Geologist Salary in Nigeria (2023)

Geology is a noble profession and it is highly lucrative in Nigeria. The profession is highly sought after by different companies in both the private and public sectors in Nigeria. Another interesting reason why many people try out this profession is because of the salary earned by these professionals.

So, if you are among those curious to find out about Geologist Salary in Nigeria, we advise you to read through to the end.

So, the monthly salary of a person working as a geologist in Nigeria is in the range of 150,000 Naira to 600,000 Naira.

What is Geologist Salary in Nigeria

Level Salary (Naira)
Entry Level 150,000
Experienced 600,000

Geology is among the physical science profession with many sub-specialties. The field is all about studying solid, liquid, and gaseous materials of the earth.

The profession is booming and has many prospects in Nigeria considering the various industrial sectors that they fit in to perform their professional duties.

However, our main discourse is about the salary earned by geologists in Nigeria. this will be discussed at great length for your consumption.

Geologist Salary in Nigeria

The lucrativeness of a profession is valued by its financial worth, alongside job security, career clarity, and job opportunities. Geologists enjoy all of these and more. So, the monthly salary of a person working as a geologist in Nigeria is in the range of 150,000 Naira to 600,000 Naira.

The salary stated above varies depending on the company they work for, job specialization, location, the industry, educational qualification and years of work experience.

Also, the amount you will be paid can be more than what is stated above or it can be lesser depending on which factor is in effect.

Average Salary

The average salary of geologists in Nigeria is appealing compared to what other professionals are paid. Geologists’ average salary in Nigeria is 200,000 Naira. This amount represents the median or the midpoint of the salary ranges collected by these professionals.

Note that geologists are earning more than the stated average salary and some earn less than that. You are fortunate if your salary is above the average salary.

Entry Level Salary

The entry-level salary is the amount paid to employees that are just employed in a company. So, the entry-level salary of geologists in Nigeria begins from 120,000 Naira (minimum salary) to 160,000 Naira.

Note that depending on the sector, and the company where you are employed, the entry-level salary can be more than what is earlier stated.

Senior Level Salary

The senior-level salary is the amount paid to senior employees of an organization. This is typical for employees that have gained work experience that is 10-years and over.

Geologists under this category earn the highest and their salary begins from 400, 000 Naira to 800,000.

Again, we will like to state that depending on the sector, and the company where you are employed, the entry-level salary can be more than what is earlier stated.

Where can they Work?

One of the interesting facts about the field of Geologists is that they can work in different organizations which makes the job opportunity in this profession to be very high.

To further entice you to opt and become a geologist, we have provided below the several organizations where these professionals are needed for their expertise. They are:

  1. Oil and gas companies
  2. Mining companies
  3. Academic institutions
  4. Construction companies
  5. Metal production companies
  6. Borehole industry

Now that you have an idea of the various organizations where geologists can work, I hope you are gradually making up your mind to pursue this career.

Types of Jobs available for Geologists

Furthermore, aside from the information provided earlier regarding places where these professionals can work, we also deemed it necessary to provide you with the different types of jobs available for geologists.

The job specialization in this field is quite enormous considering the sub-speciality fields it encompasses. We have listed below the different types of jobs that geologists can do below. They are:

  1. Engineering geologist
  2. Geochemist
  3. Geophysicist
  4. Hydrogeologist
  5. Geoscientist
  6. Geotechnical engineer
  7. Mudlogger
  8. Wellsite geologist
  9. Drilling engineer
  10. Environmental consultant
  11. Environmental engineer
  12. Minerals surveyor
  13. Sustainability consultant

There you have the different job specializations for a geologist. You can train to specialize in one or more of these fields so that you can have an edge over most of the professionals in this field.

Roles / Duties of a Geologist

As a geologist, there are many tasks you can perform, most of which you have been taught during your formal school training.

The duties of a geologist daily may vary depending on the workplace. A geologist’s role at a university, for example, differs from that of a geologist working for an environmental agency. The duties of a geologist vary depending on the requirements of the position.

Howbeit, the general role/duty of geologists is to study materials, analyze geological data, and write research papers or reports. Other responsibilities include:

  • Examine and investigate natural resources available in a location
  • Studying the earth’s crust and its various components
  • Determine and improve research methods.
  • Make predictions about land processes based on previous events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and tornadoes.
  • Interpret and report data collected in the field.
  • Coordinate research programs
  • Write reports of findings
  • Geological data collection and analysis
  • Using the appropriate instruments, measure and test fossils, rocks, soil, ores, and other materials (e.g. X-rays)
  • Conduct quality control on material suitability (for example, metals for construction) and inspect projects.

These are some of the major responsibilities of geologists in most companies. However, depending on which organization you are employed in, the roles or duties can be tailored to what is needed.

How to Become a Geologist

If you are asking how to become a geologist, it means you are considering studying this course at the university. That is why we think it necessary to help you out with the requirements.

Are you considering studying geology? If yes, the major step you need to take beyond wishing or dreaming to become one is to get a formal education. You need to enrol on an academic institution where you can study Geology or Geoscience.

Importantly, it must be an academic institution where the course is accredited so that you will earn a valid degree certification upon the completion of your study.

So, in Nigeria, you have to complete your secondary education by getting the required O’Level scores consisting of a minimum of 5 credit passes in science subjects combination of mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, and Geography.

Once you meet the above requirement, you can proceed to sit for the UTME examination and then the Post UTME in the university you choose during your UTME registration.

If you score the exact or exceed the cut-off mark, you should be sure of getting admitted into the school and then begin your academic pursuit.

Required Skills 

To become a successful geologist, there are various required skills that you must have. These skills will give you an edge over others in the field. The required skills a sound geologist with prospects must possess are:

  • Foremost, you need to obtain a degree in geology or geoscience
  • Ability to communicate with team members
  • Must be able to solve problems
  • Comfortable working on the field and getting your hands dirty
  • Show interest in research and data analysis
  • Project management skill
  • Apt to use geology technological tools
  • Analytic skill
  • Management skills
  • Ability to work with data and geologic modelling
  • Critical thinker

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Conclusion

That is the much we can discuss about geologist salary in Nigeria. The profession is no doubt one of the hottest physical science fields in Nigeria. So, considering the salary and the job opportunity, I think you should consider this course rather than joining the bandwagon of the medicine and engineering field where there is high competition and few job opportunities.