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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Cbn Vs Firs Salary Structure & Allowance Comparison (2025 Official Guide)
If you’re torn between working for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), you’re not alone. These two big-name federal agencies attract thousands of applicants every year—and for good reason. The pay is good, the benefits are solid, and the career growth? Even better.
In this 2025 salary comparison, we’re laying it all out: entry-level pay, top-tier earnings, and the juicy allowance packages that come with both jobs.
CBN vs FIRS Salary Comparison Table (2025)
|
Category |
CBN |
FIRS |
|
Entry-Level Salary |
₦220,000+ per month |
₦150,000–₦180,000 per month |
|
Graduate Trainee Pay |
₦130,000–₦180,000 monthly |
₦100,000–₦130,000 monthly |
|
Average Staff Salary |
₦500,000+ per month |
₦270,000–₦350,000 per month |
|
Senior-Level Salary |
₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million per month |
₦400,000 – ₦600,000 per month |
|
Directors/Executives |
₦1.2 million+ per month |
₦600,000+ per month |
|
Annual Leave Bonus |
Included |
Included |
|
Housing Allowance |
Yes (generous) |
Yes (moderate) |
|
Transport/Utility Allowance |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Retirement Package |
Robust (includes gratuity/severance) |
Present (less structured) |
|
Staff Loans & Training |
Yes (often interest-free) |
Yes |
Breakdown of CBN Compensation Package
The Central Bank of Nigeria is one of the highest-paying government agencies in the country. Entry-level staff start strong, but where CBN shines is in its senior-level earnings and exit benefits.
CBN Entry-Level Roles:
- Basic Salary: Starts at ₦220,000 monthly
- Graduate Trainee: ₦130,000 to ₦180,000 monthly
- Allowances: Transport, housing, meals, and medical
- Annual Bonus: Often equals one month’s salary
- Exit Benefits: High severance pay and pension support
CBN Mid to Senior-Level:
- Principal staff and directors earn over ₦1 million monthly
- Managers may also qualify for official cars, travel estacodes, and top-tier health packages
FIRS Salary & Perks Breakdown
The Federal Inland Revenue Service may not match CBN in raw salary, but it's still a very competitive employer—especially for those starting out in public service.
FIRS Entry-Level Roles:
- Graduate Trainee Pay: ₦100,000 to ₦130,000 monthly
- Level 8 Officers (After Confirmation): ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 monthly
- Benefits: Housing allowance, medical cover, and transport allowance
- Leave Bonus: Paid annually
- Job Security: Strong; promotions are consistent and structured
FIRS Mid to Senior-Level:
- Level 10–14 Officers: ₦300,000 to ₦500,000+
- Top Staff: Can earn ₦600,000 or more per month depending on grade and years of service
Side-by-Side Pay Range Summary
|
Position Type |
CBN Pay Range (₦) |
FIRS Pay Range (₦) |
|
Graduate Trainee |
130,000 – 180,000 |
100,000 – 130,000 |
|
Entry-Level Staff |
220,000 – 300,000 |
150,000 – 180,000 |
|
Mid-Level (GL 10–13) |
400,000 – 800,000 |
270,000 – 500,000 |
|
Senior/Executive Roles |
1 million – 1.5 million+ |
500,000 – 650,000+ |
Allowance Comparison Table
|
Allowance Type |
CBN |
FIRS |
|
Housing |
Yes (substantial) |
Yes (moderate) |
|
Transport |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Utility |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Medical/Health Cover |
Full private insurance |
Public + HMO-based |
|
Furniture/Office Setup |
Available to top staff |
Rare |
|
Estacode (Travel) |
For directors & execs |
For top officers |
|
Pension & Gratuity |
Generous & structured |
Present but leaner |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is better for career growth—CBN or FIRS?
Both offer solid growth, but CBN offers more international exposure and transfers to departments like Research, Banking, and Supervision. FIRS provides fast promotions and policy-based work.
Q2: Which agency pays more on average?
CBN pays significantly more, especially at mid to senior levels.
Q3: Which one is easier to get into?
FIRS has more frequent recruitment drives, while CBN’s recruitment is rarer and more competitive.
Q4: Do both agencies provide training opportunities?
Yes, staff in both CBN and FIRS regularly attend workshops and trainings—locally and internationally.
Q5: Can you transfer between the two agencies?
Not directly. You’ll need to apply through competitive openings unless deployed through inter-agency transfer programs (rare).
Final Thoughts
Choosing between CBN and FIRS boils down to your goals:
- If you want prestige, higher pay, and robust long-term benefits, CBN is the better choice.
- If you prefer steady career growth, clear promotion paths, and strong job security, FIRS is an excellent pick.
Both agencies remain two of the most respected public service employers in Nigeria. So whether you're aiming for big money or solid growth, you're in good hands either way.
