It is easy to see why geology rates among the most rated fields in the physical sciences. While the popularity and number of professionals in the field have significantly reduced of late, there is no denying the importance, significance and rising demand for geologists in Nigeria today.

Geology is one of the diverse physical science professions that diversify into various sectors with their importance not limited to specific fields.

With the importance and demand for geologists growing by the day, this post takes a look at salary ranges of Geologists in various sectors in Nigeria today.

1. Average Salary of a Geologist in Nigeria

In addition to geology being one of the leading professions in the physical science sector, it also rates among the most lucrative. Salaries of geologists vary per company, job specification, and industry. Geologists that work in the oil and gas sector significantly earn the most as it stands. In fact, some even earn more in certain positions and job specifications. Here, we will consider how much geologists earn in certain industries.

Geologists in Oil and Gas Industries

As expected, the oil and gas industry is among the top-paying sectors in Nigeria and geologists will relish how much they can expect to be paid here. Although opportunities are becoming limited as the competition is getting stiffer for geologists in the industry, they still remain a core part of the exploration process. For entry-level, geologists are paid between N200, 000 – N500, 000 depending on the job specification, company, rank and some other similar factors.

Geologists in Mining Industries

Salaries of geologists in the mining industry, as expected, vary per job description, company and sometimes, location. This industry is usually a backup option in case oil and gas opportunities don’t come by.  Although there is a considerable difference in salary compared to the oil and gas industry, mining companies pay a significant amount to their geologists.

For a start, geologists in the mining industry earn between N180, 000 – N350, 000.

Geologists in Borehole Industries

Most of today’s geologist in Nigeria settle for this industry. This is because the borehole industry offers the most opportunity for geologists in Nigeria today. Although the pay is expressively low compared to that of other industries, lots of young geologists tend to start their careers from this industry.

For a start, the borehole industry pays between N80, 000 – N180, 000 to their entry-level geologists. This depends on the company, level of experience and other similar factors.

Geologists in Construction Companies

Just like in the mining sector, there is a huge need for Geologists in the construction sector. Geologists have been found remarkably useful in various construction industries be it road construction, building, and other related construction fields. Geologists are relatively well paid in this industry as they earn between N120, 000 – N300, 000 as entry-level depending on the company and job specification.

Geologists are also needed in other fields as their relevance cannot be overemphasized. They fit really well into the Environmental Consultancy sector, groundwater industry and even as freelancers. On average, geologists in Nigeria earn between N100, 000 – N500, 000 for a start. To be highly rated or have better placement as a geologist in various industries, it is always advisable to add relevant professional certifications to your bachelor’s degree.

Although geologists face stiff competition in relevant sectors with the likes of Geologists, Petroleum Engineers, Civil; Engineers and sometimes Physicists, it still maintain a niche that rates it highly significant in core sectors including the mining industry, oil and gas sector and borehole industry. Geologists are not restricted to offshore operations in the oil and gas sector. In fact, some geologists work with civil engineers and function in other relative fields as well.

Geology: What You Should Know About the Field

Geology is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and adventurous fields in physical sciences. Apart from the fact that they command huge respect in the oil and gas sector where they are highly useful, they rate among the high paying professions in the country.

Geology, just like petroleum engineering and exploration science-related fields, is regarded as a gold mine when it comes to career paths and opportunities. Although the opportunities for Geologists have reduced in recent times, they still rank top among the most successful careers in terms of job opportunities and placement.

Geologists, like most other physical science fields, can work in various industries. They fit easily in the mining and oil and gas industries. Since they basically specialize in exploration, they are perfect fit for archaeological projects and other similar areas. Geologists are rarely short of options. But given the economic situation of the country in recent times, opportunities have drastically reduced in various sectors.

Geology is a very broad profession that encompasses other science and engineering fields. They integrate well with other science fields like Chemistry and Physics. Thanks to their dynamism, they can work in various industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, civil, and other similar industries. They also perfectly fit into the architecture and structural industries.

How to Become a Geologist in Nigeria

Are you interested in pursuing a profession in Geology? Here we will take a quick look at processes involved in pursuing a career in the field.

• Be Certified: This is the most important step in becoming a Geologist in Nigeria. It is essential you get necessary certificate if you want to be a geologist in Nigeria. You are expected to have the obligatory SSCE certificate with at least a credit pass in the major science course including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Some schools accept a credit pass in Geography in place of Physics or Chemistry). You then strive to be admitted in a University to study Geology. Typically, the duration for the course is 4 – 5 years depending on the institution. You will get a bachelors degree in Geology
• National Youth Service Corps: NYSC is a one-year service year where you are expected to serve your motherland. Ideally, you will be posted to a related firm which can be a construction firm, geological company, building company or any other related companies in the area you are posted to – ideally.