Data Scientist Salary in Nigeria- Detailed Monthly & Annual Salary Breakup!

The demand for data scientists has increased globally in recent years, and Nigeria is no exception. As businesses heavily rely on data to drive strategic decisions, the role of a data scientist has become indispensable in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, technology, and retail. This growing demand has led to competitive salaries and attractive career prospects for data professionals in the country. According to “Glassdoor”, the average monthly salary of a data scientist in Nigeria is around ₦3,25,000 as of August 2024. 

Read the article to know more about data scientist salary in nigeria, designation-wise salary variation, company-wise salary and more.

Average Data Scientist Salary in Nigeria

According to the Glassdoor report, as of August 2024, the average monthly salary of a data scientist in Nigeria is around ₦2,50,000. The salary varies depending on experience, education, industry, and location. Entry-level data scientists with basic skills and limited experience earn competitive starting salaries, while mid-level professionals with additional certifications and specialised expertise see substantial increases. Senior data scientists and those in leadership positions who manage teams and strategic projects receive the highest salaries. 

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Per Month Data Scientist Salary in Nigeria

According to “Glassdoor”, the monthly salary for data scientists in Nigeria is around ₦3,25,000 as of August 2024. The data scientist’s salary in Nigeria varies based on qualifications, skills and location. For example, Lagos, as the commercial hub of Nigeria, offers the highest compensation to data scientists as there are many multinational companies and tech startups available. Similarly, cities like Abuja and Port Harcourt also offer attractive salaries but may not match the premium rates seen in Lagos. Additionally, finance, tech, and consulting industries in these cities often provide higher salaries to attract top talents and skilled professionals. This citywide variation highlights the importance of location in determining monthly earnings, with urban centres generally offering more high-paying opportunities and sub-urban areas offering fewer opportunities. 

How to Become a Data Scientist?

To become a Data Scientist in Nigeria, you must follow certain steps, such as gaining practical experience, pursuing essential qualifications and certifications, etc. Here are a few steps to help you build your foundation in a data science career.

• Understand Your Roles and Responsibilities: Understand the roles and responsibilities of a Data Scientist, such as collecting, processing, and analysing large datasets to extract valuable insights. 
• Acquire Training Beyond Coding: Learn data science programming languages such as Python, SQL, and R. Gain hands-on experience in data strategy, including defining business goals, developing KPIs, supporting metrics, data sources, business outcomes, and optimisation plans. Develop essential soft skills like communication, project management, stakeholder engagement, and business-facing skills.
• Enrol in Relevant Courses and Certifications: Enrol in online courses and boot camps to learn about the fundamentals and advanced data science techniques. You can also enrol in the Digital Regenesys Data Science Course to upskill your knowledge. After completing the course, you will receive an internationally recognised certificate.
• Work on Projects: Engage in projects to practise and improve your data science skills. You can also think about project-oriented training opportunities such as freelancing and internships to gain practical experience.
• Join a Community or Network: Connect with professionals by joining physical or online communities. Subscribe to newsletters and stay updated with recent developments in data science.
• Participate in Competitions or Practise as a Freelancer: Participate in competitions or work as a freelancer to develop your data science career through practical projects.

Skills Required to Become a Data Scientist

The most essential skills for data scientists are technical skills, such as data visualisation, machine learning, deep learning, and more. However, there are some interpersonal skills data scientists should also know about, as they have to explain their findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. To become a data scientist in Nigeria, you should have an understanding of the following skills:

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL is crucial for data manipulation and analysis.
• Statistical Knowledge: Understanding statistical methods and data analysis techniques is fundamental.
• Machine Learning: Familiarity with frameworks like TensorFlow and Scikit-Learn for building predictive models.
• Data Visualisation: Skills in Tableau and Power BI tools to effectively communicate insights.
• Big Data Technologies: Knowledge of platforms like Hadoop and Spark for handling large datasets.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management abilities are vital for stakeholder collaboration.

In conclusion, becoming a data scientist offers a diverse career path in Nigeria, with competitive salaries and different benefits. Aspiring data scientists must prioritise building a strong educational background and gaining practical experience. Digital Regenesys offers specialised courses such as data science, digital marketing, project management, etc, focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge. This online learning approach ensures its learners are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and contribute effectively to industry demands. Enrol in Digital Regenesys today and upskill your preparation to become a data scientist in 30 weeks.

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