Are you considering a new career? Or are you trying to plot your educational path? 

Then you have probably come across the term “basic industries” which refers to industries that supply raw materials to other sectors of production and manufacturing.

But is basic industries a good career path?

There is a wide variety of job positions when it comes to basic industries, ranging from entry-level positions to those that require advanced education.

So no matter where you are in your journey, a career in basic industries may just be for you!

What Are Basic Industries?

Basic industries are industries that provide raw materials to other industries in order to manufacture goods by discovering, developing, and processing these materials.

There are six major basic industries:

  • Agriculture: Possibly one of the most essential basic industries, agriculture is the primary source of the world’s food supply.
  • Mining: The mining industry explores and gathers minerals where they are refined into usable products
  • Paper and Pulp: Paper and pulp companies cater to packaging, tissues, hygiene products, textile applications, and more.
  • Steel: Steel is a basic industry that contributes to the construction of vehicles, ports, buildings, bridges, etc.
  • Chemical: The chemical industry transforms raw materials into gases or chemical solutions that are utilized in other sectors.
  • Oil and Gas: Oil and gas is the world’s largest industry and is involved in the discovery and production of oil and gas that is converted into products such as gasoline.

What Companies Are in the Basic Industries Field?

The three biggest American companies in the basic industries are Exxon Mobile, Chevron Corp., and Schlumberger Ltd. - all companies involved in the oil and gas industry!

The largest chemical companies are DuPont de Nemours and Co. and Monsanto Co. When it comes to the production of construction materials, the major players include Vulcan Materials Co. and Steel Dynamics Inc.

Here are some other companies you should consider when planning your basic industries career path:

  • Proctor and Gamble
  • PPG Industries
  • Newmont Mining Corporation
  • International Paper

Or, you can always use our Job Seekers page to look for positions in your industry of interest!

How Many Jobs Are in the Basic Industries?

By 2030, it’s expected that jobs in the basic industries are going to grow by 2.7%. This may not seem like a lot until you consider that in the United States, there are currently over 24 million jobs in basic industries!

Basic industries is a huge field and there are no worries that automation will hinder job growth in this industry.

Here are some examples of the types of jobs available in the basic industries:

And jobs are not limited to labor and scientific positions! The basic industries also employ many individuals in marketing, finance, and accounting departments.

What Do Basic Industry Jobs Pay?

While there are many jobs in the basic industries that require a degree in technical fields, there are also many entry-level jobs where no formal education is required.

In the basic industries, you can find high-paying jobs with minimal education requirements across multiple fields.

For example, an ironworker can earn around $39,000 per year while a chemical engineer can bring in $108,540 annually.

Overall, the average earnings in this industry range from $20,000 to $50,000 with the potential to earn more.

Again, jobs in the basic industries vary depending on your level of experience and education. However, it is possible to land a good-paying job with a high school diploma or GED.

What Skills Do You Need to Work in the Basic Industries?

Starting a solid career in the basic industries does require you to take certain skills into consideration.

For instance, those who are highly-trained stand a better chance of securing a position than someone who is not. 

Also, the jobs are typically very physical and often require long periods of standing as well as bending, stretching, and heavy lifting.

Many jobs are also hazardous which is why health and safety is a top priority when it comes to working in basic industries.

Start Your Career in Basic Industries!

Despite the current economical climate, basic industries will continue to grow into the foreseeable future.

As long as things need to be manufactured and assembled, there will always be plenty of job opportunities in the basic industries.

And Energy Job Shop is here to help! We are your #1 source for the latest job opportunities in many basic industries, especially the energy sector.

Our extensive job board sources open positions from all over the world!

If you’re ready to get started on your new career path, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletters and alerts. You’ll receive the latest news, valuable tips, and the hottest job leads!