Starting a career in the banking sector in Nigeria is a top goal for many graduates. Banks offer competitive salaries, structured career growth, and attractive benefits. If you’re planning to work at Standard Chartered, GT Bank, Stanbic Bank, Union Bank, Wema Bank, Sterling Bank, Lotus Bank, Optimus Bank, or Providus Bank, knowing the entry-level salary can help you plan your career better.

This guide provides an updated and verified salary range for fresh graduates in Nigerian banks for 2025, including benefits and what to expect as a new employee.

1. Standard Chartered Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦514,000 per month

Why Standard Chartered is attractive:

• Global banking exposure
• Excellent training programs
• Career development and mentorship
• Health insurance and pension contributions

2. Optimus Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦307,000 per month

Why Optimus Bank is appealing:

• Rapidly growing institution
• Training and development for fresh graduates
• Flexible work environment

3. Sterling Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦528,000 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Pension scheme
• Annual leave
• Performance-based bonuses

Sterling Bank is ideal for graduates seeking a combination of good pay and learning opportunities.

4. Union Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦530,000 per month

Why Union Bank stands out:

• Strong corporate culture
• Training and mentorship programs
• Comprehensive employee benefits

5. Wema Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦610,000 per month

Highlights:

• Health and life insurance
• Staff welfare programs
• Staff training and development

Wema Bank is known for offering competitive salaries to attract and retain talent.

6. GT Bank (Guaranty Trust Bank)

Entry-Level Salary: ₦480,000 per month

Why GT Bank is popular:

• High-performance culture
• Continuous training for young professionals
• Attractive benefits, including health insurance and pension

7. Stanbic Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦670,000 per month

Why Stanbic is top-paying:

• Strong international exposure
• High salaries and bonuses
• Excellent career growth opportunities

8. Lotus Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦500,000 per month

Highlights:

• Dynamic work environment
• Performance-based incentives
• Training and skill development

9. Providus Bank

Entry-Level Salary: ₦535,000 per month

Why Providus Bank is ideal for graduates:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Career development opportunities
• Supportive work culture

Benefits Commonly Offered to Entry-Level Bank Staff

Most Nigerian banks provide:

• Health and life insurance
• Pension contributions
• Annual leave
• Performance-based bonuses
• Staff training and development

These benefits, combined with competitive salaries, make banking one of the most attractive sectors for fresh graduates in Nigeria.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the entry-level salary for Standard Chartered Bank?

Entry-level staff at Standard Chartered earn ₦514,000 per month.

2. What is the entry-level salary for Optimus Bank?

Fresh graduates at Optimus Bank earn ₦307,000 per month.

3. What is the entry-level salary for Sterling Bank?

Sterling Bank pays fresh graduates ₦528,000 per month.

4. What is the entry-level salary for Union Bank?

Union Bank offers an entry-level salary of ₦530,000 per month.

5. What is the entry-level salary for Wema Bank?

Wema Bank pays ₦610,000 per month to new employees.

6. What is the entry-level salary for GT Bank?

GT Bank offers ₦480,000 per month for fresh graduates.

7. What is the entry-level salary for Stanbic Bank?

Stanbic Bank pays the highest among these banks, at ₦670,000 per month.

8. What is the entry-level salary for Lotus Bank?

Lotus Bank entry-level staff earn ₦500,000 per month.

9. What is the entry-level salary for Providus Bank?

Providus Bank offers ₦535,000 per month to fresh graduates.

Wrapping Up…

Entry-level salaries in Nigerian banks vary significantly, ranging from ₦307,000 at Optimus Bank to ₦670,000 at Stanbic Bank. Most banks also provide additional benefits such as health insurance, pensions, training programs, and performance-based bonuses.

For fresh graduates looking to start a career in banking, Stanbic Bank, Wema Bank, and Providus Bank offer some of the most competitive salaries, while Optimus Bank is a good entry point for gaining experience in a growing institution.

Understanding these salary ranges and benefits will help you make informed decisions and negotiate effectively when joining a Nigerian bank.