Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path? Everything You Need

Are you seeking a job that requires less training and education? If you lack the time or money to spend on costly education and training, a basic industry career path may be a good choice for you.

Basic industries are important because they supply raw materials for other industries to use. Raw materials are necessary for the production of different industries, so they would not be able to operate without basic industries.

To operate efficiently, basic industries often require skilled personnel from entry-level to executive-level positions. So, if you’re looking for a secure and prosperous career, you may be interested in the basic industries. 

Learn More: Here are 7 Reason Why Your Team Fail At Work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 22,262.90 basic industries jobs (including mining or construction industry, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting), up 12.4% from 2010. This number is projected to rise 2.7% by 2030.

Due to the widespread employment opportunities, a career in the basic industry could be a great career choice. As with the ever-changing job market landscape, working in the basic sector often provides job stability and security.

Interested in a career in a basic industry? Check out this article.

What is Basic Industry?

A basic industry extracts and processes natural resources or raw materials to create products that are used by other industries. For example, the steel industry will sell its products to other companies that use steel to manufacture their products.

Basic industry is a hub of production-oriented businesses where companies sell products directly to the manufacturer instead of consumers. 

Having a strong basic industry is critical to an economy’s success. The industry contributes to the global economy by providing jobs, stimulating the development of other sectors such as agriculture and service, earning foreign exchange, and enhancing people’s quality of life.

Also Learn: Make Your Team Successful with 5 Ps of Leadership

Basic Industry Examples

The business industry is vast and diverse, with companies of all sizes operating in a wide range of industries. Listed below are a few businesses that operate in the business industry:

Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry has a significant role to play in the global economy. It is responsible for producing the food and fiber that we need to survive. Globally, the industry employs millions of people and contributes billions of dollars to the economy.

Several food industries rely on the agriculture industry as well. Agriculture is closely related to a country’s economic status. Agricultural industries provide both domestic and international economic benefits.

Agricultural products contribute significantly to a country’s revenue and international trade prospects, which generates a significant portion of its national income. Agriculture and related industries contributed more than $1 trillion to the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP).

Examples of products

• Agricultural products (cattle, chicken, hogs, etc.)
• Food crops (corn, soybeans, hay, etc.)
• A variety of edible forestry products (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
• A dairy product (milk products)
• Fish farming
• Products of agriculture (i.e., honey)

Oil and Gas Industry

As the world’s primary fuel source, oil and natural gas play a critical role in the global economy. 

There are three main segments in the industry:

• Upstream, oil and gas exploration and production are conducted;
• The midstream, the transportation, the processing, and the storage areas
• The downstream process includes refining and marketing.

Despite its great utility and potential economic benefits, the oil and gas industry also has its downsides. Since it is an unsaturated liquid, its disposal requires a lot of time and effort, and its combustion releases pollutants, such as carbon dioxide. As a solution, engaging with an Innovative Pipeline and Process Solutions Provider can offer efficient and environmentally friendly methods to manage such challenges effectively. This approach ensures the safe and responsible handling of substances, minimizing environmental impact and fostering sustainability.

Examples of products

• Gasoline engine
• Diesel
• Jet fuel, 
• Fuel oil for heating
• Asphalt
• Lubricants
• Propane and natural gas.

Mining Industry

A mining industry involves the extraction of minerals that are directly in the ground or the soil below.

A country’s economic growth and potential for resource development are strongly impacted by the growth of mining industries, which are the largest earning sources for many different countries. 

In the mining industry, metals production, metals investing, and metals trading are typical activities.

Examples of products

Metallic mining

• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Lead

Non-metallic mining

• Granite
• Marble
• Clay
• Esmeralda
• Sapphire

Paper and Pulp Industry

The pulp and paper industry contributes significantly to the economy, responsible for the production of a wide variety of paper products. Several industries use these products, including printing, packaging, and construction. 

Examples of products

• Paper for offices and catalogues.
• A shiny paper.
• Paper and tissue-based packaging.

Steel Industry

The steel industry involves mining iron ore, processing it into steel, and recycling scrap metal into steel or temporarily fabricating semi-finished products out of it.

The steel industry is a key component of the global economy. The industry employs millions of people around the world and is a major contributor to the GDP of many countries. 

Examples of Products

• Steel pipes
• Beams
• Girders
• Plates and wire
• Irons.
• Steel tubes.
• Railroad rails.

Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is a large and complex sector that produces a vast array of products. Chemical products are used by a wide range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and more. 

The chemical industry is divided into several sub-sectors, each of which produces a different type of product. The major industries of the chemical industry are

• Petrochemical Industry – The petrochemical industry produces a wide range of chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas. These chemicals are used in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, construction, and many others.

Examples of petrochemical industry products are Plastics, Soap, detergents, Fertilizers, Drugs, etc. 

• Inorganic chemical industry – The inorganic chemical industry produces a wide range of inorganic chemicals, including acids, bases, and salts. Various industries use these chemicals, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and many others.

Examples of inorganic chemical industry products are sulphur, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. 

• Organic chemical industry – The organic chemical industry produces a wide range of organic chemicals, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids. A wide variety of industries use these chemicals, including agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and many others.

Examples of organic chemical industry products are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, nucleic acid, etc. 

• Pharmaceutical industry – The pharmaceutical industry produces a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including drugs and vaccines. These products are used to treat a wide range of diseases and medical conditions.

Examples of pharmaceutical industry products are Paracetamol, Diclofenac, Dexamethasone, etc. 

Try timeTracko for your suitable Industry(timeTracko is Free)

What Are The Companies In Basic Industries?

The basic industries field comprises companies that are engaged in the production of items that are used in the manufacturing of other products. These items include chemicals, glass, paper, metals, oil, glasses, and plastics. 

Here are the five largest basic industries companies:

1. PPG Industries

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Size: 50,000 total employees, with 21,300 working in North America.

A primary focus of PPG Industries is the manufacture of paints, coatings, optical products, and specialty materials for the industrial and construction markets.

The company was formed in 1918 as a consolidation of five smaller companies, including Winsor and Newton, Schwab, and Colfax. PPG operates in more than 70 countries around the world from its headquarters in stamped concrete pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2. Ecolab

Headquarters: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Size: 44,000

There are over 40 industries Ecolab services across 170 countries, including food production, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals, as well as paper mills, power generation, manufacturing plants, and other businesses.

Ecolab is a multinational corporation that offers geothermal energy, chemical processing, food and beverage processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, water treatment, mineral processing, and mining services.

3. BHP Group Limited

Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Size: BHP employed 34,478 people in 2021. 

Multinational mining, metals, and petroleum company headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, BHP Group Limited (formerly BHP Billiton) is one of the world’s leading mining, metals, and petroleum companies.

On 16 July 1885, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company was established in Silverton, New South Wales.

As of 2017, BHP ranked as the world’s largest mining firm, with profits reaching approximately $21 billion in 2011. 

4. Cargill

Headquarters:  Wayzata, MN

Size: 166,000 employees

Cargill is an American food company founded in 1865 in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Cargill, Inc. is a purely private company based in Wilmington, Delaware. Globally, Cargill supplies the largest amount of feed ingredients and refrigerated food.

As of 2018, Cargill reported revenues of $114.695 billion and earnings of $3.103 billion..

5. DuPont

Headquarters: Wilmington, DE

Size: 34,000 employees

Dupont de Nemours is an American corporation founded on August 31, 2017, and primarily engaged in biotechnology and chemical manufacturing.

With a 2018 total revenue of $86 billion, DowDuPont ranked No. 35 on the 2019 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States public corporations.

Is Basic Industry A Good Career Path?

A career path that you choose often makes a profound effect on your life for years to come. Getting the right job is not as easy as finding a job, which causes chaos among young minds today.

The basic industry has a broad range of career options, which makes it a good career choice. Moreover, jobs are highly fulfilling and do not require any formal education. 

Compared to jobs in the non-basic sector, basic sector jobs have different profiles. Basic industries are necessary for our day-to-day living, and the demand for people in this field never seems to decline. 

There is a rapid growth of opportunities in basic industries. For those interested in working in a manufacturing-oriented industry, basic industry jobs are perfect. Even though they’re not the easiest tasks to manage, they generally pay decent wages and provide steady employment.

The USDA estimates that 19.8 billion jobs will be created in the agriculture and food sector in 2019, making up 10.3% of U.S. employment.

For approximately 601,149 Americans, mining is a significant source of income. Approximately 5.5 percent of the Petroleum Industry’s workforce is employed in the U.S. 

The demand for professionals in technical and technical fields is growing. That’s why working in the basics industry is a great career choice.

How Many Jobs Are Available In Basic Industries?

The basic industry is a huge field. The job market consists of a wide range of jobs with better salaries than the rest.

The following are some of the jobs available in the basic industries. 

Job Title	U.S job numbers	2020-2030 Job Growth Rate	Open Positions
Horticulturist	6000+	7%	500+
Agronomist	3000+	7%	500+
Food scientist	8000+	7%	97,000+
Drilling Engineers	4000+	3%	70,000+
Metallurgists	12,000+	6%	20,000+
Metal Fabricator	77,000+	-11%	4,000+
Steel Worker	49,000+	11%	38,000+
Geologists	30,000+	7%	30,000+

What Is The Difference Between Basic And Non-Basic Industries?

A basic industry and a non-basic industry are the two broad categories of industries. A basic industry is made up of companies of all sizes that primarily sell to customers outside of the company. Companies involved in manufacturing and mining are examples of the basic industry.

A non-basic industry is primarily a small business that sells locally to consumers and includes both basic and non-basic businesses. Examples of non-basic industries are diners, service companies, small consulting firms, and convenience stores.

The basic industry entails providing service beyond the community to generate money for the economy.

A non-basic industry utilizes money within an economy. Services or products are offered only to members of the community and no money is brought into the community. A hairdresser or a local retailer would be examples of a non-basic industry.

15 Best Paying Jobs In Basic Industries

Any economy is supported by basic industries, and by providing jobs to all types of workers, they influence the entire job market. 

If you wish to pursue a career in the entire basic industry, you can be confident that several employment options are available.

The following are the top 15 best-paying jobs in basic industries. 

1. Petroleum Engineer

Annual Wage: $137,330

A petroleum engineer extracts produce and transport oil and gas. They work in the oil and gas industry, and their work includes both offshore and onshore drilling, as well as the production and management of oil and gas fields.

Petroleum engineering is a good career choice because you can earn a salary that is well above the national average. Petroleum engineering is a field that is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating plenty of employment opportunities. 

2. Horticulturist

Annual Wage: $40,000

Horticulturists are responsible for the care and cultivation of plants and trees. Their work may be in greenhouses, nurseries, and gardens. In addition to plant care, horticulturists may also be responsible for the design and planning of landscapes. Additionally, they may research plant growth and pests, and develop new methods for cultivating plants.

Horticulture is a very practical profession, which means that you get to work closely with plants and nature. It is a very satisfying profession, both financially and emotionally.

3. Drilling Engineer

Annual Wage: $1100,0000

A drilling engineer works for petrochemical companies, planning and managing oil-rig drilling operations. They design, handle and conduct maintenance on different drilling equipment and machinery and oversee the drilling process to ensure its safety and efficiency.

If you are looking for a fascinating career that can be very financially rewarding, then a career as a drilling engineer may be the right choice for you. Drilling engineers can earn a very good salary, especially if they work for a major oil company.

4. Agriculture Chemist

Annual Wage: $80,680

Agriculture chemists develop chemicals to increase crop production and yield, fight pests, and protect the environment. They research various agricultural aspects, such as chemical compositions and changes in livestock production and animal feed.

Agricultural chemist is a promising path where the opportunities are enormous. Because of our ever-growing population, this sector produces quality food every day for everyone, so finding a job in this field is easy as long as there is a demand.

An agriculture chemist is a good career path for you if you enjoy science and food.

5. Metallurgists

Annual Wage: $100,0000

Metallurgists develop and produce metal components and structures ranging from tiny precision components to huge engineering components. A metallurgist studies the properties of metals and applies those findings to practical applications, such as manufacturing metals.

The metallurgist can play a significant role in society by implementing processes that make it possible to recycle products and resources responsibly. Increasingly, the industry is looking for fresh ideas and new experts to move society toward a more sustainable future.

6. Mining and Geological Engineers

Annual Wage: $93,800

The job of mining and geological engineers is to design uncovered and underground mines, like coal mines or rock quarries.

According to research, mining and geological engineers’ employment will increase by 2 percent by 2021.

A career in mining and geological engineering can be both challenging and rewarding. This position offers the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and to contribute to the development of our natural resources. Due to its high pay, this career is always in demand in the basic industries. 

7. Geologists

Annual wage:  $93,580

A geologist works to uncover the history of the planet on which we live, predict the future, and explain what is happening now.

Geology is a challenging and rewarding field, with opportunities for fieldwork, research, and teaching. It is an exciting and dynamic field with plenty of opportunities for career growth. If you are interested in the Earth and its processes, geology is a great career choice.

8. Electrical Engineers

Annual wage: $77,172

The electrical engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing electrical equipment and systems, such as electric motors and smartphones.

Electrical engineer jobs are in high demand. It is a fantastic career path for tech enthusiasts to pursue. A career in engineering can benefit society by introducing efficient and pocket-friendly appliances.

9. Factory Manager

Annual wage: $92,568

A factory manager supervises factory workers and ensures that the operation of the factory runs smoothly. Their typical duties include overseeing the production of electronics, cars, equipment, and packaging in manufacturing plants.

The manufacturing industry employs the latest technology, has a high growth rate, and provides a plentiful and secure work environment. Manufacturing business careers offer stability and security. A manufacturing worker has an average tenure of 9.1 years, the longest of any private sector worker.

10. Production Manager

Annual wage: $64,152

Production managers are accountable for the technical supervision, management, and control of manufacturing processes.

It’s a good career to have as a Product Manager since salaries are generous, perks are great, work is rewarding, and the position is highly in demand. If that sounds like a good fit for you, this could be the right career for you.

11. Agronomist

Annual wage: $60,000

An agronomist works in the agricultural industry and acts as the intermediary for farmers and plant scientists. They are concerned with the health and sustainability of crops used for food production, fuel, and land reclaiming.

For those who are looking to specialize in agriculture, agronomist is a great choice. It is a field that is rewarding, and there is a great demand for agronomists both in the United States and internationally. 

12. Welder and Fabricator

Annual wage: $51,048

The welder also known as a fabricator designs, cuts, welds, joins and shapes metal parts that can be used for various metals. 

You might find this job perfect if you are looking for a basic industry job with minimal education requirements with no experience. Also, there is high demand for welders, it’s easy to advance in the welding industry. 

13. Synthetic Chemist

Annual wage: $80,0000

Synthetic chemists work in different fields like pharmaceuticals, fuel, technology, and cleaning products. The duties of these scientists are testing compounds, analyzing molecule reactions, and purifying substances.

As a synthetic chemist, you will be responsible for the design and synthesis of new molecules and materials. Many job opportunities exist in the chemical industry for synthetic chemists.

14. Forensic Scientist

Annual wage: $60,000

A forensic scientist’s job is to identify, collect, and examine physical evidence found at a crime scene. Their main duty is to analyze and interpret blood droplets, make observations of crime based on death certificates, and take photographs and videos, and crime scenes.

Forensic science is a good career for individuals who would like to collect and analyze evidence using scientific methods to solve crimes. Forensic scientists earn 26% more per year than most other professionals.

15. Chemist

Annual wage: $60,360

To ensure quality control or develop new products, chemists perform qualitative and quantitative experiments on chemical substances.

Chemists are highly demanded basic industries jobs that include pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and environment sectors. Moreover, chemistry is a well-paid profession, with chemists earning a typical salary of $74,650 per annum in the United States.

Learn More: How to Select Best Employee of the Month(Only Deserving Employee)

Conclusion

Basic industries are a great career path for those interested in industrial work. These industries provide good salaries, great benefits, and opportunities for advancement. 

However, before you begin a career in basic industries, you should consider your interests, the location of the industry, and the type of work you would like to do. 

Ultimately, for a stable career with good earning potential, basic industries can be a wise choice for you.

FAQs

1. How Much Do Jobs in the Basic Industries Pay?

Basic industries jobs pay $52,000 per year, on average. However, positions and experience can greatly affect salaries.

2. Is healthcare a basic industry?

Healthcare is a non-basic industry because it provides services to people within the community.

3. Is Amazon a basic industry?

Yes, Amazon is a basic industry. It is an online retailer that sells and ships products to customers around the world.