Want to know the best-paying professions in Ghana? Here’s a list of the best jobs that will pay a higher salary in the country in 2024.
In Ghana, where unemployment rates remain a pressing concern, identifying high-paying career opportunities becomes paramount to empowering the workforce and addressing this challenge.
In our previous articles, we highlighted the Best Websites To Find A Job In Ghana, where he listed the 10 best-trusted platforms where Ghanaians can explore and land their dream jobs.
In this article, TheDistin will delve into Ghana’s professional landscape, highlighting the highest-paying jobs that offer promising earning potential. By shedding light on these sought-after occupations, individuals can strategically plan their career paths, acquire the necessary skills, and position themselves for success while contributing to Ghana’s economic growth. Through these high-paying careers, individuals can secure financial stability, improve their quality of life, and actively combat the distressing unemployment rate, fostering a prosperous future for themselves and the nation.
By emphasizing the transformative impact of these high-paying careers, this exploration aims to inspire job seekers, graduates, and professionals to invest in their education and personal development. By acquiring the relevant qualifications and skills, individuals can enhance their employability and seize the opportunities available in these lucrative sectors. This article serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging individuals to strive for self-sufficiency, reduce unemployment, and contribute to a prosperous Ghana where financial well-being and personal fulfillment go hand in hand.
What are the best-paying jobs in Ghana?
With the world’s economies recovering and beginning to grow, there is a great opportunity to start or change your career. Companies are hiring new talent, and access to global opportunities has never been better.
The highest-paid jobs in Ghana span various industries and sectors. Here are some of the professions that are known to offer lucrative compensation, in no particular order:
1. Medical Doctor
Healthcare has always been one of the foundations of a good society. Healthcare workers are the primary movers in this sector, especially doctors. They see patients with illnesses and give them a suitable course of treatment. They also assess overall health and advise their patients on improving and maintaining good physical and mental wellness.
In this sector, there are levels; we have general doctors and medical specialists; the latter receive more salary than the former.
Medical specialists, such as surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and radiologists, often command high salaries due to their specialized skills and expertise in healthcare.
General practitioners, including family doctors and pediatricians, are among the highest-paid doctors. Dentists, orthodontists, and prosthodontists also have high salaries. Anesthesiologists are paid more than any other type of doctor.
Per MyHealthBasics, a person working as a doctor or physician in Ghana typically earns around 11,900 GHS per month. Salaries range from 4,370 GHS (the lowest average) to 20,100 GHS (the highest average); the actual maximum salary is higher.
According to a controversial publication by the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian specialist doctors earn around GH¢ 5,000 under the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS).
Even Glassdoor reports that some related job titles, such as Registered Nurse (RN), are paid around GHS 6,400.
2. Mining Engineers
Ghana’s rich mineral resources make mining engineers highly valued professionals. They play a critical role in the extraction and management of mineral deposits, contributing to their high earning potential.
The salary range for the majority of workers in the mining sector is from GH₵1,408 to GH₵7,330 per month. Mining engineers, metallurgists, and related professionals typically earn between GH₵1,408 and GH₵3,330 net per month at the start of the job, per MyWages.
3. COCOBOD
COCOBOD (Ghana Cocoa Board) workers in Ghana encompass a wide range of roles and positions, and their income levels vary depending on factors such as job position, seniority, and responsibilities. While some COCOBOD workers may earn competitive salaries and enjoy certain benefits, it would be inaccurate to categorize all COCOBOD workers as “rich.”
COCOBOD is responsible for regulating and overseeing Ghana’s cocoa industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The organization employs various professionals, including cocoa farmers, field officers, technicians, agronomists, researchers, and administrative staff. The income levels of these workers can differ significantly based on their specific roles and the compensation structure in place.
While certain positions within COCOBOD may offer favorable compensation packages, it is crucial to consider that income alone does not determine an individual’s overall financial status or wealth. Factors such as personal financial management, expenses, and lifestyle choices also play a significant role in determining an individual’s financial well-being.
It’s worth noting that the cocoa industry in Ghana faces challenges such as fluctuations in cocoa prices, climate change impacts, and market dynamics. These factors can affect the financial stability and income levels of those involved in the cocoa value chain, including COCOBOD workers.
Ultimately, it would be more accurate to assess the financial well-being of COCOBOD workers on an individual basis, taking into account their specific roles, earnings, and financial circumstances.
GhanaWeb once reported that the erstwhile Cocobod CEO, Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, earned a GHC70,000 monthly salary. The current CEO, Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo’s salary is not known yet.
The average salary for an Accountant is GHS 2,500 per month in Accra, Ghana, which is 50% lower than the average Ghana Cocoa Board salary of GHS 5,000 per month for this job.
4. IT Consultants and Managers
IT consultants are important in today’s world which is internet savvy. So brands need the services of an IT consultant to have a good internet presence. Most times you would require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or IT certifications.
Information Technology (IT) managers who oversee technology operations and strategic planning in organizations often earn competitive salaries. Their role in managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development contributes to their high pay scale.
IT experts earn more from not only working with their skills but also consulting for various brands in the IT world, they could also earn from teaching others who have an interest in learning IT-related content.
With artificial intelligence becoming the new thing, many IT consultants also work on AI recruiting software that is in big demand nowadays.
5. Petroleum Engineers
With Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry, petroleum engineers are in high demand. Their expertise in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas resources contributes to their high earning potential.
Glassdoor reports that a monthly salary for Petroleum engineers is GHS 39,000.
6. University lecturers and Professor
Professors are educators in higher education. They help design curriculums as well as teach in their field of specialty. They teach both undergraduate and graduate students, depending on the setup. They also do research in their field of academic specialty aside from their teaching responsibility. They publish this research through reputable journals or academic publications.
The monthly salary of professors is estimated to be GHC 8,000–GHC 8,400, with GHC 96,000–GHC 10,000 as an annual income.
Lecturers in the lower cadre earn between GHC18,000 – GHC42,000 per annum. Senior lecturers earn between GHC54,000 – GHC60,000 per annum.
7. Human Resource Personnel
HR Personnel deals with the welfare of employees within a company. They perform a variety of tasks vital to the company’s workforce. They serve as recruiters and applicant screeners during each round of the hiring process. They also handle the training and orientation of newly hired employees. They also handle scheduling, payroll, incident reports, and other relevant tasks.
The position they hold within a firm is the reason why they earn more. They enjoy growth within their job as they go on to become human resource managers.
The median annual salary for a remote HR Manager in Ghana is $26,461. This is the base salary, not including benefits.
The median annual salary for a remote HR Specialist in Ghana is $23,180. This is the base salary, not including benefits.
The estimated total pay for an HR Assistant is GHS 9,500 per month in the Ghana area, with an average salary of GHS 2,500 per month.
8. Software programming
Programming and software engineering offer significant benefits to Ghanaians for several reasons. Firstly, these fields provide excellent opportunities for career growth and high earning potential. With the increasing demand for digital solutions worldwide, skilled programmers and software engineers are in high demand, both locally and internationally. By acquiring expertise in programming and software engineering, Ghanaians can tap into a global job market and secure well-paying positions, contributing to their personal and financial success.
Secondly, programming and software engineering empower individuals to drive technological innovation and contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation. As the country embraces digitalization across sectors, skilled programmers and software engineers play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions, driving efficiency, and creating impactful change. By mastering these skills, Ghanaians can actively participate in shaping the future of technology in Ghana, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.
While there is no minimum salary for a Software Engineer in Ghana, the average total compensation is $24,000.
PayScale also pegs the average salary for a Software Engineer in Ghana at GH₵ 36000.
9. Legal Professionals
Lawyers specializing in corporate law, commercial law, or specialized legal areas, along with judges and magistrates, can earn high salaries due to their legal expertise and responsibilities.
Of late, Ghanaian celebrities are pursuing law in addition to their initial body of work. For example, Kennedy Osei, the son of Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, although the chairman of Despite Media, was recently called to bar.
Also, news broke that rapper Sarkodie was a student at the Ghana School of Law. The latest to join the list of lawyers is the spouse of actor John Dumelo.
An Attorney in Ghana with a master’s degree education can earn an average salary of 109,740 GHS. Ph.D. An Attorney in Ghana with a Ph.D. education can earn an average salary of 181,600 GHS, per World Salary.
10. Banking Jobs
Most people are usually in awe when they come across a banker who works with a reputable firm. Have you ever asked yourself why? This is because bankers earn well and can take care of their needs, and they also can grow in their field to become branch managers, regional managers, etc. All these equate to more cash as they advance in their careers.
To become a banker you should have at least a degree and also write professional exams as they make you more appealing as an employee to any firm.
Professionals working in investment banking, including investment analysts, corporate finance managers, and investment advisors, can earn substantial salaries due to the complex nature of their work and involvement in high-value financial transactions.
The estimated salary for a Banker is GHC 2,500 per month in the Accra, Ghana area.
The salary trajectory of an Investment Banking ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at GHS 73,860 per year and goes up to GHS 192,042 per year for the highest level of seniority.
Other high-paying jobs include;
Aviation Pilots
Experienced commercial airline pilots with advanced qualifications and flying hours often earn significant salaries due to the level of responsibility, expertise, and training required for their profession.
Financial Managers: Financial managers, such as Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and finance directors, are responsible for overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and financial reporting. Their strategic financial decision-making often leads to significant compensation.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineers handle modern infrastructure projects. They handle any infrastructure project’s creativity, design, supervision, construction, and maintenance. They can work in the public or private sector, building bridges, dams, weirs, office buildings, and many others. They ensure that the projects are within government safety regulations and building codes.
Business Analysis
The Business Analyst is responsible for assessing every aspect of a business and finding points to improve or work on. They thoroughly examine all the business processes, departments, and personnel to find any weak or inefficient methods. They then make a comprehensive recommendation based on this information to help the company improve and be much more efficient.
Product Management
A Product Manager’s task is to find out what customers need. They gather this data through thorough market research, customer feedback, and surveys. They use this information to deliver a product to the market that addresses these needs that also meets the business’s overall goal. The product should have a demand and should be a viable business venture.
Accounting Management
Accounting Managers handle the accounting team of a business. They strive to materialize the company’s many financial goals as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. While they may do some actual accounting work from time to time, their main job is leading the team. They are tasked with coordinating team members while also helping management craft necessary financial policies.
Customer Service Representative
Customer satisfaction is a huge deal for businesses. After all, satisfied customers mean repeat business and a chance to attract new customers. Customer Service Representatives handle every concern a customer may have. They answer queries or direct them to the proper channels. They make sure that customers are getting as good service as possible.
Cyber Security Consultancy and Network Engineering
Malicious online attacks are a constant threat to any organization. Having a secure network infrastructure lets you thwart these nefarious actions and protect private information. Cyber Security Consultants are security experts who specialize in combating these threats. They assess any given network, point out any vulnerabilities, and offer solutions whenever possible.
While Cyber Sec Consultants focus on security and data integrity, Network Engineers design, build, and configure the network itself. They do a bit of security, but their main role is to keep the network up and running as efficiently as possible. In line with this, they do a variety of tasks, including upgrading equipment, setting up nodes, and troubleshooting, among others.
Skills needed for high-paying jobs
Having the right skills can make a huge difference in any industry. Here are the skills needed for high-paying jobs.
Coordination
Working with other people is inevitable. That is why knowing how to work effectively in a team is a great skill to master. This allows you to interact smoothly with your coworkers, and it gets you comfortable in collaboration on a shared goal. It also allows you to be more productive as you share your tasks with others.
Time Management
Having multiple projects running at a given time will get ugly fast, especially if they are not managed well. A small delay in one can lead to a delay in others that cascades to other projects as well. Good time management lets you effectively use your time by maximizing every second. This lets you maintain a good work-life balance which is essential to keep stress away.
Communication
Effective communication is one of the most important skills to master. It allows you to be clear in your messaging without fear of misinterpretation. This is also the pillar of collaborative work, as you are expected to be in constant communication with your peers. Good communication allows you to be easily understood by others.
Adaptability
Today’s fast-paced world requires one to be quick to adapt. Situations can change in a second, so being quick on the uptake is an advantage. No problems and circumstances are alike, so being able to adapt to the situation allows you to adjust with ease. Adaptability also means using already acquired tools and skills and reusing them in new and creative ways.
Problem-Solving
Obstacles arise once in a while, and knowing how to address them is essential. There will always be bumps in the road in any project. This may be external, like supply chain disruptions, manufacturing costs markup, etc., or they could be internal, like being understaffed or efficient planning. Knowing how to keep a cool while effectively addressing these concerns is an attractive skill for potential employers.
How to get high-paying jobs
Follow these tips to up your chances of landing your dream job.
Build a professional network
Getting connected with other professionals, especially in your chosen field, goes a long way. It helps you land opportunities easily as the channels are more direct. A personal recommendation from someone you know would weigh more. Fostering a good relationship with others also helps you develop your interpersonal skills.
Be good at what you do
One of your goals is to continue to hone your craft and master every aspect of your profession. Being an expert in your field has two primary benefits. Firstly, you become efficient with your work. Secondly, you become more valuable to clients. Being good at your job also allows you leverage to adjust your rates as you see fit.
Get relevant credentials
Getting the proper certifications also adds value to you as a worker. Getting an undergraduate degree is one of the most popular ways that others achieve this. If you already have one, consider getting a graduate degree instead.
Summary
All of the above are high-paying jobs in Ghana, and each offers a generous monthly salary. However, you should have all the abilities/Skills needed to land these high-paying jobs.
All the best in your endeavors and job hunting!