If you studied sociology in school, you’ve probably asked yourself this one question.
What can I do with a sociology degree in Nigeria and how much do they even pay?
This is a question many people are asking, students, fresh graduates, and job seekers.
Sociology is one of the most flexible courses in Nigerian universities today.
From private firms to government agencies and even NGOs, sociologists are needed.
But unfortunately, many people don’t know how much sociologists earn in real life.
This article gives you a breakdown of sociology jobs and their salary structures.
Whether you studied social work, criminology, or industrial relations, this guide is for you.
You’ll see the career paths available, the pay range, and what it takes to get a good job.
What is Sociology and Why It Matters in Nigeria
Sociology is the study of human behavior, relationships, and how society functions.
It looks at social institutions like family, religion, politics, education, and culture.
Sociologists help us understand how people interact and solve real-life social issues.
In Nigeria, sociologists work in areas like social work, HR, community service, and policy.
Their job is to study patterns in society and offer ideas that can help solve problems.
Whether it’s poverty, crime, unemployment, or gender inequality, they play a role.
With Nigeria’s population growing fast and social challenges rising,
the need for trained sociologists is more urgent than ever.
From civil service to NGOs, their services are becoming more valuable.
Types of Sociology Jobs Available in Nigeria
There’s no single path for sociology graduates, they can work in many sectors.
What matters most is your specialization, experience, and professional skills.
Here are the common sociology-related jobs you’ll find in Nigeria:
- Social Worker or Welfare Officer
- Human Resources Officer
- NGO Program Officer
- Community Development Worker
- Policy Analyst or Researcher
- Guidance Counsellor
- Industrial Relations Officer
- Public Relations Assistant
- Criminologist or Correctional Officer
- Academic Researcher or Lecturer
Some of these roles are in the private sector while others are in government or NGOs.
The pay structure also varies depending on the employer, location, and experience.
Let’s now look at how much you can earn with a sociology degree in Nigeria.
Entry-Level Sociology Jobs and Their Salaries
Fresh graduates with no work experience often start at entry-level roles.
These are mostly internships, volunteer work, or assistant-level positions.
The pay is not too high but gives room for learning and growth.
In NGOs, sociology graduates can earn between 80,000 to 150,000 monthly.
Government agencies pay between 70,000 and 120,000 per month for fresh grads.
Private companies in HR roles may offer 100,000 to 180,000 monthly starting pay.
In schools, guidance counselors may earn 70,000 to 100,000 depending on the school.
Those working in correctional services can earn 90,000 to 120,000 monthly.
The salary improves after one to two years and some certification.
Mid-Level Salaries for Sociology Jobs in Nigeria
After gaining two to five years of experience, the salary usually increases.
You’ll move from junior roles to executive, officer, or supervisory positions.
At this point, your pay depends heavily on the sector you’re working in.
A program officer in an NGO can earn between 200,000 to 400,000 monthly.
Human resource executives in private firms take home 250,000 to 450,000.
Policy analysts in think tanks or government parastatals earn around 300,000.
Sociologists in research institutions or development projects earn more.
You could earn 350,000 to 600,000 depending on your responsibilities.
With good networking and extra certifications, it’s possible to earn higher.
Senior-Level Sociology Professionals and Their Pay
Once you cross the 5–10 year mark in your field, you’ll likely hold top positions.
This includes roles like program manager, senior HR officer, policy consultant, etc.
At this point, the salary structure becomes more attractive.
Senior officers in international NGOs earn 700,000 to 1.2 million monthly.
Consultants or analysts working with development projects earn over 1.5 million.
Heads of departments in public service may earn between 600,000 to 900,000.
University lecturers with PhDs in sociology earn 450,000 to 700,000 monthly.
With additional research grants, their monthly income could be much higher.
Private companies also pay well for industrial relations or PR professionals.
Top Employers of Sociologists in Nigeria
Many sociology jobs exist across private, public, and non-profit organizations.
But some employers stand out because of their pay, structure, and career growth.
Here are some of the top places you can work as a sociologist in Nigeria:
- Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
- National Bureau of Statistics
- United Nations Agencies (UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA)
- International NGOs (Save the Children, ActionAid, Plan International)
- Private companies (banks, telecoms, and oil firms in HR roles)
- Nigerian Correctional Service
- Universities and Colleges
- Research Institutes and Think Tanks
Getting into these places may be competitive, but it’s possible with preparation.
Good CV, networking, and relevant certifications can make you stand out.
Most employers value sociologists with problem-solving and analytical skills.
Editors pick
Specializations That Pay Higher in Sociology
Not all sociology roles pay the same in Nigeria.
Some areas attract higher salaries due to demand and technicality.
Below are high-paying specializations you can consider:
- Industrial Sociology– used in labour management and HR
- Criminology – relevant in law enforcement and correctional services
- Medical Sociology – used in hospitals and healthcare NGOs
- Development Sociology – needed by NGOs and community agencies
- Demography– used by research firms, NBS, and global projects
You can also combine sociology with data analysis, project management, or ICT.
This makes you more competitive and helps you negotiate better pay.
Graduate studies or professional certification also adds more value to your profile.
Private vs Public Sector Salary Comparison
The private sector usually pays more than the public sector in Nigeria.
This is especially true in HR, marketing, or industrial relations roles.
Sociologists in banks and oil companies earn much more than those in civil service.
In the public sector, salary is tied to government scales and grades.
For example, a Level 08 officer may earn around 120,000 to 150,000 monthly.
A Level 12 officer may earn 180,000 to 250,000 depending on allowances.
Meanwhile, a sociology graduate working in a private HR firm can earn over 300,000.
The salary difference is wide, but public service offers job security and benefits.
Many people move to the private sector after getting civil service experience.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Sociologist
Getting a sociology degree is one thing, earning good money with it is another.
To earn better, you must keep improving yourself and adding to your skill set.
Here are tips to boost your earnings as a sociology graduate in Nigeria:
- Learn data analysis tools like SPSS, Excel, or Power BI
- Get certified in human resources, project management, or social work
- Volunteer with NGOs to gain experience and build your CV
- Apply for fellowships or research training programs
- Network with professionals through LinkedIn and conferences
- Learn proposal writing, grant management, and impact reporting
- Go for postgraduate degrees or relevant diplomas
These strategies will not only increase your salary but also job satisfaction.
The more skilled you are, the more you’ll be valued and paid in the job market.
Also, keep applying to better jobs while learning on the current one.
Average Sociology Job Salary Table in Nigeria
| Job Role | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Social Worker (Govt) | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| NGO Program Officer | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| HR Executive | 250,000 – 450,000 |
| Policy Analyst | 300,000 – 500,000 |
| Criminologist | 150,000 – 300,000 |
| Lecturer | 450,000 – 700,000 |
| Correctional Officer | 90,000 – 120,000 |
| Community Dev. Worker | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Consultant (NGO) | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Intern / Volunteer | 20,000 – 50,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn well with a sociology degree in Nigeria?
Yes, but it depends on your skills, job role, and employer.
NGOs and private firms usually pay higher than government agencies.
You also need to gain experience and stay updated in your field.
What’s the highest paying job for a sociology graduate in Nigeria?
Working as a consultant in an international NGO or policy think tank pays well.
They can earn over 1.5 million naira monthly depending on the project.
HR managers in large corporations also earn good salaries.
Are there remote jobs for sociologists in Nigeria?
Yes, especially in research, data analysis, social media, or content creation.
NGOs and development firms now hire remote research or M\&E assistants.
You just need to position yourself and improve your digital skills.
What can I do after studying sociology?
You can work in HR, social work, research, PR, NGO management, or teaching.
Other options include community development, policy analysis, or public service.
You can also do a master’s in a specialized field like criminology or demography.
How can I increase my earning power as a sociology graduate?
Get certified in project management, HR, or data analytics.
Build work experience through internships and volunteering.
Apply to top-paying sectors like NGOs, consulting firms, and private HR firms.
Conclusion
Sociology may not look like a professional course at first glance,
but it offers multiple job opportunities across different sectors in Nigeria.
From social work to HR, NGOs to academia, there’s space for trained sociologists.
The salary may start small but increases with experience, skill, and certification.
With the right exposure, sociology graduates can earn as much as engineers or accountants.
The secret is to be strategic, versatile, and ready to learn new things.
If you’ve been wondering whether your sociology degree is worth it,
the answer is yes — you just need to apply it in the right direction.
And now that you know what the salary looks like, it’s time to aim higher.