Finding a job that pays above the minimum wage is a critical step towards achieving financial stability and improving your standard of living.
In Nigeria, where the minimum wage is set at ₦70,000, many job seekers aspire to secure positions that offer higher pay.
President Bola Tinubu had on Monday, July 29, 2024 signed the minimum wage bill into law.
The Minimum Wage which was formerly ₦30,000 will now increase to ₦70,000.
However, eight Nigerian governors have expressed their readiness to pay the new minimum wage, while others have decried their inability to pay the new minimum wage over limited financial resources.
This well crafted article by Newsaccessng ,will guide you through the process of finding jobs that pay above the N70 minimum wage, focusing on strategies, industries, and practical tips to enhance your job search.
The Importance of seeking jobs above the Minimum Wage
There are many advantages to making more than the minimum wage, such as increased access to healthcare, better financial security, and the capacity to invest for future objectives.
In addition to offering greater compensation, higher-paying positions frequently provide retirement plans, health insurance, and chances for professional growth.
Industries Offering Higher Wages
Certain industries in Nigeria are known for offering wages that exceed the minimum threshold. These industries typically require specialized skills, education, or experience, but they also provide greater financial rewards.
Nigeria’s IT industry is expanding rapidly, providing a wealth of well-paying positions in fields including data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development.
Oil and Gas
For many years, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has been a major employer of high-paying positions, especially for engineers, technicians, and project managers.
Banking and Finance
Positions in investment, banking, and finance companies can pay significantly more than the minimum wage, particularly for positions requiring a background in accounting, economics, or financial analysis.
Top Sectors for High-Paying Jobs in Nigeria
Beyond the general industries, specific sectors within these industries consistently offer higher wages. Understanding these sectors can help you target your job search more effectively.
Tech Startups
Tech startups in Lagos and Abuja are particularly known for offering competitive salaries, especially for roles in software development, digital marketing, and product management.
Renewable Energy
As Nigeria shifts towards more sustainable energy solutions, the renewable energy sector is becoming a lucrative area for engineers, project managers, and environmental consultants.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector, especially in private hospitals and clinics, offers higher wages for professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical technologists.
How to find companies that pay more than N70,000
It takes planning and research to find companies that pay more than the minimum wage.
The following tips can assist you in locating high-paying employers:
Research Employer Reviews
You can explore websites that provide information on employee reviews, corporate wages, and general workplace culture like Glassdoor and Jobberman.
Make use of the above mentioned platforms to investigate possible employment.
Attend Industry Events
Networking events, job fairs, and industry conferences are great places to meet employers and find out which businesses pay competitive wages.
In Nigeria, online job search engines are vital resources for locating well-paying employment.
You can use these sites to filter job listings based on factors like location, industry, and income range.
Jobberman
One of the top job search engines in Nigeria is Jobberman. It provides a large selection of job postings in a variety of industries, including positions with good salary.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an effective tool for job searching in addition to being a networking platform. Make connections with professionals in the field on LinkedIn and apply to positions that fit your expectations for both compensation and skill set.
Networking for High-Paying Job Opportunities
Finding employment chances through networking that might not be publicly posted is a very effective strategy.
Developing a strong professional network might result in recommendations and insider knowledge about well-paying jobs.
Join Professional Associations
Acquiring membership in industry-specific professional associations can facilitate networking with like-minded individuals and provide you with job opportunity updates.
It’s helpful to establish a professional online profile and make connections with possible employers on sites like LinkedIn and Twitter.
Enhancing Your Skills for Better Job Prospects
Investing in skill development investments is essential to gaining access to higher-paying professions. Companies frequently look for applicants with particular abilities that are in high demand in the industry.
Technical Skills
Your income potential can be greatly increased by becoming proficient in technical skills like coding, data analysis, and digital marketing.
Soft Skills
Soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, are equally important to employers as technical talents and can improve your chances of landing a job.
The Role of Education in Securing High-Paying Jobs
Getting a college degree is frequently essential to landing a high-paying job.
Obtaining advanced degrees and certifications can boost your earning potential and open doors to higher-level work.
Undergraduate Degrees
In Nigeria, earning a bachelor’s degree in a discipline like engineering, computer science, or finance might lead to rich employment prospects.
Graduate Degrees
Your income potential can be further increased by pursuing a master’s degree or other additional credentials, particularly in professions like law and business administration.
Certifications That Boost Earning Potential
Obtaining certifications can greatly improve your career prospects and serve as an excellent means of showcasing your proficiency in a certain field.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification can lead to higher-paying project management employment and is widely recognized in a variety of industries, including construction, banking, and IT.
The CISSP certification is a useful qualification for people working in the IT industry as it can lead to high-paying cybersecurity positions.
The Impact of Experience on Salary Negotiation
Negotiating a pay requires experience, which is vital. Candidates with a track record of success in their industry are frequently offered higher compensation by employers.
Leveraging Past Experience
Emphasize your prior experience, especially any noteworthy accomplishments or leadership positions that show prospective employers how valuable you are, when negotiating your pay.
Continuous Learning
Whether through formal schooling or on-the-job training, keeping up your knowledge and skills in your profession will help you bargain more effectively when it comes to pay talks.
Leveraging Internships and Entry-Level Positions
Even while they might not pay much at first, internships and entry-level jobs can offer invaluable experience and chances to develop into higher-paying professions.
Gaining Experience
Utilize entry-level positions and internships as stepping stones to develop your resume, acquire experience, and eventually advance into more lucrative roles.
Networking Opportunities
Networking often provide opportunities that can lead to better-paying jobs in the future.
