Career Tips
Is the "Tech Bro" Era Over? Why Tech Salaries are Shifting and How to Stay Ahead.
Remember the early days of social media? It was the ultimate "Gold Rush." Suddenly, every business needed a Social Media Manager, and salaries were sky-high because the skill set was rare.
Admin
December 18, 2025
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Remember the early days of social media? It was the ultimate "Gold Rush." Suddenly, every business needed a Social Media Manager, and salaries were sky-high because the skill set was rare.
Fast forward to today, and we are seeing a "deja vu" moment in the tech industry. The "Tech Bro" lifestyle of effortless six-figure salaries is facing a reality check. With some junior roles now offering closer to ₦100,000–₦150,000, many are asking: Is the tech bubble bursting? Let’s dive into why this is happening and how you can navigate the new rules of the Nigerian tech market.
Fast forward to today, and we are seeing a "deja vu" moment in the tech industry. The "Tech Bro" lifestyle of effortless six-figure salaries is facing a reality check. With some junior roles now offering closer to ₦100,000–₦150,000, many are asking: Is the tech bubble bursting? Let’s dive into why this is happening and how you can navigate the new rules of the Nigerian tech market.
1. The "Social Media" Pattern: From Scarcity to Saturation
To understand tech today, we must look at the social media boom of the 2010s.
* The Boom: Early adopters who knew how to run Facebook Ads or manage Twitter communities could name their price.
* The Oversaturation: Eventually, thousands of people took 2-week "masterclasses." The market was flooded with "experts," supply exceeded demand, and average salaries plummeted.
The Tech Parallel: Tech has hit the same milestone. Between 2020 and 2024, coding boot camps and "Learn-to-Code" influencers flooded the market with entry-level talent. While the demand for tech is still high, the demand for basic skills has dropped, leading to lower starting pay for generalists.
To understand tech today, we must look at the social media boom of the 2010s.
* The Boom: Early adopters who knew how to run Facebook Ads or manage Twitter communities could name their price.
* The Oversaturation: Eventually, thousands of people took 2-week "masterclasses." The market was flooded with "experts," supply exceeded demand, and average salaries plummeted.
The Tech Parallel: Tech has hit the same milestone. Between 2020 and 2024, coding boot camps and "Learn-to-Code" influencers flooded the market with entry-level talent. While the demand for tech is still high, the demand for basic skills has dropped, leading to lower starting pay for generalists.
2. The Current Reality of Tech Salaries in Nigeria (2025)
The market isn't dying; it's maturing. While basic web developers might see lower entry-level offers, specialized roles are still commanding top tier pay.
The market isn't dying; it's maturing. While basic web developers might see lower entry-level offers, specialized roles are still commanding top tier pay.
Role Estimated Entry-Level (Monthly) Top-Tier / Specialized (Monthly)
Basic Web Dev / Junior UI/UX ₦120,000 - ₦200,000 ₦800,000+
Data Analyst / Scientist ₦180,000 - ₦300,000 ₦1.5M+
AI / Machine Learning Specialist ₦400,000+ ₦2.5M+
Cybersecurity Engineer ₦250,000+ ₦2.0M+
3. How to Survive the Shift: Adapt or Get Left Behind
The "Jack of all trades" era is ending. To earn the "Big Bucks" in 2025, you need to move beyond the basics.
A. Moving Beyond "Junior" Skills
Basic HTML/CSS or Figma skills are now considered "digital literacy," not "specialized tech skills." To stand out, you must integrate AI-assisted workflows and understand Cloud Infrastructure (AWS/Azure).
B. The Power of Specialization
Companies no longer want "a developer." They want a "Fintech Backend Specialist" or a "Cybersecurity Analyst for E-commerce." Finding your niche is the only way to avoid the "low-salary trap."
4. 3 Strategies to Navigate the Changing Landscape
1. Continuous Upskilling (The "Delta" Rule)
The tech industry moves at a "Delta" speed—it changes every 6 months. If you haven't learned a new tool or framework this year, your value is likely depreciating.
Action: Dedicate 5 hours a week to learning emerging tech like Blockchain, Edge Computing, or AI Prompt Engineering.
2. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Degrees and certificates are losing weight. Employers at JobBusStop look for results.
* Action: Instead of just listing "JavaScript" on your CV, link to a GitHub repo where you solved a real-world Nigerian problem, like a local logistics tracker or a budget-friendly fintech API.
3. Strategic Networking (Beyond LinkedIn)
Networking is your "social capital." Join local tech hubs (like those in Yaba or Abuja), attend hackathons, and engage in developer communities. Many of the best-paying roles never make it to public job boards—they are filled through referrals.
The Verdict: Is Tech Still Worth It?
Yes. Tech remains the most viable path to financial freedom in Nigeria. However, the "easy money" for beginners is gone. The industry is rewarding depth over breadth.
The days of ₦100,000 salaries for "Tech Bros" are a signal: the bar has been raised. If you are willing to put in the work to become a specialist, the six-figure (and seven-figure) opportunities are still very much alive.
The "Jack of all trades" era is ending. To earn the "Big Bucks" in 2025, you need to move beyond the basics.
A. Moving Beyond "Junior" Skills
Basic HTML/CSS or Figma skills are now considered "digital literacy," not "specialized tech skills." To stand out, you must integrate AI-assisted workflows and understand Cloud Infrastructure (AWS/Azure).
B. The Power of Specialization
Companies no longer want "a developer." They want a "Fintech Backend Specialist" or a "Cybersecurity Analyst for E-commerce." Finding your niche is the only way to avoid the "low-salary trap."
4. 3 Strategies to Navigate the Changing Landscape
1. Continuous Upskilling (The "Delta" Rule)
The tech industry moves at a "Delta" speed—it changes every 6 months. If you haven't learned a new tool or framework this year, your value is likely depreciating.
Action: Dedicate 5 hours a week to learning emerging tech like Blockchain, Edge Computing, or AI Prompt Engineering.
2. Build a "Proof of Work" Portfolio
Degrees and certificates are losing weight. Employers at JobBusStop look for results.
* Action: Instead of just listing "JavaScript" on your CV, link to a GitHub repo where you solved a real-world Nigerian problem, like a local logistics tracker or a budget-friendly fintech API.
3. Strategic Networking (Beyond LinkedIn)
Networking is your "social capital." Join local tech hubs (like those in Yaba or Abuja), attend hackathons, and engage in developer communities. Many of the best-paying roles never make it to public job boards—they are filled through referrals.
The Verdict: Is Tech Still Worth It?
Yes. Tech remains the most viable path to financial freedom in Nigeria. However, the "easy money" for beginners is gone. The industry is rewarding depth over breadth.
The days of ₦100,000 salaries for "Tech Bros" are a signal: the bar has been raised. If you are willing to put in the work to become a specialist, the six-figure (and seven-figure) opportunities are still very much alive.
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