-level salaries.
    • Inflation and currency depreciation (₦500/$ estimated) reduce real income, pushing engineers toward remote or freelance work.

Comparison with Related Professions

QA Engineers earn competitively compared to related tech and engineering roles in Nigeria:

  • Software Engineers: Earn ₦200,000–₦1,000,000 monthly, with seniors reaching ₦2,000,000. Average: ₦410,000 monthly.
  • Back-End Developers: Earn ₦270,833–₦1,000,000 monthly, with averages of ₦2,270,833 annually.
  • QA Managers: Earn ₦453,333 monthly in Lagos, with a range of ₦302,500–₦749,833.
  • Civil Engineers: Earn ₦71,500–₦225,000 monthly, with averages of ₦103,000.
  • Quality Control Inspectors: Earn ₦1,000,000–₦1,254,757 annually, significantly less than QA Engineers.

QA Engineers’ specialized skills in testing and automation give them an edge in tech, though software developers may earn more in senior roles.

Career Prospects and Salary Growth

QA Engineering offers strong career prospects in Nigeria due to the booming tech sector and demand for quality software. Key points include:

  • Promotions: Progression from entry-level to senior roles takes 5–10 years, with salary increases of 18–32% per level. Lead roles require automation and leadership skills.
  • Remote Work: Opportunities with international firms (e.g., via Andela or remote job boards) offer salaries in USD, significantly boosting earnings.
  • Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork provide additional income streams, especially for automation testers.
  • Specializations: Focusing on test automation, performance testing, or cybersecurity (e.g., penetration testing) increases salaries by 10–20%.
  • International Opportunities: ISTQB or AWS certifications enable work with global firms, with salaries of $80,443–$100,456 annually in the U.S.

Pay Raises: WorldSalaries reports an average 6% annual pay raise for QA Engineers in Lagos, higher than the national average of 5%.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite attractive salaries, QA Engineers face challenges:

  • High Training Costs: Bootcamps cost ₦500,000–₦2,000,000, and Master’s degrees cost ₦1,690,000–₦5,080,000.
  • Work Pressure: Tight deadlines and complex projects can lead to burnout.
  • Skill Obsolescence: Rapid tech advancements require continuous learning to stay competitive.
  • Economic Factors: Inflation reduces purchasing power, particularly for naira-based salaries.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Nigeria

To pursue a career as a QA Engineer:

  1. Complete a Degree: Earn a BSc in Computer Science or a related field (4–5 years) from institutions like the University of Lagos or Covenant University.
  2. Learn Technical Skills: Master testing tools (e.g., Selenium, Postman) and programming (e.g., Python) through bootcamps or online courses.
  3. Gain Experience: Start with internships or junior roles (1–2 years) via tech hubs like Andela or job boards like MyJobMag.
  4. Obtain Certifications: Pursue ISTQB, CSQA, or AWS certifications for credibility.
  5. Build a Portfolio: Showcase projects or test cases on GitHub or a personal website.
  6. Network: Join tech communities (e.g., Lagos Tech Meetup) or NIQS for opportunities.

Job Opportunities

QA Engineers can find opportunities through:

  • Job Portals: Indeed, MyJobMag, and GrabJobs list roles, with salaries ranging from ₦180,000–₦516,667 monthly.
  • Tech Hubs: Companies like Andela, Interswitch, Flutterwave, and Paystack hire QA Engineers.
  • Remote Work: Platforms like Arc or Plane offer remote roles with median salaries of $30,898 annually.
  • Freelancing: Upwork and Toptal provide global QA projects.

Conclusion

QA Engineers in Nigeria enjoy competitive salaries, ranging from ₦1,200,000 to ₦30,000,000 annually, with significant boosts from allowances, bonuses, and remote work opportunities. Experience, location, skills, and certifications like ISTQB or AWS are key determinants of earnings. With Nigeria’s thriving tech ecosystem, QA Engineering offers strong career prospects, job stability, and opportunities for international work. Aspiring QA Engineers should invest in education, technical skills, and certifications to maximize their earning potential.

For the most accurate salary information, consult job platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or the Nigerian tech community. Always verify salary offers with reputable employers.

Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on available data and may vary depending on individual circumstances, employer policies, and economic conditions. For precise details, contact relevant employers or job platforms.

Sources:

  • PayScale: Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer Salary in Nigeria, 2024–2025.
  • Glassdoor: QA Engineer Salary in Lagos, Nigeria, 2024.
  • SalaryExplorer: Quality Assurance Engineer Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
  • WorldSalaries: Software QA Engineer Salary in Nigeria and Lagos, 2024–2025.
  • GrabJobs: QA Engineer Salary Guide in Nigeria, 2025.
  • RollThePay: Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer Salary in Nigeria, 2024.
  • Job postings on X, 2024–2025.

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