Stability and job security are two things we all look for in a career path. Not all industries can provide you with that kind of surety. That’s why people prefer working in some industries over others. And that’s what people look for when looking for the best paying jobs in basic industries.
One of the good things about starting a career in the industry is that the educational qualifications are minimal. Furthermore, basic industries are incredibly important in our daily lives. Naturally, the demand for hardworking people in the industry is always high. Some of the jobs in the industry are also incredibly well-paying.
So, have you heard about jobs in basic industries from someone? Are you considering a career in the industry? Before that, let us take a brief look at what comes under basic industries. We will then also talk about the current state of the industry in numbers.
What Comes Under Basic Industries?
Basic industries are responsible for providing the raw material for other important industries to manufacture goods. In a nutshell, it is a sector that deals with making raw materials. Some examples are iron, wood, steel, paper, and chemicals.
As you can see, basic industries power quite a few important industries. That’s why there is never any shortage of jobs. Is basic industries a good career path? Well, we’ve got to say yes to this question. But more on that later! First, let’s talk about the skills you need to work in the industry.
After all, every industry has its own challenges. Similarly, each of them needs a set of skills you need to have in order to excel. What are these skills in basic industries? And what are some ways you can enter the industry if you lack experience? Let’s find out!
Skills and Qualifications for a Career in Basic Industries
Basic Industries include jobs in chemical, paper, mining, agriculture, and other similar areas. Naturally, a lot of skills will depend upon what position you are applying for. Dedication, teamwork, and the willingness to learn quickly are some skills you need to build a solid career in the industry.
Good communication skills will also come in handy in the industry as it requires you to work within teams. Furthermore, you will need to have a level of knowledge in your selected field of preference. So, the skills required to work in the industry are varied.
As a result, there is a wide range of jobs in the industry. So, without further ado, let us now move on to some of the best paying jobs in basic industries.
Methodology: The salary for these jobs has been sourced from indeed.com and salary.com. Secondary research has also been conducted for the same.
Note: Top positions like that of Chief Executive Officers and Vice Presidents are high-level positions in all industries. In these roles, one makes the highest salary, sometimes up to $500K or beyond.
This article will not mention their wages as they might differ heavily based on the employer.
Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries (Between $90K and $120K)
1. Petroleum Geologist
This is a high-paying role in the oil & gas industry. This role will require you to identify locations where oil can be found based on the study of the earth. In simpler words, this job involves studying and analyzing rocks, minerals, etc. You also have to suggest safe and efficient extraction methods in this role.
Naturally, you need good knowledge of geology to get this job. The ability to analyze large amounts of data is also a must-have. Critical thinking and innovation are some other skills that will help you do well in the industry.
In terms of salary, it is one of the best paying jobs in basic industries. In this role, you can earn $111,000 every year in the United States. Based on your skills, experience, and qualification, the salary can even go beyond that! At the entry level, too, the salary will differ based on similar factors.
2. Drilling Engineer
Top companies across the world look for efficient drilling engineers. This role involves assessing and maintaining oil wells. They are also responsible for making sure that the staff and company, in general, are following all safety measures.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering is a must-have for this role. In addition, you must also be familiar with all the equipment involved in order to excel in this role. Being up-to-date with the latest technology is also something that you need to grow in the role of a drilling engineer.
You will also have to communicate your ideas well if you want to do well as a Drilling Engineer!
It is another one of the best paying jobs in the industry. On average, you can earn $102,300 every year in this role in the United States. Again, the salary will differ based on factors such as skills, years of experience, qualifications, and so on.
3. Data Scientist
Today, the world of business is ruled by data. And that’s why every industry is out looking for talented data scientists. The same goes for basic industries and their several sectors. Naturally, there is a huge demand for data scientists in the field.
In this role, you will have to analyze and interpret data to arrive at conclusions that are best for business. The biggest companies in basic industries hire for the role of a data scientists.
In order to get this job, you need to be able to handle large amounts of data. In addition to that, you also need sound mathematics and programming skills. Statistical analysis and machine learning are also must-haves for this particular role.
It is among the best paying jobs in the industry. In the United States, you can earn an average of $100,000 every year in this role. The room for growth in this role is immense as it is a job for the future. If you keep upgrading your skills, the potential for earning in this role is seemingly endless!
4. Mining Engineer
In this role, you are responsible for the planning, designing, and execution of mining projects. They also oversee mining equipment and systems to make sure everything is as it should be. They also supervise the extraction process. Ensuring safety for miners is also part of their job role.
Organization skills and ensuring efficiency are the top two skills needed for this role. Furthermore, you also need to be able to communicate well as a mining engineer. After all, you have to work with a team of dedicated miners and extract the best results out of their hard work.
This one is also among the best paying jobs in basic industries. In this role, you can earn an average of $98,000 every year in the United States. If you have lots of experience, the salary can go way beyond what we have mentioned here!
5. Business Development Engineer
Even basic industries need sales and marketing professionals to keep growing. And that’s where the role of a Business Development Engineer comes in. Their primary role is to analyze current market trends and strategize plans to boost sales based on that. They work with the marketing team, too, in order to design direct and effective campaigns for a basic industry company.
Sound sales skills coupled with communication skills are an absolute must-have for the role. The role also involves quite a lot of analysis.
So, you also need to be familiar with assessing large amounts of data in order to do well in this particular job. It is fair to say that this is a role for someone who is imaginative and assertive at the same time!
In terms of salary, it is one of the best paying jobs in basic industries. In this role, you can earn up to $94,000 in the United States. The room for growth in this role is also immense, making it a much sought-after job.
6. Metallurgist
As a Metallurgist, you will be responsible for overseeing the extraction of various metals and alloys. You will work alongside miners and process the plants where all the resources are being processed. In addition to that, you will also have to analyze the performance of extracted metals.
Naturally, you need to have an in-depth understanding of metals to get this job. But that is not it for this role. A sense of innovation and problem-solving skills are also needed if you are to excel in the role.
As in most jobs in the industry, this job also requires you to have good communication skills as you have to work within different teams.
The salary in this job is up there with the best. In the United States, this role can earn you up to $91,000 every year! As usual, the salary might differ heavily based on your skills and years of experience. But the room for growth in this role is immense!
Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries (Between $70K and $90K)
7. Project Manager
This one is always among the high-paying roles in any industry. Project Managers in basic industries oversee entire projects from the beginning to the end. Their primary job is to make sure that the project meets its deadlines and reaches its assigned objectives. Budgeting the project and ensuring profit are also tasks expected of them!
As a Project Manager, good leadership and communication skills are the most important. In addition to that, you must also be able to organize work properly and stick to stipulated deadlines, anyhow.
Critical thinking and sound problem-solving are other two skills that separate an exceptional project manager from regular ones.
In terms of salary, it is one of the best paying jobs in any industry. In basic industries, this role will earn you up to $80,000 every year in the United States. If you have enough experience, the salary can go well beyond that and move into six figures.
8. Synthetic Chemist
In this role, you will have to work towards developing new compounds. In simpler words, you will be developing chemicals that are used to run several industries. These include agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, etc. Testing compounds and working on purifying them is also part of the job!
Naturally, a degree in Chemistry is a must-have if you are to get this job. Furthermore, good research skills are also something that will come in handy if you are to excel in this role. And it goes without saying that you need to have a keen eye for detail if you want to work as a synthetic chemist.
The salary in this role is also quite impressive. In the United States, you can earn up to $79,000 every year in this role. The salary, of course, will differ based on factors such as skills, years of experience, qualifications, etc.
It is one of the best paying jobs in basic industries!
9. Health & Safety Officer
Sectors like mining and oil and gas do have hazardous working conditions. And it is the employer’s duty to ensure a safe environment for everyone working. And that’s where the health and safety officer comes in when you talk about basic industries.
In this role, you need to be aware of the many threats that the working conditions possess. At the same time, you also need to be well-versed in safety rules and industry standards. After that, you also need good observation skills in order to spot a work hazard from miles off!
With an added focus on workplace safety in recent years, this is a role that has become increasingly important. Naturally, it also has amazing high-paying potential if you have the skills necessary.
It is easily among the best paying jobs in basic industries. In the United States, you can earn an average annual salary of $78,000 in this role. As we have mentioned several times before, the salary will differ based on factors such as skills, experience, etc.
In Conclusion
A good career in basic industries gives you all. From job security to high-paying potential and the room to grow as a professional. The future for this industry is also bright as we can’t imagine a world without the raw materials basic industries produce.
So, did you like the nine jobs in basic industries we have listed here? Do you think you have the skills to start a career in the industry? If you do, now’s the time to prepare a resume, write an impressive cover letter, and start applying for a role that suits you!
We wish you all the best in your job hunting! Hope you land a lucrative job in basic industries!
Ranu Kumari is a Professional Writer and a Marketing enthusiast who currently runs her own Marketing Consultancy, LatitudeBOX. She has written promotional articles for multiple brands and has published her work in Scopus indexed journals. She is passionate about expressing her thoughts and ideas to connect with her readers in a voice that they understand.