Insight

• Ikiodiete George
• 2 Min Read

Full List Of Staff Salaries At Shell, Nlng, Total, Chevron & Other Oil & Gas Companies For Trainees, Senior Staff, And More (2025)

The oil and gas sector in Nigeria is one of the most lucrative employment spaces, offering some of the highest salaries in the country. From global multinationals to leading local energy firms, these companies provide competitive pay, robust benefits, and growth opportunities for graduates and experienced professionals.

If you're eyeing a role in the industry, here’s a full breakdown of what you can expect to earn in 2025.

Salary Comparison Table (Monthly Pay)

Graduate Trainee Salary

Fresh graduates entering the oil and gas industry through trainee programs typically earn between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000 per month.

• Top-paying companies: Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron
• Competitive local firms: Seplat, Addax, NLNG

Trainees may also receive basic allowances during field or offshore training periods.

Entry-Level Salary (Full-Time Hires)

Once confirmed after the trainee program or hired directly as junior staff, salaries increase significantly:

• Shell: ₦600k – ₦750k
• ExxonMobil: ₦500k – ₦900k
• Chevron: ₦550k – ₦700k
• Total: ₦500k – ₦650k
• NLNG & Agip: ₦450k – ₦650k

These figures often exclude bonuses and housing/transport allowances, which can raise the total monthly value by 20%–30%.

Experienced and Senior-Level Salary

For staff with several years of experience or in technical/managerial roles, salaries range from ₦1 million to ₦3 million+ monthly:

• Shell & ExxonMobil: Lead engineers, senior geoscientists, and project managers may earn ₦2M – ₦3M+
• Chevron & TotalEnergies: ₦1.5M – ₦2.5M
• NLNG & Agip: ₦1M – ₦1.2M

These roles also come with annual bonuses, performance incentives, and often international travel or offshore pay packages.

Common Allowances and Perks

In addition to monthly salaries, oil and gas companies offer robust packages that may include:

• Housing allowance or company accommodation
• Transport or car allowance
• Premium health care (including family)
• Training (local and international)
• 13th-month bonus and performance bonuses
• Site or offshore allowance (e.g., Shell pays up to ₦90,000 extra)
• Stock options or profit-sharing for top-tier roles

Why Salaries Vary

Factors that influence the variation in pay include:

• Role type: Technical roles (engineering, geoscience) tend to earn more
• Experience level: More years = more pay
• Multinational vs Local: Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil often pay more than domestic firms
• Location: Offshore or international assignments come with extra pay

Sample Monthly Salary Comparison (Including Allowances)

Conclusion

The oil and gas industry remains Nigeria’s most rewarding employment sector, especially for graduates in engineering, finance, science, and project management. With salaries that can reach millions per month, it’s no surprise that competition is stiff.

If you’re aiming to enter this space:

• Start with graduate trainee programs
• Build strong academic or technical qualifications
• Prepare well for aptitude tests and interviews
• Be open to offshore and international assignments