Basic industries are industries that supply raw materials to industries that manufacture metals, coal, gas, wood, and paper. These industries offer numerous exciting career opportunities. Even there are many best-paying jobs in basic industries. Some popular basic industries are related to mining, energy, oil and gas, forestry, paper, and the agriculture sector.
In general, jobs in basic industries form the backbone of the economy and the larger labor market. This is because they supply the raw materials needed for other sectors to operate and for society to meet its requirements. As a result, the highest-paying jobs in basic industries frequently look for people with the appropriate abilities and expertise to build long-lasting and successful careers.
Would like to know what are the best-paying jobs in basic industries? If yes, then continue reading this blog. Here, we have shared a list of high-paying and rewarding jobs in basic industries along with the salary.
Let’s get started.
How Much Do Basic Industries Jobs Pay?
In 2020, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median yearly salary for scientists working in agriculture and food was $68,830. For petroleum engineers, the median yearly salary was $137,330. Typically, in basic industries, an employee’s exact hourly rate or pay will be determined by the industry and job level.
Moreover, in 2020, entry-level positions in the fields of agriculture, forestry and conservation, fishing and hunting, and logging paid between $28,530 and $42,350. So, you may get financial stability and satisfaction from top-paying jobs in basic industries.
Future of Careers in Basic Industries
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment as a food scientist and an agricultural worker will increase by 2% between 2020 and 2030. Furthermore, petroleum engineers are predicted to see the largest job growth of around 8%. However, depending on the industry and position level, different basic industries provide a wide range of employment opportunities.
Between 2020 and 2030, employment for those involved in fishing and hunting is expected to grow by 11%, while employment for loggers will grow by 7%. Similarly, geological and mining engineers are expected to have a 4% increase in employment. Regarding career choice, professionals in this area have good prospects.
Also Read: 15 Top Highest-Paying Finance Jobs in 2024
10 Best-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
The following are some highly-paid jobs in basic industries.
1. Reservoir Engineer
Average Salary: $167,679
In the oil and gas sector, a reservoir engineer is a specialist who controls the behavior of subsurface reservoirs that hold water, gas, or oil. Their main duty is to maximize recovery rates and economic efficiency while optimizing the extraction of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) from these reservoirs. Also, their role is to determine a reservoir’s potential, create extraction plans, and guarantee the production’s long-term sustainability.
The minimum requirements to become a reservoir engineer are usually a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or a similar discipline. Some positions that require more advanced research may call for a master’s or doctoral degree. Reservoir engineers frequently work for government organizations, research institutes, consulting firms, and enterprises that explore oil and gas.
2. Petroleum Engineer
Average Salary: $127,318
A Petroleum Engineer is a professional who is responsible for exploring, extracting, producing, and managing oil and natural gas resources in the Earth’s subsurface. The role of petroleum engineers includes identifying innovative strategies for efficient and safe extraction of rich resources.
Individuals seeking to become Petroleum Engineers normally need a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a similar discipline. Some advanced or specialized roles may need a master’s or doctoral degree. Petroleum engineers frequently work for government agencies, drilling companies, research institutes, and enterprises engaged in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas.
3. Head Grower
Average Salary: $125,000
In the food industry, the head grower is responsible for managing all aspects of crop production to guarantee optimal yield quality. Typically, head growers work as food scientists in the agricultural and food-related sectors. Their primary duties include supervising staff members, controlling climate and raw material conditions, guaranteeing the quality of yields, and adhering to irrigation schedules.
To become a head grower, one must have five years of managerial experience in addition to good analytical abilities. The minimum education for this role is an advanced degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field.
4. Petrophysicist
Average Salary: $116,844
A Petrophysicist is a trained professional in the oil and gas sector. They mainly study and interpret the physical and chemical features of rocks, fluids, and reservoirs to understand and improve hydrocarbon production. Their responsibilities include assessing reservoir properties and offering information that directs decisions about drilling, production, and reservoir management.
For this position, one must have a combination of education, technical skills, and practical experience in the oil and gas industry. In general, this job requires a relevant Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. However, for this position, some industries recruit graduates who have obtained the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA) certification.
5. Drilling Engineer
Average Salary: $104,950
In the oil and gas industry, drilling engineer is one of the best-paying jobs. The responsibility of a drilling engineer includes planning, designing, and managing drilling operations to extract oil and gas from the Earth’s subsurface. Especially, from choosing well locations to developing drilling techniques and equipment, they play a key role. Also, they are essential in guaranteeing safe and effective drilling processes.
To become a drilling engineer in the oil and gas industry, one must require a combination of education, experience, and technical skills. However, the minimum education needed for this role is a bachelor’s degree in drilling engineering, petroleum engineering, or a similar discipline. In addition to that, an individual should possess a strong knowledge of drilling operations, equipment, safety protocols, and regulations. Obtaining necessary certifications such as the IWCF (International Well Control Forum) certification is an added advantage. A master’s degree can offer additional expertise and open doors to higher-level careers, while it is not usually required.
6. Refinery Manager
Average Salary: $97,446
A Refinery Manager is a senior-level expert responsible for supervising an oil refinery’s activities. Oil refineries are industrial facilities that convert crude oil into a variety of products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemicals. In oil industries, the primary role of a refinery manager is to maintain the refinery’s safety, efficiency, and profitability while conforming to environmental legislation and industry standards.
To work as a refinery manager, one must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. With extensive industry experience, professionals who started their careers in the entry-level role can also gradually reach the position of refinery manager.
7. Chief Geologist
Average Salary: $95,972
Geologists are scientists who are responsible for studying the Earth, its history, materials, and processes. A chief geologist’s responsibilities include overseeing the geology team, developing and implementing an effective grade control program, carrying out drilling plans, and supporting open pit and exploration work. The chief geologist is one of the top positions in a company and they will report directly to the vice president of exploration.
The minimum education required for this job is a bachelor’s degree in Geology or equivalent. Moreover, this position pays well annually and has a good career path.
8. Chemical Engineer
Average Salary: $94,179
A chemical engineer is a specialist who designs, develops, and optimizes processes and products involving chemicals, materials, and reactions using the concepts of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. They play a key role in several industries such as petrochemicals, biotechnology, manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Individuals seeking to become Chemical Engineers normally require a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar discipline. Some jobs, especially those involving research, specialized tasks, or advanced positions, may necessitate a master’s or doctoral degree.
9. Mining Engineer
Average Salary: $93,150
Mining Engineer is another best-paying job in basic industries. A mining engineer’s typical workday involves surveying boundaries for mine planning and organizing projects for mining operations that deal with the extraction of minerals from mines. Also, they frequently play a significant role in the development of new mines, helping to determine if a mineral deposit can be mined successfully and researching innovative methods and procedures to increase mine productivity and safety.
For this position, one must have a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering, post-high school training, and prior industry experience.
10. Soil Conservationist
Average Salary: $64,588
In the agriculture sector, the soil conservationist is one of the top-paying jobs. The job of soil conservationists is to make sure the soil is in good condition. They mostly spend more time in the field and provide technical assistance and conservation planning to farmers and other land users.
Soil conservationists are responsible for gathering information from dependable sources, creating project budgets, and conducting audits of businesses that are not in compliance. Developing scientific reports and presentations, evaluating environmental samples in the lab, and resolving any issues that crop up are their additional responsibilities. To become a soil conservationist, one must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science or Environmental Studies.
A Few Other Highest-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
Listed below are a few other best-paying jobs in basic industries
- Business development engineer
- Health and safety officer
- Agricultural economist
- Wind turbine technician
- Fisheries scientist
- Drilling Rig Manager
- Production Engineer
- Geoscientist
Also Read: Top 15 Jobs That Pay 80K a Year Without a Degree
Wrapping Up
So far, we have seen the list of the best-paying jobs in basic industries. Remember, all the positions listed above require specific education, training, and experience. Furthermore, economic and market variables might influence demand and compensation for these jobs.
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