Basic industries can be a great career path if you are looking for stability and job security. Jobs in basic industries tend to be recession-proof, meaning that they are always in demand no matter what the economy is doing. In addition, most basic industry jobs come with good benefits and pensions, which can be important factors when considering a career change.
However, it is important to note that jobs in basic industries can be very physically demanding, and the hours can be long and irregular. If you are not prepared for this type of work, it may not be the right career choice for you.
What is a Basic Industry?
Basic Industries are the lifeblood of any economy. They are the businesses that provide the raw materials and finished products that other industries need to function. Examples of basic industries include agriculture, mining, forestry, and manufacturing.
There are many advantages to working in a Basic Industry. They are essential to the economy, so there is always a demand for their products. They often offer good pay and benefits, and they provide opportunities for career advancement.
Let’s quickly go over the benefits of Basic Industries.
The Benefits of Working in Basic Industries
Working in basic industries can offer a variety of benefits for employees. Here are a few benefits:
1. Stability: Basic industries are typically considered to be stable, meaning that they are not as susceptible to economic downturns as other industries. This can provide employees with a sense of security in knowing that their jobs are less likely to be impacted by an economic recession.
2. Job satisfaction: Employees in basic industries often report high levels of job satisfaction. This is likely due to the stable nature of the industry, as well as the satisfaction that comes from working in an industry that is essential to society.
3. Good pay and benefits: Basic industries often offer good pay and benefits packages to their employees. This is due to the fact that these industries are typically large and profitable.
4. Opportunities for advancement: Basic industries often offer opportunities for employees to advance their careers. This is due to the fact that these industries are typically large and have many different positions available.
5. Job security: Employees in basic industries often enjoy job security. This is due to the stable nature of the industry and the fact that these industries are essential to society.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Basic Industries?
Basic industries are those that produce the raw materials or goods needed by other industries. They include agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and manufacturi
In the United States, there were about 5.5 million jobs in basic industries in 2016. This accounted for 3.8% of all jobs in the country.
The number of jobs in basic industries has declined over time. In 1970, there were about 8.6 million jobs in these industries, which made up 5.4% of all jobs in the United States.
The decline is due to several factors, including automation and changes in global trade patterns. For example, manufacturing jobs have been lost to automation and to competition from foreign manufacturers.
Despite the decline, basic industries in 2024 are still important to the economy. They provide the products that other industries need to function. They also tend to be relatively stable, even during economic downturns. For these reasons, many countries continue to invest in these industries.
In the United States, the government provides support for some basic industries, such as agriculture. It also imposes tariffs on imported goods, which can make domestic products more competitive. Basic industries are important to the economy and provide stability during downturns.
Top 11 Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries?
You might wonder what do basic industries jobs pay. Some jobs pay better than the rest. Here is a list of the best paying jobs in basic industries:
- Petroleum Geologists- 100,000$
- Drilling engineer- 100,000$
- Metallurgists- 100,000$ +
- Pipefitter- 90,000$
- Synthetic chemist- 80,000$
- Health and safety officer-77,000$
- Forensic scientist-60,000$
- Truck driver-64,000$
- Agronomist-60,000$
- Steel fabricator-40,000$
- Electrician-48,000$
Categories of Basic Industries Companies
There are many different types of companies that can be classified as basic industries. These include:
Agriculture Companies.
These companies are involved in the production of food and other agricultural products. Agriculture plays quite a heavy role as it’s the primary source of raw materials.
A considerable portion of a nation’s exports and imports come from Agriculture itself. It has to do with the cultivation of wheat, soy, and corn; Orchards of fruits and vegetables.
Among the employment opportunities available in this sector are animal scientists, agronomists, scientists of food, and mining experts in plants.
Oil and Gas Companies
These companies are responsible for extracting and refining crude oil and natural gas. They continues to be one of the largest on a global scale. It has to do with the exploration of oil and gas, transportation and storage of gas, purifying oil, and operation of refineries.
If you have studied anything related to these and you are looking for a career path in basic industries, you can go into the category of oil and gas.
Some of the positions that may be open to you are:
- Geoscientist
- Worker on an oil rig
- Oilfield laborer
- Engineer in petroleum geology
- Employee who works offshore
Paper and Pulp
This is another category in the basic industries career path. It is divided into various parts, some of which include packaging, hygiene goods, and tissues.
By contrast, pulp is used in the textile sector. Some of the jobs you can get in the paper and pulp sector are:
- Logger
- Sawyer
- Woodworker
- Operator of a pulp or paper plant
Industrial Chemistry
Seen as the forefront of basic industries is industrial chemistry. They produce products that would be shipped to producers as raw materials.
It has to do with the chemical transformation of raw materials into chemical solutions or gases. Some of the jobs available in this field are jobs as a:
- Chemist
- Technician in chemistry
- Operator of a plant
- Scientist of materials
Steel and Metal Companies
These companies are involved in the production of steel, aluminum, and other metals. Steel’s importance in the construction industry cannot be overemphasized. Steel is required for a variety of building and real estate projects, including railroad tracks, beams, and pipelines; as a result, its need never decreases.
Some of the jobs you can pursue with a career in basic industries under steel and metal are-
- Metallurgist
- Machinist
- Fabricator of metals
- Technician for tools and dies
- Worker in sheet metal
Utilities Companies
These companies provide essential services such as electricity, water, and waste management. Additionally, they are in high demand, as the majority of industries require the same.
Utility services are necessary for all other businesses to operate, as well as for the safety, health, and well-being of individual consumers. There will always be a need for workers to staff power plants, water/sewer services, and gas companies.
Some of the jobs opportunities available in this career path are:
- Installers on the job
- Operators of plants
- Engineer
- Inspector of utilities
Technician in Wastewater Treatment
The pharmaceutical sector employs a considerable number of individuals each year. However, this industry requires only the most well-qualified and skilled individuals. They get paid quite well, depending on the level of professionalism.
Some of the jobs available in this sector are:
- Agronomist
- Animal scientist
- Food scientist
- Plant scientist
Mining Companies
These companies are responsible for extracting minerals and other materials from the earth. A mineral is an essential raw material that all industries need. The mining industry involves two phases.
One is the exploration stage, where minerals are found. Then there is the construction and planning aspect. This involves obtaining permits and making plans for mining.
Some of the available jobs are:
- Purchase Officer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Mining Engineer
Textile Production Companies
People who work in textile production are typically employed in textile mills. These are the places where cotton and other fibers (some natural, some synthetic) are converted into thread or yarn, then used to produce fabric, which is widely used to make all kinds of things, from clothing and bedding to flooring and upholstery.
Some of the basic industry textile jobs are:
- Machine operator
- Textile converter
- Textile designer
- Textile technician
Wood and Pulp Companies
Forest products are harvested and put through a manufacturing process to create the finished wood used to build structures, furniture, and other items.
Some trees are harvested for paper production, which can also be done with what is left over after sawmills convert larger trees into boards.
Paper production starts with pulp production, which is then used to manufacture all types of paper products. Jobs in this basic industry sector are
- Logger
- Sawyer
- Woodworker
- Pulp/paper mill operator
So what Companies are in the basic industries field in 2024?
There are many companies in the basic industries field in 2024. If you want to change your career path or find a new job in the basic industries field, you need to know about some companies in these sectors. Some examples include:
1. Chevron Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $159 billion
- Number of Employees: 47,740
- Headquarters: San Ramon, California
Chevron Corporation is a leader in the energy industry. The organization focuses on the manufacturing and transportation of oil to meet the world’s growing energy demands. Chevron produces over one million barrels of oil per day, making it a leading contributor to the nation’s energy sector.
Chevron Corporation employs tens of thousands of people and aims to develop a generation of problem solvers and innovative thinkers. You can join the team as an engineer, in the human resources department, or in operations and maintenance. You can also work in sales, finance, or information technology.
2. Cargill
- Annual Revenue: $134 billion
- Number of Employees: 155,000
- Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cargill is a contributor to the agriculture industry, which is the largest industry sector. The organization has established its presence in over 70 countries and employs over 150,000 workers. Its operations include animal nutrition, food ingredients, bio-industrial solutions, and a successful agricultural supply chain.
Cargill employees are spread across various business industries, including finance, nutrition, sales and marketing, engineering, management, and operations. You can check out the company’s website for a detailed description of all the job opportunities posted regularly.
3. Procter & Gamble Company
- Annual Revenue: $73 billion
- Number of Employees: 99,000
- Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is the global organization behind many successful brands in beauty, grooming, fabric and home care, and feminine and family care. The organization has established a solid presence in 73 countries and developed over 60 brands worldwide in 180 years. You can work with P&G across various industries as a student or professional.
4. International Paper
- Annual Revenue: $21 billion
- Number of Employees: 50,000
- Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
International Paper (IP) is a global producer of pulp, paper products, and renewable fiber-based packaging. The company produces pulp used to manufacture diapers, tissue, and other hygiene products. IP also creates industrial packaging products that protect goods and enhance the global financial services industry.
5. DuPont de Nemours
- Annual Revenue: $20 billion
- Number of Employees: 23,000
- Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
DuPont de Nemours was founded in 1802 and has undergone several upgrades to become a leader in the basic industries field. This company produces raw materials for several major industries. The organization partners with different brands, such as Kapton, Cyrel, Delrin, Zytel, Great Stuff, and Corian Design.
These collaborations and innovations have led to the availability of job opportunities across the many company locations . Here, you can work in engineering, health and safety, IT, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain.
6. PPG Industries
- Annual Revenue: $14 billion
- Number of Employees: 47,000
- Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PPG Industries is a Fortune 200 company specializing in manufacturing paints, coatings, optical products, and specialty materials. The company was founded in 1883 and has grown to establish a solid presence in the basic industries sector. It manufactures finished products and distributes raw materials and supplies through its purchasing and logistics department.
PPG Industries employs thousands of employees who work in sales, production, supply chain, and engineering. It has offices located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cedar Falls, and more than 70 other countries.
7. Newmont Mining Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $11 billion
- Number of Employees: 14,300
- Headquarters: Denver, Colorado
The Newmont Mining Corporation is the leading producer of gold worldwide. The company also produces copper, zinc, lead, and silver. It is a highly reputable organization focused on quality, talent, and creating relationships. Newmont also employs thousands of employees in their branches and mining jurisdictions across North America, Australia, South America, and Africa.
8. Masco Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $7 billion
- Number of Employees: 18,000
- Headquarters: Livonia, Michigan
Masco Corporation was founded in 1929 by Alex Manoogian and his two partners. The company focuses on design and construction through the manufacture and distribution of home improvement and building products. Popular Masco brands include BrassCraft, Delta, FranklinBrass, Cobra, BEHR, and Kichler.
Masco employs over 18,000 employees across 28 manufacturing facilities in North America and ten international manufacturing facilities. You can join this company as a milling operator, paint specialist, technician, sales specialist, or quality assurance inspector.
9. Sealed Air Corporation
- Annual Revenue: $5 billion
- Number of Employees: 16,500
- Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Sealed Air Corporation offers business services based on packaging solutions. It is known for its famous brands like Bubble Wrap cushioning packaging and Cryovac food packaging. Other exciting brands include Nexcel, Autobag, and Sealed Air. This company serves the health, food packaging, and equipment automation industries.
Sealed Air has over 16,000 employees across 106 manufacturing facilities and 39 packaging and design centers. The company’s career page features jobs in human resources, accounting, customer service, communications, legal, supply chain, and IT. You can apply for positions in any department, but you have to be patient because of the number of job applications they get.
10. Rudolph and Sletten
- Annual Revenue: $650 million
- Number of Employees: 501-1,000
- Headquarters: San Carlos, California
Rudolph and Sletten is a construction engineering company founded over 60 years ago. The company has been monumental in developing popular landmarks like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Wheeler Hospital, and the Stanford Keck Science Building.
The company also established several branches across California, which provide raw materials for construction and thousands of job opportunities for freelance construction workers and permanent employees. You can work as an accountant, laser scanning specialist, field engineer, coordinator, estimator, manager, or project engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Jobs are available in Basic Industries?
There are a variety of jobs available in the basic industries, from production and assembly line work to quality control and management positions. The exact number of jobs available depends on the size and scope of the company, as well as the current economic conditions. However, there are typically many opportunities for employment in the basic industries sector.
What do Basic Industries Jobs Pay?
Basic industries jobs tend to pay relatively well compared to other sectors. This is likely because the skills required for many basic industries positions are in high demand. For example, jobs in the engineering and construction industries often require specialized training and experience that can be difficult to find. As a result, employers are willing to pay a premium for workers with the necessary skills.
Of course, wages vary depending on the specific occupation and other factors such as experience and education. In general, however, workers in basic industries jobs can expect to earn above-average incomes.
Basic Industries mostly pays an average hourly rate of $54 and hourly wages range from a low of $47 to a high of $63. Individual pay rates will, of course, vary depending on the job, department, location, as well as the individual skills and education of each employee.
Is basic industries a good career path?
No definitive answer exists, and the question is largely dependent on individual preferences, skills, and goals. However, some pros of working in basic industries may include job security and good pay. Some cons could include working long hours or in difficult conditions. Overall, it is a field that offers many opportunities for those who are interested in it.
Is Basic Industries Right for me?
Basic Industries may be a good fit for you if:
- You’re interested in working in a factory or production environment
- You’re interested in working with your hands and machines
- You’re interested in working with and repairing products
- You have an interest in quality control and safety procedures
- You want to work in a team-based environment
Conclusion
Basic industries are essential to the economy, and they offer many opportunities for those who are interested in them. They often pay well and have good job security. However, working in a basic industry can be difficult, due to long hours or difficult conditions.
Also Read: Best Paying Jobs In Capital Goods
References:
- https://careerkarma.com – The Best Basic Industries Companies in 2022
- https://worldscholarshipforum.com – Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path?