The best paying jobs in basic industries include steel manager, civil engineer, human resource manager, and financial manager. These jobs are in high demand and thus command high annual salaries.
There are several attractive job opportunities in the basic industries. The best-paying jobs in the iron and steel industry are usually found in agricultural, energy, paper, and mining companies.
What Do Basic Industries Jobs Pay?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the median annual salary for professionals in the basic industries is $68,830. A managerial role like Vice President in Mining Operations has an annual average wage of $174,046.
Currently, entry-level agriculture, fishing and hunting, forest and conservation, and logging jobs earn between $28,530 and $42,350. It is now glaring that the basic industries generates high-paying jobs that provide financial stability and satisfaction.
15 Highest Paying Basic Industries Jobs with Good Salaries
Jobs in the basic industries commands very high salaries. Moreso, most of the jobs in this sector are very stimulating and rewarding.
The “Vice President” position or VP is among the most sought-after in any sector, but it is especially important in basic industries. As a VP of Mining Operations, you will be in charge of assessing, due diligence, and supervising mines and projects. These projects support the company’s growth plan through internal initiatives and acquisitions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% increase in job growth for vice presidents in mining operations. It will provide 853,300 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
2. Financial Manager
Average Annual Salary: $134,000
Financial managers are in charge of a company’s financial operations. They create financial statements and manage budgets and audits.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 15% increase in job growth for financial managers. It will provide 108,400 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
3. Petroleum Geologist
Average Annual Salary: $129,850
Petroleum geologists investigate the earth’s surface to identify oil and gas resources. They employ geological markers to alert corporations to drilling locations.
The job outlook for the petroleum Geologist role is positive, with a growth rate of 5% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 27,900 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
4. Drilling Engineer
Annual Average Salary: $ 128,230
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.
The job outlook for the drilling engineer role is positive, with a growth rate of 3% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 31,500 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
5. Human Resources Manager
Average Annual Salary: $121,000
Human resources managers are in charge of a company’s human resources department. This might involve staff recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration.
The job outlook for the petroleum human resources manager role is positive, with a growth rate of 6% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 10,400 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
6. Business Development Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $107,140
Business Development Engineers are among the highest-paid positions in the iron and steel industries. These professionals are highly valued in this industry because they serve as the point of contact between employers and external firms. A Business Development Engineer is in charge of identifying new market prospects for the organization. They establish contacts with business partners, vendors, clients, and others.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts n 6% increase in job growth for forensic scientists. It will provide 75,500 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
7. Officer of Health and Safety
Average Annual Salary: $100,000
These professionals are very important in the iron and steel industry. They train new employees in this sector about the dangers and hazards of their professions. Their main aim is to properly educate basic industries workers on handling metals, heavy farm equipment, or any form of chemical safely.
The job outlook for the petroleum Geologist role is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 122,100 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
8. Metallurgists
Average Annual Salary: $98,710
As the title suggests, these specialists work with a range of metals. They work alongside miners and visit the processing plants where the mine’s resources are processed regularly. These professionals should thoroughly grasp metals, chemistry, and the requisite safety skills for this occupation.
The job outlook for petroleum Metallurgists is positive, with a growth rate of 4% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 7,100 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Synthetic chemists work on the creation of novel and useful substances. These chemicals are usually intended for a specific purpose. Synthetic chemists create chemicals employed in various areas, including healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 5% increase in job growth for Synthetic chemists. It will provide 94,200 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031
Construction managers are in charge of managing a project’s construction. They manage commercial, residential, and industrial projects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an 8% increase in job growth for construction managers. It will provide 46,200 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
11. Geoscientist
Average Annual Salary:$92,000
Geoscientists are highly qualified individuals that analyze the geography of an area to find, evaluate, or appraise it. Geoscientists are in great demand and well compensated since all basic businesses include extracting raw minerals from the soil.
The job outlook for geoscientists is positive, with a growth rate of 5% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 33,100 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
12. Civil Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $87,000
Civil engineers are in charge of developing and managing infrastructural construction projects. They manage the construction of roads, bridges, dams, and sewer systems.
The job outlook for the petroleum civil engineers role is positive, with a growth rate of 2% over the next ten years. BLS projects it will produce 21,300 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
13. Manufacturing Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $84,000
Manufacturing engineers are in charge of product design as well as product production. They work on both small and large products.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 3% increase in job growth for manufacturing engineers. It will provide 23,600 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
14. Horticulturist
Average Annual Salary: $72,570
Horticultures are specialists in cultivating plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees. Horticulturists also specialize in park and landscape design.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts n 6% increase in job growth for Horticulturists. It will provide 48,800 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031
Forensic scientists operate in a variety of settings. Their regular duties include collecting and analyzing fingerprints and other evidence from crime scenes. They also work on scientific projects together.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 14% increase in job growth for forensic scientists. It will provide 17,400 job opportunities across the United States from 2021 to 2031.
Highest Paying Entry-Level Iron and Steel Industry Jobs with Good Salaries
One attractive feature of the Iron and Steel Industry is that there are thousands of entry-level roles. Admittedly, some of these roles might require some training. But most employers are more than willing to offer on-job training for such candidates.
Here are some of the highest paying entry-level jobs in basic industries
Fabricators are qualified experts that shape metal parts using sophisticated equipment. They typically employ instruments that cut and bend materials. Fabricators typically make finished goods rather than pieces of an item.
Fabricators don’t need a college education, just a high school diploma. Some fabricators, however, have associate degrees in a related field.
2. Carpenter
Average Annual Salary: $56,147
Carpenters are professionals who build, install, and repair structures. They create items and facilities using materials such as wood, glass, or metal. Carpenters understand how to cut, shape, and manipulate these materials in order to complete a project.
Most carpenters complete apprenticeship programs. Some carpenters, however, have a combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some industry courses in carpentry.
3. Model Worker
Average Annual Salary: $53,480.
Model makers are in charge of constructing models of metal objects. Model makers use metal to construct accurate representations of a building or project. These models are created using specialized equipment such as engraving machines.
There are no strict educational requirements to work as a model maker. Although, having practical work experience or training can help you land higher pay.
4. Metal worker
Average Annual Salary: $41,400
Metal workers are specialist that handles and forms malleable metal parts. Metal workers also use specific machinery to cut metal sheets. They are responsible for reading designs, collecting measurements, building frameworks, and moving sheets of metal.
Many sheet metal workers receive training through vocational or technical schools. These schools offer courses in welding, metal fabrication, and HVAC systems.
5. Welding
Average Annual Salary: $39,889
A welder is a professional who utilizes specialized equipment to join pieces of metal together. Welders utilize heat to melt and fuse metal to produce or repair products.
You can also start your welding career as a welding laborer in companies that provide on-the-job training. Alternatively, you can enroll in a welding program. These programs can take anywhere between six months to two years to complete.
How to Get a High Paying Job in Basic Industries
Remember that gaining a high-paying job in the basic industries may require time, effort, and tenacity. There are many available jobs in the basic industries, and with the right skills, you can get one
Here are 5 practical steps to land a high paying job in the basic industries:
1. Education and Skills
Many high paying jobs in the basic industries requires specialized knowledge or education. Consider earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as engineering or geology. This will improve your chances of landing a high paying job in this sector. You might also want to consider honing your skills by taking various basic industries certifications or training.
2. Get the required training.
There are millions of basic industries training and apprenticeship programs. The training you take will depend on your career path. If you want to be a welder in the basic industries, you need to take certain training. Training programs include welding and cutting practices, the metallurgy of welding, safety and quality standards in welding
3. Gain Experience
Get industry experience by beginning with entry-level roles, internships, or apprenticeships. This may entail working for little to no salary at first, but it can lead to better prospects. Most employers are more comfortable hiring job applicants with extensive years of experience.
4. Research Prospective Employers
You should start by searching for top basic industries companies that pay their employers well. You should also look out for firms that have a history of promoting from within.
5. Consider Relocating
Regions comprise some of the factors that affect employee wages in the basic industries. Companies in urban regions with high costs of living tend to pay their employees more wages. Thus, you may want to consider moving to a location where these companies are more prevalent.
Where to Find the Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries?
As stated above, there are thousands of available jobs in the basic industries. With the right skills, education, and training, finding high paying jobs in the basic industries is relatively simple
5 Industry-specific places to land high paying jobs in basic industries
1. Society of American Foresters (SAF)
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is a professional organization in the United States. The association is dedicated to advancing the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry. On its website, SAF provides forestry professionals with tools, networking opportunities, and job postings for members.
2. The Forest Trust
The Forest Trust is a global non-profit organization that promotes sustainable forest management and responsible forest product sourcing. The organization collaborates with businesses to develop responsible forest management methods. Most importantly, the Forest Trust posts job openings on its website for people looking to join the basic industries.
3. Mining People International
Mining People International is a global employment firm that focuses on matching mining companies with suitable job seekers. The company has offices in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It provides a variety of services, such as recruitment, payroll, and human resource consultancy.
4. InfoMine
InfoMine is a website that gives information on mining projects, mining firms, and mining job opportunities. The website includes news articles, corporate profiles, and a job board with mining job openings worldwide. InfoMine is an excellent resource for anyone with interest in the mining business.
5. State and Federal Government Job Sites
For job openings in the forestry business, check federal job sites such as USAJobs or the websites of state employment bureaus.
What are the Top-Level Skills to Get a High Paying Job in Basic Industries?
The importance of having the necessary skillsets in the basic industries cannot be overemphasized. Employers prefer job applicants with more practical skills than job applicants with just a degree and no skills.
5 top-level skills will definitely get you a high paying job in the basic industries
1. Leadership Skills
In basic industries, there are often opportunities for advancement into leadership positions. Individuals who demonstrate strong leadership skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, are highly sought after.
2. Safety Awareness
Basic industries often involve hazardous conditions, such as exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and heavy machinery. Employers in these industries place a high value on safety awareness and the ability to follow safety protocols.
3. Basic math skills
Because metal framework building requires measurements, computations, and other mathematical concepts, basic arithmetic abilities are required. To precisely measure and construct the metal framework, workers must be able to execute fundamental mathematics as well as grasp geometry and trigonometry.
Workers must be able to read and develop detailed sketches and blueprints to accurately construct the structure. Therefore basic sketching abilities are also required. Technical sketching, spatial visualization, and the ability to read and interpret building blueprints are all required.
5. Construction Skills
Construction is the process of building a framework out of various components, such as steel beams, columns, and braces. This procedure is often utilized in building and other structure construction projects to give structural support and stability.
Table of Top 10 Companies with the Highest-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
Name of Company
Size
Highest paying Job
Salary
Chevron Corporation
47,740 employees
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
$6 million
Cargill
155,000 employees
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
$509 million
Proctor and Gamble Company
99,000 employees
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
$5 million
International Paper
50,000 employees
President of Business Units
$1.1 million
Dupont de Nemours
23,000 employees
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
$4 million
PPG Industries
47,000 employees
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
$800,000
Newmont Mining Corporation
14,300 employees
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
$3 million
Masco Corporation
18,000 employees
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
$1.4 million
Sealed Air Corporation
16,500 employees
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
$2 million
Rudolph Sletten
1000 employees
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
$1.5 million
What are the Factors Affecting an Employee’s Salary in Basic Industries?
The basic industries is quite vast, and there is a constant demand for workers. This high demand invariably translates to higher wages. There are various factors that affect employees’ salaries in basic industries.
5 common factors that determine an employee’s salary in the basic industries
1. Capacity to Pay
In basic industries, such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture, the employer’s capacity to pay can have a significant impact on the salaries of employees.
When employers have a higher capacity to pay, they may be able to offer higher salaries to their employees. On the other hand, when employers have a lower capacity to pay, they may have to offer lower salaries to their employees.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living can also have a significant impact on the salaries of employees in basic industries.
In areas with a higher cost of living, employees may require higher salaries to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Conversely, in areas with a lower cost of living, employees may require lower salaries to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
3. Productivity of Workers
In basic industries, productivity is a critical factor that affects the employee’s salary.
When workers are more productive, they can produce more goods or services, which can increase the revenue of the company. This increase in revenue can be used to pay higher salaries to the workers.
4, Trade Unions
Trade unions can have a significant impact on the salaries of employees in basic industries.
By negotiating with employers on behalf of their members, trade unions can often secure better pay and benefits for workers than they might otherwise receive.
5. Wage Laws:
Wage laws can have a significant impact on an employee’s salary in basic industries.
In basic industries, many workers may be employed in physically demanding or hazardous jobs. Wage laws can play an important role in ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for their work.
Conclusion: Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
There is a consistent demand for finished products in the basic industries. This will always lead to high demand for labor in this field. An increase in such demand ultimately translates into good salaries and wages for basic industries professionals. Thus, with the requisite skills and training, you can land a very lucrative job in this sector.
FAQs
Which job is best in basic industries?
The best job in the basic industries is managerial positions like construction managers, human resource managers, and Vice Presidents in Mining Operations. These jobs command higher salaries than entry-level jobs.
Which job pays the most in basic industries?
The job that pays the most in basic industries is Vice President in Mining Operations. This profession has an average annual salary of over $170,000
Which country is best for basic industries jobs?
The US is the best for basic industries jobs. The US has a strong basic industries Sector, with industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing providing a significant number of jobs.
