Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Chukwuemeka Maduka
The Top 7 Highest-Paying Tech Skills that will still be relevant even after 20 years in Nigeria include:
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cloud Computing
- Digital Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
- Full-Stack Development
These highest-paying tech skills will not only offer you financial rewards but will also provide long-term career security as the demand for tech expertise in Nigeria continues to grow.
I am Chukwuemeka Maduka, a web developer, digital marketer, and SEO specialist with over six years of experience in the industry.
From my years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how these skills have transformed careers and businesses.
As the founder of Greenlearners Technologies, I have helped quite a number of clients leverage technology to grow their businesses in Nigeria.
These skills offer the best return on investment today and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Now, let’s break down each of these highest-paying tech skills, why they’re important, and how they’ll shape Nigeria’s future.
Note: The salary ranges mentioned in this post are based on indepth market research and might differ from one region to another. Also, the market is dynamic and salaries can increase or decrease with time. Nevertheless, we alway update our blog posts with latest information.
1. Software Development
Software development has long been a critical portion of the Nigerian technology ecosystem.
In particular, software developers are generally the architects of this digital world, and they create everything from mobile applications to enterprise solutions.
They do much to write the code for many of the tools and services people find themselves using every day.
I can say from my experience, that software development was and is still one of the highest-paying tech skills in Nigeria.
From the expertise a developer has gathered with programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript, their salary is always above par.
For an experienced and very skilled software developer, the average salary range is from ₦5,000,000 to ₦18,000,000 annually, which translates to approximately ₦416,000 to ₦1,500,000 per month, depending on their years of experience.
Why Software Development Will Stay Relevant:
- Continuous demand for customized solutions: Business digitization in Nigeria will have a continuous demand for custom software that will enhance efficiency and user experience as the drivers of growth.
- All industries need developed software solutions, be it financial, healthcare, or entertainment.
- Technology evolution: The evolution of technologies like blockchain, virtual reality, and augmented reality will increase the demand for skilled developers to implement these technologies in developing applications.
Here’s a table reflecting the salary ranges of software developers in Nigeria:
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (₦) | Average Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Developer | ₦250,000 – ₦416,000 | ₦3 million – ₦5 million |
| Mid-level Developer | ₦416,000 – ₦833,000 | ₦5 million – ₦10 million |
| Senior Developer | ₦833,000 – ₦1,500,000 | ₦10 million – ₦18 million |
So, if you’re looking for a long-term investment, then software development is one of the highest-paying tech skills you’ll want to master.
2. CyberSecurity
The use of technology and digital infrastructure in the economy has increased a lot in Nigeria, hence increasing the risks.
I have often seen businesses where cyber threats almost led to data breaches, but fortunately, cybersecurity experts helped safeguard the system in time.
Cybersecurity professionals are supposed to ensure that networks, sensitive data, and digital assets are safe from hackers and malware.
This is among the highest-paying tech skills in Nigeria, as cyber security professionals in Nigeria can earn anywhere from ₦2,400,000 to ₦10,000,000 per year, based on experience, certifications, and job title.
Also, there is an increase in demand across the board as companies, mostly in the financial and e-commerce sectors, have to fight off increasing cyber threats.
Here’s a table showcasing major cybersecurity professions in Nigeria along with their corresponding monthly and yearly salary ranges:
| Cybersecurity Profession | Average Monthly Salary (₦) | Average Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 | ₦2,400,000 – ₦6,000,000 |
| Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) | ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦7,200,000 |
| Information Security Manager | ₦400,000 – ₦833,000 | ₦5,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 |
| Network Security Engineer | ₦300,000 – ₦583,000 | ₦3,600,000 – ₦7,000,000 |
| Security Architect | ₦416,000 – ₦833,000 | ₦5,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 |
This table reflects different roles in the cybersecurity field with their respective monthly and annual earnings, factoring in the professionals’ experience and certifications.
Why Cybersecurity Will Stay Relevant:
- Cyber threats growing: Cybercrime is growing exponentially, and the need for protection against attacks by businesses is constant.
- Data privacy: More companies are compiling and storing data on their customers, and this information needs to be kept secure to maintain trust and compliance with regulations.
- Innovative Attack Methods: Methods of hacking continuously change and are new; hence, cybersecurity professionals will be needed to keep ahead of the next attack.
As you can see, cybersecurity is one of the highest-paying tech skills to learn, especially if you’re passionate about protecting digital environments.
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3. Data Science And Analytics
Every business today is sitting on a goldmine of data.
What sets successful companies apart is how they analyze and leverage that data to make strategic decisions.
Data science allows organizations to gain insights, predict trends, and optimize their operations.
In Nigeria, data science is one of the highest-paying tech skills, with professionals earning between ₦4 million and ₦9 million annually.
As industries across the board—from fintech to health tech—become more data-driven, data scientists will remain in high demand.
Data Science vs Data Analytics in Nigeria
In Nigeria, while the growth for both careers is at a high speed, they do have their own areas of critical relevance in building a digital economy.
While data scientists are primarily concerned with designing algorithms, building predictive models, and using machine learning together with other advanced analytics techniques to extract insights from big datasets, data analysts are primarily responsible for interpreting existing data to arrive at actionable business decisions through statistical analysis, reporting, and visualization.
While both of these professions are outstanding, data science generally requires deep technical knowledge in programming and advanced statistics and hence pays better than data analytics.
Demand for both is reminiscent of practically all industries, ranging from banking to telecommunications, since most Nigerian companies have started depending on analytics to make decisions.
Table of Professionals and Salaries in Data Science and Data Analytics:
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary (₦) | Average Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 | ₦6,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 |
| Data Analyst | ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦6,000,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000 | ₦7,200,000 – ₦14,400,000 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 | ₦3,600,000 – ₦7,200,000 |
This table highlights the major roles in data science and analytics in Nigeria, showing the difference in salaries based on expertise and responsibilities.
Why Data Science Will Stay Relevant:
- Data explosion: With IoT devices and digital transactions increasing, the amount of data generated will continue to grow exponentially.
- AI and machine learning integration: Data science is closely linked to AI and ML, two fields that will continue to revolutionize industries.
- Decision-making value: Data-driven decisions help companies reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
In my experience, businesses that invest in data science are the ones making the most informed and profitable decisions, and this is why it’s among the highest-paying tech skills for the future.
4. Cloud Computing
If you’ve ever used Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, you’ve used cloud computing software.
Cloud computing allows businesses to store and process data on remote servers rather than investing in expensive infrastructure.
This is a cost-effective solution, which is why so many companies, both in Nigeria and globally, are moving to the cloud.
In Nigeria, we’re seeing a rapid adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.
From startups to large corporations, everyone’s looking to leverage the power of the cloud.
And guess what?
They need skilled professionals to make it happen.
This highest-paying tech skill is particularly exciting because it’s still in its growth phase in Nigeria.
We’re talking about a field with massive potential for innovation and career growth.
Cloud computing professionals in Nigeria can expect to earn between ₦4,500,000 to ₦9,000,000 annually.
But here’s the exciting part – as businesses continue to migrate to the cloud, these figures are likely to rise.
The Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy, launched in 2019, aims to increase cloud adoption in the country.
This government backing further cements the long-term relevance of cloud computing skills.
Here’s a table showcasing major cloud computing professions in Nigeria, along with their corresponding monthly and annual salary ranges:
| Cloud Computing Profession | Average Monthly Salary (₦) | Average Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Solutions Architect | ₦500,000 – ₦750,000 | ₦6,000,000 – ₦9,000,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | ₦375,000 – ₦625,000 | ₦4,500,000 – ₦7,500,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | ₦416,000 – ₦750,000 | ₦5,000,000 – ₦9,000,000 |
| Cloud Security Engineer | ₦400,000 – ₦666,000 | ₦4,800,000 – ₦8,000,000 |
This table reflects key cloud computing roles in Nigeria and their respective salary ranges, showcasing how professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation.
Why Cloud Computing Will Stay Relevant:
- Scalability: When business increases in a company, scalability is required, and that is obtained with cloud computing without bearing the expensive costs of physical infrastructure.
- Work-from-home trends: Most of the companies would gear toward remote working, so it is important that the cloud-based solution provides anywhere, anytime access to systems and data.
- Cost-effectiveness: Cloud technologies will remain a means whereby organizations can save on costs relating to infrastructure by enhancing operational efficiency.
I’ve worked on multiple projects that required cloud solutions, and every business that has adopted the cloud has seen massive improvements in both efficiency and cost savings.
This is one of the highest-paying tech skills that’s here to stay.
5. Digital Marketing
As a digital marketer myself, I would say this about the craft: digital marketing is not a skill; it is an art based on data and it’s becoming increasingly valuable to businesses in Nigeria to the point that they cannot do without it.
This tech skill is all about connecting businesses with their target audience in the digital space.
Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of skills, including social media management, web design, SEO, email marketing, and content creation.
I’ve seen small local businesses in Nigeria transform their reach and revenue through effective digital marketing strategies.
It’s not just about big budgets; it’s about smart, data-driven approaches.
In Nigeria, digital marketers can earn anywhere from ₦3,500,000 to ₦7,000,000 annually, with top performers easily surpassing these figures.
But the real reward?
Seeing your strategies drive real business growth!
Why Digital Marketing Will Stay Relevant:
- Online business growth: More businesses are moving online, and digital marketing is key to reaching a larger audience.
- Social media expansion: Platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok continue to grow, and businesses need skilled marketers to engage customers effectively.
- E-commerce boom: As e-commerce grows in Nigeria, digital marketing will be essential for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market.
For anyone interested in driving business growth through creative strategies, digital marketing is one of the high-paying tech skills that will remain relevant for years to come.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Since the launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2020, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been transforming industries worldwide.
From healthcare to finance, these technologies are revolutionizing how businesses operate, driving innovation and efficiency at an unprecedented scale.
These technologies enable machines to learn from data and make intelligent decisions.
AI powers everything from facial recognition to self-driving cars, while ML is behind personalized recommendations on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
AI and ML specialists in Nigeria can command salaries ranging from ₦6,000,000 to ₦15,000,000 per year.
But remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and great paychecks!).
Why AI/ML Will Stay Relevant:
- Automation trends: AI and ML will be vital in the development of intelligent systems as businesses automate repetitive tasks.
- It’s literally changing the way business is done, from automating customer service to detecting fraud, wherever AI and ML innovation is occurring.
- In-development: With AI technologies still in the development process, the professionals who should build and maintain these systems would be correspondingly sought after.
This field is growing fast, and it’s one of the most exciting and highest-paying tech skills to invest in today.
7. Full-Stack Development
Last but certainly not least, we have full-stack development – a skill set that I hold dear to my heart. As a full-stack developer myself, I can attest to the versatility and value this skill brings to the table.
A full-stack developer is like a Swiss Army knife of web development.
Full-stack developers are the jack-of-all-trades in the tech world.
They can handle both front-end and back-end development, giving them a holistic view of web development projects.
In Nigeria, full-stack developers are in high demand, with the requirement running into large numbers.
Companies seek experts in end-to-end development in order to shrink the size of the team to lessen the development process burden.
This highly sought-after tech skill in the world comes with financial rewards and very satisfying jobs.
Indeed, it is a great pleasure to see a well-ended project right from its very first creation.
Full-stack developers in Nigeria can earn between ₦5,000,000 to ₦10,000,000 annually, with experienced professionals often earning even more.
But the real perk?
The ability to work on diverse projects and continuously learn new technologies.
The growing demand for web development in Nigeria is evident, as this report has it that there are approximately 150 registered web development companies in the country, which I think is less than the actual number today in Nigeria.
Also, the ICT sector was valued at around $5.48 billion in 2017, reflecting a significant increase in digital services and infrastructure.
Why Full-Stack Development Will Stay Relevant:
- Versatility: A full-stack developer can handle many sides of one project, so they don’t have to hire too many workers who specialize in different areas.
- Startup Growth: With a keen eye on Nigeria for its now-growing startup scene, many businesses have needed developers who can build fully complete solutions from scratch.
- Increasing Demand for Seamless Digital Experience: Full-stack developers will have a big role in developing user-friendly websites and applications, working seamlessly across devices.
In my work at Greenlearners Technologies, full-stack developers are essential for every major project.
Their versatility and broad skill set make it one of the highest-paying tech skills in today’s job market.
Here’s an improved version of the table summarizing the highest-paying tech skills based on our previous conversations:
| Skill | Average Annual Salary Range (₦) | Average Monthly Salary Range (₦) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Development | ₦5,000,000 – ₦18,000,000 | ₦416,000 – ₦1,500,000 | High demand across industries |
| Cybersecurity | ₦2,400,000 – ₦10,000,000 | ₦200,000 – ₦833,000 | Critical for digital trust |
| Data Science | ₦6,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 | ₦500,000 – ₦1,000,000 | Drives data-informed decisions |
| Cloud Computing | ₦4,500,000 – ₦9,000,000 | ₦375,000 – ₦750,000 | Enables business scalability |
| Digital Marketing | ₦3,500,000 – ₦7,000,000 | ₦291,000 – ₦583,000 | Connects businesses to digital audiences |
| AI/ML | ₦6,000,000 – ₦15,000,000 | ₦500,000 – ₦1,250,000 | Shapes the future of technology |
| Full-Stack Development | ₦5,000,000 – ₦10,000,000 | ₦416,000 – ₦833,000 | Versatile skill set for end-to-end development |
This table offers a clearer comparison of each skill, including both annual and monthly salary ranges, along with their key benefits.
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Conclusion
As we wrap up this journey in discussing the highest-paying tech skills in Nigeria, I want to leave you with this thought: the tech world is ever-evolving, but these skills form a solid foundation for a lucrative and fulfilling career.
Remember, it’s not just about chasing the highest salary.
It’s about finding a skill that aligns with your passions and strengths.
In my years of experience as a tech career consultant, I’ve found that true success comes when you love what you do.
So, whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to start your tech journey or a professional considering a career switch, these highest-paying tech skills offer exciting opportunities.
Are you ready to embark on your tech skills journey?
Which of these highest-paying tech skills resonates with you the most?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
FAQs
1. What tech skill pays the most?
The tech skill that currently pays the most is in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Professionals in this field can earn between ₦6,000,000 to ₦15,000,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying roles in the tech industry.
2. What kind of tech makes the most money?
Cloud Computing and AI/ML technologies tend to make the most money. These areas not only command high salaries but also offer extensive career growth opportunities due to their increasing relevance in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
3. Which tech skills are in-demand in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, the most in-demand tech skills include Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Digital Marketing. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas is growing rapidly.
4. Which tech skills are most in-demand?
The tech skills most in-demand globally include Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, and Cloud Computing. These skills are essential for businesses looking to innovate and secure their digital assets, ensuring they remain competitive on the internet.
5. What skill pays most in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, AI and ML skills pay the most, with specialists earning between ₦6,000,000 and ₦15,000,000 annually. This is closely followed by high-demand roles in Cloud Computing and Software Development.
6. What skill earns the most money?
The skill that earns the most money is typically in the AI and ML sectors. Due to the complexity and technical expertise required, professionals in this field often command the highest salaries.
7. Which digital skill pays the most?
Digital Marketing, particularly expertise in data analytics and SEO, pays significantly well, with salaries ranging from ₦3,500,000 to ₦7,000,000 annually in Nigeria. As businesses increasingly focus on online visibility, skilled digital marketers are in high demand.
8. What is the best tech skill to learn in 2024?
The best tech skill to learn in 2024 is likely to be AI and Machine Learning. With advancements in automation and data analysis, learning these skills can position you well for future job opportunities and high earnings.
9. Which skill has the most money?
AI and Machine Learning specialists typically have the most lucrative skills, earning high salaries that reflect their expertise in handling complex data-driven tasks that influence business decisions.
10. What is the easiest job in tech to get?
While “easiest” can vary by individual, Technical Support Specialist roles are often seen as entry points into the tech industry. These positions require less technical expertise compared to others and provide valuable experience in understanding technology and customer service.
11. What is the highest-paying tech job in Nigeria?
The highest-paying tech job in Nigeria is generally that of an AI/ML Engineer, with salaries ranging from ₦6,000,000 to ₦15,000,000 annually. This role requires specialized skills in machine learning algorithms and data processing, reflecting the high demand for these competencies.
Chukwuemeka Maduka is the Founder and CEO of GREENLEARNERS TECHNOLOGIES and GREENLEARNERS ACADEMY. He is an experienced and certified Web Developer, Digital Marketer, and SEO Specialist.
Over the years, he has helped many businesses gain more visibility online, generate more leads, and close more sales leveraging his expertise in digital marketing and web development.
His exceptional mentorship has empowered over 2000 African youths and counting to embark on thriving tech careers and build sustainable wealth legitimately through digital skills.
