High Paying Jobs You Can Do in Nigeria Without a University Degree

High Paying Jobs You Can Do in Nigeria Without a University Degree

Finding high paying jobs in Nigeria without a degree may sound like an uphill battle, but for thousands of successful Nigerians, it’s an everyday reality.

What sets non-degree careers apart is their low entry barrier and fast scalability. Many of these jobs allow you to start with minimal capital and grow your income over time. The POS business, logistics, mini-importation and even online writing are perfect examples of how Nigerians are building financial freedom without formal education.

By learning through free platforms, practicing consistently and leveraging social media for branding and visibility, thousands of individuals are proving daily that success in Nigeria doesn’t have to come with a degree-it comes with drive, strategy and skill.

Top Fields Offering Well-Paying Roles Without University Education

There are entire industries where skills trump paper qualifications. Let’s unpack them below.

Skilled Trades: Hands-On, High Return

These jobs are often overlooked, but they’re among the most reliable high paying jobs in Nigeria without a degree. If you’re good with your hands and can deliver quality, clients will chase you down with contracts-even without asking where you went to school.

Welding and Fabrication

From gates and railings to structural work on buildings and oil & gas equipment, welders are essential in construction-heavy regions like Abuja, Port Harcourt and Warri. Skilled welders who understand precision work, industrial fabrication or pipeline welding can earn far more than entry-level white-collar workers.

How to Get In:

• Learn the craft through apprenticeship or local training centers

• Master safety procedures and the use of gas and arc welding machines

• Specialize in areas like aluminum, stainless steel or oil & gas welding

Earnings: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000+ monthly (higher for industrial or offshore contracts)

Tiling and Painting

Real estate development is booming, which means constant demand for finishing work. Good tilers and painters don’t just earn from homes-offices, hotels and even warehouses require them. Most charge by square meter or project basis.

How to Get In:

• Learn through hands-on training or by assisting experienced tradesmen

• Invest in tools like trowels, spirit levels and sprayers

• Build a portfolio with before-and-after photos for WhatsApp and Instagram marketing

Earnings: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000+ per month
(At ₦600–₦800 per sqm, a single 3-bedroom project can pay ₦150K+)

Fashion and Tailoring

The tailoring industry in Nigeria has exploded beyond local clientele. With a strong Instagram presence and modern designs, tailors are sewing for clients in Canada, the UK and the US. Bridal outfits, agbada, senator styles and streetwear are hot niches.

How to Get In:

• Apprentice under a good tailor or attend a fashion school

• Master both local and trendy styles (bridal, Ankara, urban streetwear)

• Showcase your work online; invest in presentation (good photos = more clients)

Earnings: ₦150,000 – ₦400,000+ monthly
(Top designers can charge ₦30k–₦70k per outfit)

Online Freelancing

The beauty of freelancing online is that it pays in foreign currency-and no degree is needed. All you need is internet, consistency and skill. Thousands of Nigerians now earn a full-time income from their bedrooms.

Virtual Assistance (VA)

Virtual assistants handle admin tasks for companies, coaches and solopreneurs. Tasks include data entry, email management, bookings and social media scheduling. If you’re organized and good with communication, this is a goldmine.

How to Get In:

• Learn skills on platforms like Coursera or YouTube (e.g., Google Calendar, Trello, Slack)

• Offer your services on Upwork, Fiverr or LinkedIn

• Create a simple VA resume and offer free trials to land first clients

Earnings: $400 – $1,000+ per month (₦600,000+ depending on hours)

Writing and Copywriting

Nigerians are now among the top sellers on Upwork and Fiverr in writing gigs. From blog posts to product descriptions and sales emails, clients care more about your output than your degree. If you can write persuasively, there’s room to grow fast.

How to Get In:

• Pick a niche: SEO articles, website copy, email campaigns, technical writing

• Build samples using Medium or a personal blog

• Join job boards like ProBlogger, Upwork, Contena, etc.

Earnings: $200 – $2,000+ per month
(₦150,000 – ₦1.5M+ depending on skill, speed and volume)

Voiceover Artistry

Got a great voice and clear diction? You can earn by recording scripts for ads, documentaries, courses, animations and more. Even with just a quiet space and phone, you can land gigs-especially if you have an accent or tone that’s in demand.

How to Get In:

• Record demo reels using your phone or free software like Audacity

• Upload your samples on platforms like Voices.com, Fiverr and SoundCloud

• Market your services to YouTubers, course creators and advertisers

Earnings: $50 – $300+ per project
(₦30,000 – ₦200,000 per job, recurring gigs available)

Logistics and Mobility

The movement of people and goods in Nigeria is a booming sector. If you can handle the road, manage time and serve customers well, logistics work is one of the fastest-paying routes with no degree needed.

Dispatch Riding

With the explosion of e-commerce and food delivery, dispatch riders are in high demand. From delivering clothes to documents and meals, riders who are smart with routes and maintain professionalism make good monthly income.

How to Get In:

• Buy or rent a bike

• Register with apps like GIG, Kwik, Jumia Logistics or offer freelance services

• Promote yourself to local vendors and online stores

Earnings: ₦100,000 – ₦250,000+ per month
(Bulk deliveries and corporate contracts increase earnings)

Bolt / Uber Driver

Driving with ride-hailing services is still one of the best paying side hustles or full-time gigs for non-degree holders in urban areas. It depends on car ownership, location and how many hours you put in.

How to Get In:

• Have a valid driver’s license and smartphone

• Sign up with Uber or Bolt and get a vehicle (lease, rent or own)

• Focus on busy hours and high-demand routes (like Lekki, Victoria Island, Wuse, Garki)

Earnings: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000+ monthly
(Some earn more with bonuses and smart shift strategies)

Truck Driving / Haulage

Licensed truck drivers haul food, cement, electronics or even fuel across Nigerian states. This is capital-intensive but highly rewarding. Many logistics companies are willing to pay well for reliability.

How to Get In:

• Get a truck or work with a fleet/logistics company

• Learn cross-state routes and comply with road safety regulations

• Build a reputation for on-time delivery and cargo safety

Earnings: ₦300,000 – ₦600,000+ monthly
(Lucrative for long-haul drivers transporting perishable or critical goods)

Business and Entrepreneurship: Create Jobs Without a Certificate

In today’s Nigeria, the people making the most money are not always sitting behind an office desk. Many of them are on the streets, online or inside small shops running businesses. Entrepreneurship remains one of the most profitable routes to earning well without a degree. It may take guts, but the reward is independence-and serious income.

Mini Importation Business

Mini importation is a game-changer. You can buy products like fashion accessories, gadgets, home items or beauty tools from sites like 1688.com or Alibaba at extremely low prices and sell at 2x to 4x markup in Nigeria. No degree is needed, just the right sourcing and delivery strategy.

How to Get In:

• Open a domiciliary or fintech-based account (e.g., Payoneer, Grey) for cross-border payments

• Take a mini importation course or follow YouTube channels that teach it step-by-step

• Use shipping agents to deliver to Nigeria, then resell via WhatsApp, Instagram, Jiji and TikTok

Earnings: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000+ monthly depending on product and demand
(Many young Nigerians now use this to fund full-time lifestyles)

POS Business (Agent Banking)

The POS business is still booming. With Nigeria’s cash handling issues and long queues at banks, agents are in demand everywhere-from urban centers to remote villages. It requires no certificate and starts paying from day one.

How to Get In:

• Register with providers like Opay, Moniepoint or Palmpay

• Get a POS terminal and a kiosk or shop in a visible, busy location

• Offer excellent customer service and avoid cash shortages

Earnings: ₦3,000 – ₦20,000 daily
(That’s ₦90k – ₦600k monthly with strong foot traffic)

Phone Repairs & Accessories Sales

Almost every Nigerian uses a phone-and phones break. If you can repair common issues like screen cracks, battery problems or charging ports, you’ll never lack customers. Combine this with selling accessories like chargers, earpieces and screen guards for extra income.

How to Get In:

• Learn from a local phone repair shop (3–6 months apprenticeship)

• Purchase affordable tools like soldering irons, multimeters and screw kits

• Set up shop near a market, school or busy bus stop

Earnings: ₦100,000 – ₦400,000+ monthly
(Repairs + accessories = double cashflow)

Certification-Based Jobs That Don’t Require a University Degree

You don’t always need a degree to land a high-paying job-certifications can open doors just as easily. With a few months of focused learning, you can land solid roles in tech, safety and technical services. Recruiters are now paying attention to certificates that prove you can do the job, not just attend school.

Tech Certifications (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Coursera)

Global companies now offer recognized certificates in tech, marketing, cloud computing and data analysis. These short-term courses prepare you for real jobs in digital marketing, IT support and tech administration.

How to Get In:

• Enroll in free or affordable courses from platforms like Coursera, Google Digital Skills or Meta Blueprint

• Focus on one track: social media management, IT support, UI/UX design or data analytics

• Build a portfolio and apply for jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed or remote platforms

Earnings: ₦150,000 – ₦700,000 monthly (or more for remote international gigs)

HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Certification

Oil companies, construction firms and factories all require HSE-compliant personnel to avoid accidents and follow global safety standards. With an HSE 1, 2 or 3 certificate, you can land safety officer roles in major sites-even without a university degree.

How to Get In:

• Enroll in a certified HSE training center (₦20k – ₦100k)

• Learn safety practices, risk assessments and hazard management

• Apply for site-based roles or security-based contracts

Earnings: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 monthly depending on company or contract

CCTV Installation & Security Systems

Homes, churches, schools and stores are installing CCTV systems more than ever before. This is a short-skill, high-income trade that can be learned in just a few weeks-and you don’t need a degree to get started.

How to Get In:

• Take a short course in security tech and CCTV wiring (online or offline)

• Learn camera configuration, IP systems and DVR setup

• Promote your services to offices, estates and churches

Earnings: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000 per job or monthly (installations + maintenance deals)

Where to Learn These High-Income Skills Without Going to School

Formal education isn’t the only route to knowledge. If you’re self-motivated, thousands of free and affordable platforms exist that can equip you for the best high paying jobs in Nigeria without a degree.

YouTube

The internet’s biggest university. Whether you want to learn makeup, coding, tailoring or trading forex-YouTube is packed with tutorials. It’s free and available 24/7.

• Great for: Phone repair, voiceover, writing, fashion, event planning

• Tip: Follow Nigerian creators for local relevance

Udemy / Coursera

These are global online course platforms offering professional training in everything from digital marketing to plumbing to business strategy. Many of their courses include certificates that can boost your credibility.

• Great for: Tech skills, freelancing, business growth, VA training

• Cost: ₦5,000 – ₦30,000 (one-time fee)

Jobberman Soft Skills Training

Jobberman offers free certifications for Nigerians in workplace skills like communication, emotional intelligence and productivity. This is ideal if you’re targeting jobs in customer service, sales or admin.

• Duration: 1–2 weeks

• Verified certificate included

Google Digital Skills for Africa

Google offers over 20 free professional courses tailored for the African workforce. From email marketing to e-commerce, you can earn multiple globally recognized certificates and add them to your CV or LinkedIn.

• Great for: Digital jobs, tech support, marketing, remote freelancing

• Free and accessible to all

Local Training Centers & Tech Hubs

Places like Andela, Decagon and local computer centers offer offline learning for people who prefer in-person training. Many of these centers even help with job placement.

• Great for: Web dev, UI/UX, safety and hardware installation

• Cost: Varies from ₦20k – ₦150k depending on duration

What You Really Need to Succeed (No Degree Required)

Degrees don’t guarantee success. Many graduates are unemployed while thousands of non-degree holders are building empires. If you want to succeed in any of the fields listed, focus on these 4 things:

1. Consistency

Mastery doesn’t happen in one day. Whether you’re writing articles, baking cakes or fixing phones, you must keep practicing and showing up.

Pro tip: Set weekly growth goals (e.g., 1 new client, 1 new skill video, 5 DMs to pitch)

2. Branding

If you want to charge premium rates, act like a business-even if you’re just one person.

• Create a business name, logo and flier

• Share testimonials and results online

• Use consistent messaging and social proof (before/after photos, reviews)

3. Networking

The right relationship can change your life faster than a degree ever could.

• Join industry WhatsApp and Facebook groups

• Attend local events or skill meetups

• Partner with people offering related services (e.g., a photographer partnering with a makeup artist)

4. Proof of Work

Clients don’t care about certificates-they want results. Always show what you’ve done before.

• Keep a portfolio (even if it’s just on your phone gallery)

• Use Google Drive or a free blog to store and showcase your work

• Ask happy clients for video or written testimonials

Nigeria’s economy is evolving. While degrees still hold value, they’re no longer a ticket to success. Whether you’re fresh out of secondary school or trying to pivot careers, chasing high paying jobs in Nigeria without a degree is no longer unrealistic. It’s possible. It’s practical. And it’s happening right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest high paying jobs in Nigeria without a degree?

Some of the easiest to start include POS operations, dispatch riding, phone accessories sales and virtual assistance. These jobs require low capital or short training periods, yet they offer strong monthly returns when done consistently.

How much can I earn from freelancing without a degree in Nigeria?

Freelancers in Nigeria earn from ₦100,000 to ₦700,000 monthly on average, depending on skill and client base. Writers, graphic designers and virtual assistants with international clients often earn in dollars through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

Do I need certification for any of these jobs?

Not always. But for some fields like tech, HSE safety or CCTV installation, certifications help build trust and open more doors. Free and low-cost certificates from Google, Coursera and local training centers can give you a competitive edge.

What business can I start in Nigeria with little money and no degree?

You can start mini importation, POS business, phone repair, snacks and baking or resell thrift clothes online. With as little as ₦20,000–₦50,000, you can launch a profitable side hustle and grow it over time.

Which online platforms can help me learn skills for these jobs?

Top platforms include YouTube (free), Udemy, Coursera, Google Digital Skills for Africa and Jobberman. These sites offer practical courses in digital marketing, freelancing, design, tech and more-even without requiring academic qualifications.

Can I work for international companies without a degree?

Yes. Many international companies hire based on skills, portfolio and performance-not paper degrees. Freelancers in Nigeria get hired every day as VAs, designers, writers and developers for clients abroad.

What’s the most profitable job I can start quickly without school?

POS operations, logistics (dispatch) and online affiliate marketing are some of the quickest-to-launch options. With the right location or traffic source, these can generate over ₦100,000 monthly from the first month.

Is tech a good career path without a degree in Nigeria?

Yes, tech is one of the most rewarding non-degree fields today. With free certifications in digital marketing, coding or data analysis, you can work remotely for Nigerian or international companies and earn in foreign currency.