Top 10 Highest Paying Commercial Banks In Nigeria As Of 2025: (Salaries & Allowances)
The commercial banking sector in Nigeria continues to be one of the most sought-after industries for professionals. With the economy gradually stabilizing and financial institutions embracing digital transformation, banks are investing more in human capital. In 2025, top commercial banks in Nigeria offer competitive salaries, attractive allowances, and career growth opportunities to attract and retain top talent.
This blog post reveals the top 10 highest paying commercial banks in Nigeria as of 2025, including detailed insights into the salary structures, staff welfare packages, and extra benefits that make them stand out.
Factors That Determine Bank Salaries
Before diving into the list, it's important to understand what influences bank salary structures:
- Job position and experience level
- Department or unit (e.g., IT, Marketing, Corporate Banking)
- Size and profitability of the bank
- Performance and productivity bonuses
- Geographic location (urban vs rural branches)
Top 10 Highest Paying Commercial Banks in Nigeria (2025 Ranking)
1. Access Bank Plc
- Graduate Trainee Salary: ₦140,000 – ₦160,000/month
- Banking Officer Salary: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000/month
- Branch Manager: ₦800,000 – ₦1,000,000/month
- Allowances & Benefits: Housing, transport, 13th-month bonus, pension, medical, performance bonuses.
Why Access Bank Ranks No.1:
Access Bank leads in employee compensation, performance incentives, and internal promotion opportunities. Their merger with Diamond Bank has expanded their branch network and profit base, making them highly competitive.
2. Zenith Bank Plc
- Graduate Trainee Salary: ₦130,000 – ₦150,000/month
- Officer Salary: ₦280,000 – ₦400,000/month
- Branch Manager: ₦850,000 – ₦950,000/month
- Bonuses: Attractive yearly performance-based incentives and internal loans.
Highlight: Zenith is known for rewarding loyalty and hard work. Staff also enjoy one of the best pension plans in the industry.
3. First Bank of Nigeria
- Trainee Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦145,000/month
- Officer Level: ₦250,000 – ₦380,000/month
- Branch Manager: ₦850,000/month and above
- Perks: Healthcare, leave allowances, end-of-year bonus, and housing grants.
Why It Stands Out: First Bank’s history of stability and strong brand recognition makes it an employer of choice with a structured salary and promotion system.
4. Stanbic IBTC Bank
- Graduate Salary: ₦145,000/month
- Relationship Managers: ₦400,000 – ₦600,000/month
- Senior Executives: ₦1.2m and above
- Allowances: Health insurance, tech stipends, flexible work models, travel and lifestyle benefits.
Edge: Known for generous remuneration, especially in corporate banking and tech-related roles.
5. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
- Graduate Trainee: ₦120,000 – ₦135,000/month
- Banking Officers: ₦220,000 – ₦300,000/month
- Managerial Roles: ₦700,000 – ₦950,000/month
- Benefits: Fashionable work environment, bonuses, career advancement.
Unique Factor: GTBank offers a dynamic and modern work culture with structured promotions and international opportunities.
6. United Bank for Africa (UBA)
- Graduate Entry: ₦100,000 – ₦120,000/month
- Full Staff: ₦180,000 – ₦300,000/month
- Branch Manager: ₦650,000 – ₦850,000/month
- Extras: Lunch, housing, medical coverage, and access to UBA staff loan programs.
Pros: Competitive entry pay and one of the best training schools in Nigeria’s banking industry.
7. Fidelity Bank Plc
- Graduate Trainees: ₦110,000/month
- Officers: ₦250,000 – ₦330,000/month
- Branch Managers: ₦750,000 – ₦900,000/month
- Perks: Staff bonuses, leave grants, low-interest loans.
Strength: Fidelity Bank consistently reviews salary scales and ranks high for financial transparency and team welfare.
8. Union Bank of Nigeria
- Trainee Pay: ₦100,000/month
- Entry-Level Staff: ₦200,000 – ₦280,000/month
- Managers: ₦600,000 – ₦850,000/month
- Allowances: Accommodation aid, healthcare, end-of-year packages.
Note: Though recently acquired, Union Bank has maintained strong pay structures and job security for staff.
9. Sterling Bank
- Graduate Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦120,000/month
- Banking Officers: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000/month
- Branch Managers: ₦600,000 – ₦800,000/month
- Staff Packages: Flexible benefits system, learning stipends, and paid professional certifications.
Culture: Known for innovation and youth-friendly initiatives, Sterling is great for tech and creative-minded professionals.
10. Polaris Bank
- Trainee Pay: ₦95,000 – ₦110,000/month
- Full Officers: ₦200,000 – ₦270,000/month
- Senior Staff: ₦600,000 and above
- Allowances: Healthcare, rent allowance, fuel subsidies.
Summary: While not the top payer, Polaris offers stable employment, supportive team culture, and decent mid-level compensation.
Summary Table: 2025 Monthly Salary Overview
|
Bank Name |
Graduate Trainee |
Officer Level |
Branch Manager |
|
Access Bank |
₦140k–₦160k |
₦250k–₦350k |
₦1m+ |
|
Zenith Bank |
₦130k–₦150k |
₦280k–₦400k |
₦950k+ |
|
First Bank |
₦120k–₦145k |
₦250k–₦380k |
₦850k |
|
Stanbic IBTC |
₦145k |
₦400k–₦600k |
₦1.2m+ |
|
GTBank |
₦120k–₦135k |
₦220k–₦300k |
₦950k |
|
UBA |
₦100k–₦120k |
₦180k–₦300k |
₦850k |
|
Fidelity Bank |
₦110k |
₦250k–₦330k |
₦900k |
|
Union Bank |
₦100k |
₦200k–₦280k |
₦850k |
|
Sterling Bank |
₦100k–₦120k |
₦200k–₦300k |
₦800k |
|
Polaris Bank |
₦95k–₦110k |
₦200k–₦270k |
₦700k+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which bank pays the highest salary in Nigeria in 2025?
Access Bank ranks highest in terms of both salary and allowances across multiple staff categories in 2025.
2. What is the average salary of a graduate trainee in Nigerian banks?
Graduate trainees in top Nigerian banks earn between ₦100,000 and ₦160,000 per month, depending on the bank.
3. Do commercial banks offer bonuses and allowances?
Yes. Most banks provide 13th-month bonuses, medicals, transport, and housing allowances, plus staff loans and pensions.
4. What is the salary of a branch manager in Nigeria?
A branch manager earns between ₦700,000 and ₦1,000,000 per month, with additional performance bonuses and benefits.
5. Which bank is best for career growth in Nigeria?
GTBank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank are top choices for career development, promotions, and international opportunities.
Conclusion
The Nigerian commercial banking sector is still among the most lucrative industries for young professionals and experienced executives alike. In 2025, banks like Access Bank, Zenith, and First Bank continue to offer the best compensation and benefits. If you're looking to start or advance your banking career, aligning with one of these top 10 institutions may be your best decision yet.
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