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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
10 High-Paying Medical Jobs In Nigeria For 2025
Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to grow, creating more room for well-paying medical jobs. Whether you're a student, medical professional, or simply exploring career options, knowing the most lucrative medical roles can help you plan your future.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the 10 highest-paying medical jobs in Nigeria as of 2025, including earnings, demand, and key responsibilities. Some jobs are shown in a table format for clarity.
1. Consultant Surgeon
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Monthly Salary: ₦1.2 million – ₦3 million
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Why It Pays Well: Surgeons are highly trained specialists who perform life-saving operations. Their critical role in patient care and the years of training involved make this one of the highest-paid medical roles in Nigeria.
2. Consultant Physician (e.g., Cardiologist, Nephrologist, etc.)
| Specialty | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist | 1.2M – 2.5M | Treats heart-related conditions |
| Nephrologist | 1M – 2.2M | Manages kidney-related illnesses |
| Endocrinologist | 900K – 2M | Focuses on hormones and diabetes |
| General Physician | 800K – 1.5M | Handles broad range of medical conditions |
Why It Pays Well: These physicians manage complex illnesses and are in high demand, especially in urban hospitals and teaching centers.
3. Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (O&G)
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Monthly Salary: ₦900,000 – ₦2 million
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Why It Pays Well: With Nigeria’s high birth rate, O&Gs are crucial. Their work in pregnancy, delivery, and reproductive health is both demanding and essential.
4. Anaesthesiologist
| Type | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| General Anaesthesiologist | 800K – 1.5M | Manages anaesthesia during surgery |
| Critical Care Specialist | 1M – 1.8M | Monitors ICU patients post-surgery |
Why It Pays Well: Anaesthesiologists are essential in surgical teams and critical care. Their specialized skills are in short supply and high demand.
5. Medical Consultant (Public Sector)
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Monthly Salary: ₦1 million – ₦1.5 million
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Why It Pays Well: Under the CONMESS salary structure, federal and teaching hospital consultants enjoy high salaries, hazard allowances, and housing benefits.
6. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon / Dentist
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Monthly Salary: ₦600,000 – ₦1.5 million
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Why It Pays Well: Advanced dental procedures like facial reconstruction and implants offer lucrative opportunities, especially in private practice.
7. Radiologist
| Specialization | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Radiologist | 700K – 1.2M | Interprets X-rays, CT, MRI |
| Interventional Radiologist | 1M – 1.5M | Performs image-guided surgeries |
Why It Pays Well: Radiologists are vital for diagnostics. With high-tech imaging equipment and expertise, they are well-paid, especially in private or overseas contracts.
8. Pharmacist (Hospital/Industry)
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Monthly Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦900,000
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Why It Pays Well: Pharmacists in pharmaceutical companies or multinational firms (e.g., GSK, Fidson) earn far more than those in public hospitals.
9. Medical Laboratory Scientist
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Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦700,000
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Why It Pays Well: Their role in diagnosing diseases is essential. Those with postgraduate training or working in international research labs earn significantly more.
10. Specialist Nurse / Nurse Consultant
| Specialty Area | Estimated Monthly Salary (₦) | Where They Work |
|---|---|---|
| ICU / Critical Care | 500K – 800K | Private hospitals, teaching hospitals |
| Theatre Nurse | 400K – 700K | Surgery centers, federal hospitals |
| Midwifery Consultant | 300K – 600K | Maternity homes, NGO-funded clinics |
Why It Pays Well: These nurses are not general duty nurses but highly trained professionals in life-saving units. Private and foreign-funded hospitals often pay well above public sector wages.
Bonus: Telemedicine Doctors
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Monthly Salary: ₦300,000 – ₦1 million
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Why It Pays Well: Doctors who consult for global telemedicine platforms or digital health startups in Nigeria are earning in foreign currencies or via high-paying contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which medical job is the highest-paying in Nigeria?
The highest-paying job is usually that of a consultant surgeon, earning between ₦1.2M and ₦3M monthly depending on experience and hospital type.
2. Do nurses earn high salaries in Nigeria?
Specialist nurses such as ICU, theatre, or midwifery consultants can earn up to ₦800,000 monthly, especially in private or international hospitals.
3. How much does a pharmacist earn in Nigeria?
Pharmacists earn between ₦300,000 and ₦900,000 monthly. Those working in the pharmaceutical industry or regulatory bodies earn more.
4. Can medical jobs in Nigeria pay in foreign currency?
Yes, particularly telemedicine doctors and specialists working with NGOs or international hospitals may earn in dollars or euros.
Conclusion
The Nigerian medical industry is full of lucrative opportunities in 2025. While public sector jobs offer stability, the real money lies in specialization, private hospitals, and international collaborations. Whether you’re pursuing medicine or already in the system, upgrading your skills and certifications is key to unlocking higher pay.
