When it comes to our professional lives, we need to maintain a level head at all times, put in the effort to educate ourselves, and make sure that we choose the path that will best help us achieve our long-term objectives. Continue reading this article to gain more information if a career in the basic industries has ever interested you. These industries play an essential role in the production process because they supply the raw materials that are subsequently utilized by other sectors. Without basic industries, all other sectors that rely on raw materials to produce final items will be unable to function correctly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs available in the basic industries has increased by 12.4% since 2010, reaching 22,262.90 positions. Some jobs with rising rates include mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. By the year 2030, it is anticipated that this number will have increased by 2.7%. Therefore, the question that needs to be asked is, “Will Basic Industries Remain a Viable Career Path in 2022?
What Exactly Do We Mean When We Talk About Basic Industries?
Basic industries can be referred to as heavy industries. It is because they focus primarily on trading the raw materials used in producing consumer goods and products by other sectors. Examples include iron, steel, chemical, agriculture, and other core sectors.
What Are The Types Of Basic Industries?
If you have an interest in basic industries, after understanding what it is all about, the next thing is to know which of the category best suits you. Then, understanding each type of basic industry will give you an in-depth understanding of how to make your decisions.
1. The Agriculture Industry
Because agriculture, directly and indirectly, affects people’s lives, it is considered a crucial sector, especially in some developed and developing nations. For instance, a maize milling company might provide raw maize ingredients to a company like Nestle so that the latter can make a finished good like corn cereals using those ingredients. It is a significant sector that employs many individuals in various positions. It is also the primary provider of many essential commodities and the food supply chain. In addition, agriculture is responsible for a significant amount of a country’s trade activity, including import and export.
2. The Mining Industry
Minerals are an essential type of raw resource that all companies need. These minerals are naturally part of the Earth’s crust and can be discovered either very deep underground or on the surface. The history of the mining sector is broken down into two distinct periods. The first stage is known as the exploration stage, and it is at this stage that the minerals are found. The second phase focuses on construction and strategic planning. Drilling engineers and other types of professionals work together in this industry to ensure that subsurface resources are successfully extracted for various applications.
3. The Steel Industry
The production of steel from its basic material, iron ore, is the primary focus of the mineral-based steel industry. The steel industry encompasses not only the extraction of iron ore and its subsequent transformation into steel but also the recycling of scrap metal into steel and the provisional construction of semi-finished products. On the other hand, because steel is also a raw material used by other industries, the steel business is seen as an essential sector.
4. The Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is often considered one of the most critical sectors in the world. This basic industry can be divided into three parts: the upstream, the midstream, and the downstream. Companies operating in the upstream sector are experts in discovering and extracting natural resources like oil and gas. Midstream companies, meanwhile, are primarily concerned with logistics like storage and transportation. Finally, companies that operate refineries and purify oil are considered to be in the downstream sector.
5. The Paper and Pulp Industry
Pulp is the primary material in the manufacturing process of paper. These companies also produce commodities based on cellulose, an essential raw component of producing paper. The pulp is made from the wood of many kinds of trees.
6. The Chemical Industry
The chemical industry is a vast and complex economic sector responsible for producing various goods. Chemical products are used in multiple industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. However, the vast majority of materials produced by the chemical industry end up in consumer goods and personal care items, such as shampoo and conditioner brands. In addition to rubber and plastics, other products that employ chemicals include textiles and apparel, pulp and paper, petroleum products, and primary metals used in the chemical industry.
7. The Utility Industry
Another industry offers various services to its customers, including sewage, natural gas, and electricity. Some of these products are raw materials that other businesses can use.
Best Job Opportunities Found In The Basic Industries
1. Petroleum Engineer
The acquisition, production, and distribution of oil and gas are the primary responsibilities of a petroleum engineer. They are involved in the oil and gas industry, conducting offshore and onshore drilling operations, producing oil and gas, and managing oil and gas fields. Because of the significantly higher compensation than the average salary in the United States, petroleum engineering is an excellent choice for a profession. The area of petroleum engineering is anticipated to experience considerable growth in the next few years, creating numerous job opportunities. The annual wage for a petroleum engineer comes to a total of $137,330.
2. Agriculture Chemist
Agricultural chemists develop chemicals to increase crop yield and output, eliminate pests, and protect the environment. They research various agricultural issues, such as chemical compositions, livestock productivity modifications, and animal feed changes. There are several opportunities for the fantastic job of agricultural chemist. First, this sector makes high-quality food available to everyone every day due to our continuously growing population, making it simpler to get employment in this area as long as there is a demand. Being an agro-scientist is a great career choice if you value science and food. The annual wage for an agricultural chemist is $80,680.
3. Metallurgists
Metallurgists design and produce many metal structures and components, from huge engineering to tiny precision components. They study metals’ properties and apply what they discover to real-world situations, including metal manufacturing. Developing methods that permit the ethical recycling of commodities and resources may allow the metallurgist to play a significant social role. As a result, the industry is increasingly looking for fresh concepts and qualified individuals to advance society toward a more sustainable future. The annual wage for a metallurgist is $100,000 per year.
4. Drilling Engineer
For petrochemical companies, drilling engineers design and oversee activities on oil rigs. They create, use, and maintain various drilling tools and equipment and manage the drilling process to ensure its effectiveness and safety. If you’re looking for exciting work that has the potential to be very financially rewarding, a career as a drilling engineer could be the best choice for you. Engineers who engage in drilling may be well paid, especially if employed by a significant oil company. The annual wage for a drilling engineer is $110,000.
5. Mining and Geology Engineers
Engineers in mining and geology create open-air and underground quarries or mines for minerals or rock. Careers in mining and geological engineering may be challenging and rewarding. By engaging in this career, you can work in various settings and contribute to developing our natural resources. Due to its high pay, this profession is always in demand in foundational industries. The annual wage is $93,800.
6. Electrical Engineers
The design, development, testing, and production of electrical systems and equipment, such as electric motors and smartphones, are the responsibilities of electrical engineers. As a result, electrical engineers are in high demand for employment. It is a fantastic professional path for IT enthusiasts to choose from. By building reliable, affordable machinery, engineers greatly benefit society. The annual wage for an electrical engineer is $77,172.
7. Factory Manager
A Factory Manager is responsible for supervising workers in the factory and making sure everything runs properly. They often oversee the production of machinery, vehicles, electronics, and packaging at manufacturing facilities. The factory manager ensures that the manufacturing industry employs cutting-edge technology and provides a great and safe work environment. Manufacturing jobs offer security and stability. With an average tenure of 9.1 years, manufacturing employees have the longest tenure of any private sector employee. The annual wage is $92,568.
8. Geologists
A geologist studies the past of the planet we inhabit makes predictions and describes what is happening now. Geology is a rewarding and challenging career that provides fieldwork, research, and teaching opportunities. It is an exciting and dynamic career with many progression opportunities. Geology is a great career choice if you are interested in the Earth and its processes. The annual wage is $93,580.
9. Agronomist
An agronomist is a go-between for farmers and plant scientists in the agriculture industry. They focus on the sustainability and safety of the crops used for food, energy, and land reclamation. Becoming an agronomist is an excellent choice for those looking to concentrate on agriculture. Agronomists are in great demand worldwide and the United States due to the fulfilling nature of their work. The annual wage of an agronomist is $60,000 per year.
10. Welder
The welder often referred to as a fabricator, forges, cuts, joins, and produces metal components that may be used with various metals. This job could be perfect for you if you’re looking for a basic industrial profession with little educational qualifications and minimal experience. Additionally, it is easy to grow in the welding industry due to the high demand for welders. $51,048 is the annual wage of a welder.
11. Synthetic Chemist
Synthetic chemists work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, technology, and cleaning products. The duties of these scientists include analyzing molecules, researching chemical processes, and purifying materials. In addition, as a synthetic chemist, you will be in charge of creating and synthesizing new chemicals and materials. In the chemical industry, there are several job opportunities for synthetic chemists. The annual wage is $80,000.
12. Production Managers
Production managers are responsible for the technical oversight, management, and control of industrial processes. Given the excellent compensation, good benefits, engaging work environment, and strong demand for the position, working as a production manager is a fantastic career decision. This position could be right for you if it seems a good fit. The annual wage is $64,152.
13. Chemists
To provide quality control or to create new products, chemists undertake qualitative and quantitative investigations into chemical substances. The pharmaceutical, industrial, and environmental sectors are among the essential businesses with a high demand for chemists. Additionally, chemistry is well-paying, with chemists in the United States earning an average of $74,650 a year.
14. Forensic Scientist
A forensic scientist’s job is to find, collect, and analyze physical evidence that is located at a crime scene. Their primary duties include analyzing and interpreting blood traces, making remarks about crimes at crime scenes based on death certificates, and taking pictures and videos of crime scenes. Forensic science is a terrific career option for people who desire to collect and assess evidence using scientific methods to solve crimes. Compared to the typical professional, forensic scientists make 26% more money. The compensation is $60,000.
Benefits of Working In The Basic Industries
These industries produce most of the raw materials that other industries use. It suggests that there is consistently high demand, which provides several benefits.
One of the benefits is that you will always have a job in a great market, which is the first benefit. Because it is such a crucial part of the economy, there will always be a need for those who wish to work in it.
Your employment will be lucrative because of their relatively high wages. The term “basic industry” covers a wide variety of different employment types. However, all kinds of work in the basic industrial employment route have some benefits.
Lastly, basic industrial occupations frequently resist economic downturns. In other words, even in a bad economy, individuals will still need to buy necessities like food, clothes, and other necessities.
Challenges Facing Some Basic Industries
Working in a vital industry like agriculture has several disadvantages, including long hours, difficult working conditions, and low pay.
Farmers put in extremely long hours during the planting and harvesting seasons. The work requires a lot of physical effort and may be done in any weather, and their pay might be low.
Additionally, dangerous working conditions must be dealt with by construction workers. They may be exposed as they frequently work outside in all weather.
Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path?
The basic industries provide a wide range of work options. It is a great career option. The industries are also very fulfilling and usually do not require a formal degree. Jobs in these industries have different profiles than those in other industries. Our everyday needs depend on basic industries, and demand for people in these fields never seems to go down. Opportunities are multiplying in foundational sectors. People who desire to work in a manufacturing-focused industry should pursue basic industrial jobs. They are not the easiest tasks to complete, but they frequently pay well and provide constant work. The primary source of income for 601,149 Americans is mining. About 5.5 percent of the workers in the petroleum industry are employed in the United States. Technical and non-technical personnel are becoming more and more necessary. Consequently, working in the basic industry is a fantastic career choice. So, if you want to work in a basic industry, you must finish the required classes, apprenticeships, or training programs and gain experience that will help you get better at your job.