Basic industries, also known as primary industries, are those that extract raw materials from the earth, such as mining, logging, and farming. These industries have a significant impact on the economy and are often considered the backbone of a country’s development. However, what many people may not realize is that the jobs within these industries can vary greatly in terms of pay and benefits.
Mining jobs, for example, can pay well but also require workers to have specialized skills and often work in dangerous conditions. Miners can earn an average of $25-$35 per hour, with some highly skilled workers earning upwards of $50 per hour. However, the physical demands of the job and the potential for accidents can make it a challenging and sometimes dangerous career.
Logging jobs also pay well, but again, the work is often physically demanding and can take place in remote locations. Loggers can earn an average of $20-$30 per hour, with some highly skilled workers earning upwards of $40 per hour.
Farming jobs, on the other hand, tend to pay less than mining or logging jobs, with the average farmer earning around $15-$20 per hour. This can be due to the seasonal nature of the work and the fact that many farmers are self-employed and do not have access to benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
But the pay for these jobs can vary a lot depending on where they are, what they do, and how much experience and skill the worker has. Additionally, many jobs in these industries are unionized, and union members can also affect pay and benefits.
What companies are in the basic industries field?
Companies in the basic industries field include those involved in the production of raw materials and industrial products, such as:
- Steel manufacturers (e.g. ArcelorMittal, Nucor)
- Aluminum producers (e.g. Alcoa, Rio Tinto Aluminium)
- Chemical companies (e.g. Dow, DuPont)
- Paper and pulp manufacturers (e.g. International Paper, WestRock)
- Construction materials companies (e.g. LafargeHolcim, Cemex)
- Mining companies (e.g. BHP, Rio Tinto)
- Oil and gas companies (e.g. ExxonMobil, Chevron)
15 Best paying jobs in basic industries and their salaries
1. Petroleum Engineer – $137,170
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. They also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells. They use their knowledge of geology, drilling, and reservoir behavior to optimize production and help companies locate and develop new reserves.
2. Mining and Geological Engineer –$92,250
Mining and geological engineers design mines for the safe and efficient removal of minerals such as coal and metals for manufacturing and utilities. They also design and plan the construction of underground mines and surface mines. They also study the stability of mine walls, slopes and underground excavations, and design methods for preventing cave-ins, explosions, and other hazards.
3. Chemical Engineer – $104,910
Chemical engineers use principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design, develop, and improve processes for producing chemicals and products, and they may also be involved in the management and operation of industrial chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech and food manufacturing plants.
4. Computer and Information Research Scientist – $131,660
The computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields. They may also work on the development of new computer languages, programming tools, and operating systems.
5. Materials Engineer – $93,610
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. They also develop methods to improve the production and use of existing materials.
6. Nuclear Engineer – $113,030
Nuclear engineers study and create the methods, tools, and systems that are used to get useful things out of nuclear energy and radiation. They develop ways to safely and efficiently use nuclear energy to produce electricity, power spacecraft and treat medical disorders. They also work on making new technologies for nuclear medicine, nuclear power, and getting rid of radioactive waste.
7. Environmental Engineer – $87,620
Environmental engineers use engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to figure out how to fix problems in the environment. They design systems and processes for water and air pollution control, solid waste management, and public health issues. They also work on the cleanup of contaminated sites and develop and implement regulations to prevent future contamination.
8. Biomedical Engineer – $91,410
Biomedical Engineer – Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare. They may work on designing artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs. They also work on developing new treatments for diseases and disabilities.
9. Electrical Engineer – $97,970
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. They work with other engineers and scientists to design new systems, and to improve existing ones. They also may be involved in the design of large-scale electrical power transmission systems.
10. Mechanical Engineer – $87,370
Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They also may design power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
They also work on developing new technologies for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
11. Industrial Engineer – $87,040
Industrial engineers optimize complex systems, processes, and organizations to improve efficiency and productivity. They may work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and service industries, to design and implement systems that increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and business to solve problems and improve processes.
12. Civil Engineer – $87,060
Civil engineers design, construct and maintain infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and buildings. They work on the design and planning of construction projects, and also are involved in the construction process, ensuring that the project is built according to plans and specifications. They also play a role in maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure.
13. Geological and Petroleum Technologist – $64,430
Geologists and petroleum engineers need help finding and developing oil and gas reserves. This is where geologists and petroleum technologists come in. They help with drilling and production and use their knowledge of geology to find places where drilling might be possible. They also analyze drilling data and samples to help identify the presence of oil and gas and determine the best way to extract it.
14. Surveyor – $63,420
Surveyors use mathematical and scientific principles to measure and define land boundaries, and to prepare maps and other documents that describe the land and its features. They work in a variety of settings, including construction sites, mining operations, and natural resource management. They also use geographic information systems (GIS) and other technology to analyze data and make maps.
15. Agricultural Engineer – $76,900
Agricultural engineers use engineering principles to design and build tools, buildings, and facilities used in farming. They work on projects such as irrigation systems, water management systems, barns, silos, and other farm buildings. They also work on making new technologies and tools that will make farming more efficient and productive.
Is basic industry a good career path?
It depends on what you are looking for in a career. Basic industry, also called primary industry or extractive industry, is the process of getting things like oil, gas, minerals, and wood from the earth. It can be a challenging and physically demanding field, but it can also offer high pay and opportunities for advancement. But the industry has a big effect on the environment, and the way commodity prices change can have an effect on the job market. It’s important to do research and consider your personal values, skills, and interests before deciding if a basic industry is a good career path for you.