Breaking Into Banking: Where to Find the Best Salaries
The Nigerian banking industry offers lucrative opportunities for fresh graduates, but salaries vary significantly across institutions. If you're an aspiring banker, knowing which banks pay the most can help you make smarter career choices.
Entry-level roles in banking often come with intensive training programs, performance-based bonuses, and structured career paths. While most banks offer competitive compensation, some go above and beyond, providing attractive salaries alongside professional growth opportunities.
Based on insights from industry experts and publicly available data, here’s a ranking of Nigeria’s best-paying banks for entry-level positions in 2025.
1. Standard Chartered Bank – ₦514,000/month
Why it stands out: This UK-based global financial institution offers one of the highest entry-level salaries in Nigeria. With a structured graduate trainee program and exposure to international banking standards, employees gain valuable experience while earning top-tier pay.
2. Stanbic IBTC Bank – ₦511,000/month
What makes it appealing: As a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group—Africa’s largest banking group by assets—Stanbic IBTC provides employees with a clear career progression path and world-class training initiatives. Fresh graduates receive extensive exposure to corporate banking, wealth management, and investment services.
🔹 Global Presence: Operates in 20 African countries and beyond.
3. Providus Bank – ₦433,000/month
Why it’s attractive: Known for its innovative banking solutions, Providus Bank offers employees a forward-thinking work environment with plenty of room for professional development. Its competitive salary package makes it a sought-after employer among graduates.
4. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) – ₦433,000/month (Tech Roles), ₦325,000/month (Non-Tech Roles)
What sets it apart: GTBank differentiates pay based on expertise, with technology-related roles receiving higher compensation. Employees also benefit from quarterly bonuses and a fast-paced, innovation-driven work culture.
🔹 Extra Perks: Structured career growth, digital banking expertise.
5. Wema Bank – ₦388,000/month
Why it’s worth considering: Nigeria’s longest-serving indigenous bank has made bold moves in digital banking, launching ALAT by Wema, the nation’s first fully digital bank. Employees enjoy continuous learning and leadership development programs.
🔹 Key Milestone: Celebrating 80 years in 2025, reinforcing its legacy of resilience and innovation.
6. United Bank for Africa (UBA) – ₦376,000/month
What makes it special: UBA is one of the few Nigerian banks with a global footprint, operating in 20 African countries, the UK, France, the UAE, and the U.S. Entry-level hires benefit from structured training and mentorship programs designed to fast-track their careers.
🔹 Notable Advantage: The only Sub-Saharan African bank with a U.S. banking license.
7. Fidelity Bank – ₦360,000/month
Why job seekers love it: Fidelity Bank prioritizes employee career growth, offering extensive professional development opportunities. The bank has built a reputation in corporate banking and MSME financing, while expanding its digital-first retail strategy.
🔹 Customer Base: Over 7.2 million customers with strong digital banking adoption.
8. Union Bank – ₦350,000/month
Key attraction: As one of Nigeria’s oldest financial institutions (established in 1917), Union Bank provides employees with a structured career path, comprehensive training, and substantial upfront allowances to ease their transition into banking.
🔹 Core Pillars: Customer-centric banking, talent development, and sustainable growth.
9. Sterling Bank – ₦327,000/month
Why candidates choose it: Sterling Bank is known for its employee-friendly work culture, emphasizing continuous learning and career progression. The bank has evolved from an investment banking powerhouse (NAL Bank) into a fully-fledged commercial bank.
🔹 Motto: "Your One-Customer Bank"
10. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) – ₦420,000/month (Tech Roles), ₦312,000/month (Non-Tech Roles)
Why it’s a top choice: As one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest banks, First Bank has a vast network, serving over 42 million customers. Employees working in technology-related roles earn significantly higher salaries.
🔹 Workforce Strength: Over 16,000 employees, 233,500+ agent banking locations in Nigeria.
A high salary is an important factor when considering where to start your banking career, but long-term growth opportunities, work culture, and industry exposure should also influence your decision.
For those looking for fast career progression and international banking exposure, Standard Chartered and Stanbic IBTC offer unmatched opportunities. If you're interested in a tech-driven environment, GTBank and First Bank provide competitive salaries for technology professionals.
Regardless of which bank you choose, these financial institutions are shaping the future of banking in Nigeria, and joining one of them could be your first step toward a successful career.
📌 Looking for more career insights? Stay updated with the latest banking industry trends and salary reports to make informed career moves!