Basic industries cover a wide range of industries. There are many career options available to you if you are looking for the best-paying jobs in basic industries.
In 2020, entry-level positions in the farming, fishing, hunting, conservation, and timber industries paid between $28,530 and $42,350. Basic industries create well-paying occupations that leave you content and financially secure.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2020 and 2030, employment opportunities for agriculture workers and food scientists will increase by 2%, while employment opportunities for petroleum engineers are projected to increase by 8%. The type of industry and position level determine the specific career opportunities for fundamental industries.
Between 2020 and 2030, employment opportunities for those working in forestry and fishing will expand by 7% and 11%, respectively. For mining and geological engineers, the expected job growth is 4%. When it comes to career options, professionals in this sector have many great options.
Basic Industries Salaries
| Basic Industries Careers | Basic Industries Salaries | Job Outlook | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vice President of Agronomy | $152,719 | 8%* | Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Crop Production |
| Vice President of Mining Operations | $125,000 | 8%* | Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, or related field |
| Head Grower | $125,000 | 2% | Advanced degree in plant science, horticulture, or related field |
| Vice President, Machinery and Equipment | $121,903 | 8%* | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Computer Science, or related field |
| Business Development Engineer | $110,000 | 4%** | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field |
| Petroleum Production Engineer | $102,047 | 8% | Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering or related field |
| Chief Geologist | $95,972 | 7% | Bachelor’s Degree in Geology or equivalent |
| Mining Engineer | $93,150 | 4%** | Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering |
| Executive Assistant to Chief Operating Officer | $85,291 | 9% | Associate Degree in Business Administration or related field |
| Soil Conservationist | $64,588 | 7% | Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science or Environmental Studies |
Best-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
#1. Agronomists
Agronomists work with farmers to grow and harvest crops and plants on a large scale. This career path pays a fair wage and, in addition to providing consistent and worthwhile work, will test your management abilities throughout your career.
#2. Drilling Engineers
Drilling engineers are among the highest-paid workers in the basic industries. Their job is to assist petroleum geologists in supervising and managing the natural gas and oil extraction processes.
They can earn six figures per year simply by doing this. To get a job in this field, you must have excellent communication skills and practical, on-the-job knowledge. Because of this job, they are one of the best paying jobs in basic industries.
#3. Metallurgists
This expert, as the title suggests, works with a variety of metals. They work alongside miners and frequently visit the processing plants that process the mine’s resources. These individuals should have a thorough understanding of metals, chemistry, and the safety skills for this occupation.
#4. Officers of Health and Safety
When new employees in the basic industries begin their training, they are frequently informed about the risks and hazards of their jobs. Those who work with metals, heavy farm equipment, or chemicals must know how to do so safely or risk injury.
Health and safety officers are to supervise on-the-job safety training methods and practices at each location, as well as document work-related accidents.
#5. Added Business Services
You can get one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries if you have studied business and are interested in a career there. Individuals with a thorough understanding of business, manufacturing, marketing, and finance are vital in the basic industries. If you are skilled in any of these areas, you will have no trouble finding work in the basic industries.
#6. Petroleum Geologists
They usually work in the field and in the lab or office. Petroleum geologists use survey equipment directly, to take geological samples, and conduct seismic studies.
They would then put together a report for other professionals, such as petroleum engineering teams. Because of this job, they are one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries.
#7. Drilling engineer
Drilling engineers plan, develop, and supervise the operations required to drill oil and gas wells. You’ll be involved in everything from the initial well design to testing, completion, and abandonment, and you’ll be in charge of the costing.
You can work on the land, offshore platforms, or mobile drilling units for the operating oil company, a specialist drilling contractor, or a service company in this role.
You’ll collaborate with other professionals, such as geologists and geoscientists, to monitor drilling progress, manage safety, and protect the environment.
#8. Pipefitter
A pipefitter, also known as a steamfitter, is a skilled tradesperson who installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechanical piping systems.
Pipefitters typically start out as helpers or apprentices. Journeyman pipefitters work with industrial, commercial, and marine piping, as well as heating and cooling systems.
#9. Synthetic chemist
A synthetic chemist typically works in a laboratory. This chemist can work in a wide range of industries, including food additives, pharmaceuticals, and industrial solvents.
Synthetic chemists apply chemical synthesis design, testing, and development to solve practical problems. Because of this job, they are one of the best paying jobs in basic industries.
#10. Forensic scientist
Forensic scientists investigate crime scenes, conduct scientific tests, and provide aim evidence to be used in court. They search for clues and assist police investigations by using innovative technology and scientific theory. Because of this job, they are one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries.
#11. Truck driver
A truck driver, also known as a lorry driver, is an individual who drives a truck for a living. The driver drives in order to transport goods from one location to another via road transport.
They are one of the most essential people and are also ranked as one of the highest paying jobs in basic industries.
#12. Fabricator of steel
Metal fabricators cut, shape, position, and align various metals. They typically work for building and manufacturing companies, and the metals they work with are used to construct structures. Because of the nature of this job, they are one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries.
#13. Electrician
An electrician is a skilled craftsperson who specializes in the electrical wiring of structures, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians install new electrical components or maintain and repair existing electrical infrastructure.
Electricians can also specialize in the wiring of ships, planes, and other mobile platforms, as well as data and cable lines.
#14. Project manager
The Project Manager will be functionally responsible for Project Execution in terms of project objectives, particularly scope, quality, timeliness, and compliance with assurance functions.
They are in charge of project cost and schedule management, which includes project planning and control, forecasting, analysis, and preparation of schedule and budget.
Additionally, they write reports, assess the effectiveness of control measures, input corrective actions, and close-out feedback to improve future projects.
#15. Supply Planner Specialist
They are to manage supply needs for both domestic and affiliate demand. As there is more variability and a larger customer base, this adds another layer of complexity.
They also create a variety of business cases for senior leaders to consider supply, capacity, utilization, cost, and other factors. Because of this job, they are one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries.
Conclusion
A significant industry sector called basic industries is in charge of delivering raw resources to other sectors including metals, gas, coal, wood, and paper. Then, different types of commodities are produced using each type of raw material. The best-paying positions in basic industries are primarily found in the agricultural, energy, paper, and mining sectors, despite the fact that there are many attractive career opportunities in this field.
A total of $39.9 million was added to the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020, according to Statista, by significant businesses like forestry, fisheries, oil and gas, and mining. Go for basic industries if you’re interested in finding a high-paying and fulfilling work.
