Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path In 2022?

After finishing high school, you can choose from a wide variety of occupations. While some people have a clear career path in mind (for example, a career in law or medicine), others choose to take a more exploratory approach. What about the basic industries, though? Is basic industries a good career path in 2022?

The term “basic industries” refers to those in which entry-level employment often does not need a high level of education or expertise. Instead, they demand the use of one’s common sense and the mastery of fundamental abilities like reading and writing.

There are several benefits to working in a fundamental industry. One reason is that they’re continually expanding, so there’s always a chance to learn new talents and advance your current ones. And since these fields are typically less competitive than others, you have a higher chance of landing a position that suits your skillset and interests without having to invest too much time or money in further education.

You should test basic industries out if you’re thinking about switching careers. You could find that they are the ideal match for your needs.

What Are Basic Industries?

The production of commodities and services that are necessary for people to maintain their lives falls under the category of basic industries. They permeate the whole economy, from production to service provision.

There are a lot of positives to working in the basic industries. To begin with, they provide venues for learning and development. Since many businesses in entry-level fields are continuously on the lookout for qualified candidates to fill open jobs, you may always better your odds of landing a career that you’ll enjoy working in. 

Secondly, the basic industries are usually recession-proof. Companies in fundamental industries, such as agriculture, mining, and construction, tend to do better during economic downturns than their counterparts in the high technology and financial sectors. In conclusion, many entry-level positions in the private sector pay well and provide generous benefits including medical coverage and retirement funds.

What Do People Do In Basic Industries Do?

The industries that supply raw materials for the production of other industries’ commodities are referred to as “basic industries.” They may also be involved in the discovery and development of raw resources, as well. Agriculture, petroleum and natural gas extraction, mining, steel production, paper and pulp manufacturing, and chemical production are examples of fundamental economic sectors.

Basic industries usually hire people with a lot of training because the materials they use can put them in high-risk situations. You’ll also want to be sure you’re physically able to manage the physical demands of these occupations, which need a greater degree of work.

What Is The Difference Between A Basic And A Non-Basic Industry?

Basic industries are vastly distinct from other types of businesses. Industries that are considered “basic” generate items and services that are fundamental to society and the economy. Products from the so-called “non-basic” sectors aren’t necessities, but they can provide customers with some entertainment or intellectual stimulation. Non-essential sectors include the entertainment and fashion industries.

Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path?

The answer is yes in every respect. Careers in the basic sector provide a lot of promise to young people. There are several companies hiring in this space, and those interested can easily be accepted if they have relevant expertise and can corroborate it with relevant certificates or degrees.

There will always be a need for basic industries. Raw materials are crucial for the production of everyday goods. You also recognize that our society is becoming increasingly dependent on digital technologies.   However, the real world will remain unchanged forever. 

Chemical engineers, material scientists, and petroleum geologists have some of the finest job prospects in the basic sector. These openings provide a rewarding and stable professional path.

What Are Different Types Of Basic Industries?

Many different types of businesses fall under the broad category of “basic industries,” which produces and processes raw materials for use in the manufacture of other goods. Steel, farming, chemistry, the power grid, paper, and pulp are only some examples of these sectors.

Chemical Industry

These businesses manufacture a wide range of chemicals that have a wide variety of applications. Many of these compounds have direct laboratory applications, while others serve as building blocks for further products.

And of course, there are a wide variety of chemical businesses, from basic chemicals to agricultural chemicals to medicines to consumer chemicals to specialized chemicals.

The chemical sector offers a wide variety of entry-level job opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Chemical Engineer
• Chemist
• Petroleum Engineer
• Color Technologist
• Plant Operator
• Materials Scientist
• Product or Process Development Scientist
• Chemical Technician
• Scent Scientist
• Flavor Chemist
• Biotechnologist
• Energy engineer

Paper And Pulp Industry

Paper pulp manufacturing is one type of pulp business. The process of creating new paper begins with the extraction of pulp from trees. All kinds of tree wood may be used to create pulp, and the pulping and papermaking businesses that result also generate cellulose-based goods.

Tissue, catalog, and office papers, as well as paper-based packaging, can all benefit from using paper as a raw material.

Examples of secure, well-paying careers in this sector include:

• Stock Preparation Operator
• Laboratory Technician
• Pipe Fitter (trade career)
• Packaging Designer
• Digester Operator
• Chemical Engineer
• Pulp / Paper Mill Operator
• Chemical Analyst
• Logger (trade career)
• Sawyer
• Millwright (trade career)
• Envelope Machine Operator
• Pulp Tester
• Box Manufacturer
• Mechanical Engineers
• Barker Operator
• Electrical Engineer
• Electrician (trade career)
• Woodworker (trade career)
• Maintenance Machinist

Steel Industry

The steel industry produces finished steel products by refining iron ore. However, steelmaking is regarded a foundational sector since its output serves as a raw material for several other sectors.

The production of iron ore, a crucial ingredient in the steelmaking process, is also possible within this sector. As an added bonus, steel may also be produced from recycled metals in the steel industry.

Oil And Gas Industry

The energy sector includes a wide range of businesses, but the oil and gas industry is particularly significant. These sectors are involved in a wide variety of activities involving petroleum and natural gas. This is all part of the petroleum business, which encompasses vast operations including finding new oil and gas deposits, drilling for them, extracting them, refining them, and transporting them to stores for sale.

Possibilities for fulfilling careers in this field include:

• Energy Engineer
• Offshore/ Oil Rig Worker
• Finance Specialist and Manager
• Geological Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Oil Field Worker
• Engineering or Petroleum Geologist
• Geoscientist
• Geoscientist
• Mudlogger
• Petroleum Engineer
• Hydrographic Surveyor
• Miner (trade career)
• Mine Electrician (trade career)
• Mining Engineer
• Mine Safety Engineer
• Environmental Compliance Coordinator

Agriculture Industry

The agriculture sector is a big region, and the majority of other businesses are reliant on it for their supply of raw materials. Some corn oil manufacturers, for instance, rely on maize milling companies for the corn that goes into making corn oil.

In many agricultural sectors, byproducts from one process might provide essential ingredients for a different one.

There are several promising career paths in agriculture, including:

• Animal Scientist
• Agronomist
• Food Scientist
• Agricultural Engineer
• Commercial Horticulturist
• Soil and Plant Scientist
• Farm Manager (trade career)
• Agricultural Production Worker

Mining Industry

Mining is the process of obtaining resources that are then processed into finished goods. These minerals may be found either very far below or right on the surface, and mining them is a completely natural process. Open-pit, in-situ, underground, and placer mining are the several types of mining operations, and each has its own unique set of employment.

The mining business is crucial because it provides raw materials for several other sectors. Drilling engineers and other professionals in this field collaborate to extract valuable minerals from the ground.

Textile Production

Fabric is made by spinning or weaving thread or yarn made from raw materials like cotton, silk, linen, and other fibres. Those employed in the textile industry help make a wide variety of everyday objects, from clothing to home furnishings to vehicle upholstery to cable and twine and industrial belts and fire hoses.

Positions in the textile sector at the entry-level that pay well include:

• Weaver
• Textile technician
• Illustrator
• Textile converter
• Machine operator (trade career)
• Print Manager
• Textile designer
• Engraver (trade career)

Utility Industry

Utilities are a subset of the service sector that includes the provision of essentials including water and sewage treatment, natural gas, and electrical power. Some of these items are, of course, raw materials that will be used in some other sector.

In the utility industry, some of the most well-known occupations are:

• Wastewater Treatment Operator
• Plant Operator/ Technician
• Field Installer / Technician
• Utility Inspector
• Utility Engineer
• Wastewater Treatment Technician

What Do Basic Industry Jobs Pay?

According to these wages, working in the most fundamental sectors is a financially rewarding endeavor. Jobs in this field are often more secure and well-compensated than those in other fields. However, in every industry, there are positions that pay more than others.

The typical starting wage in a basic industry is $30,000. However, starting earnings typically hover around $20,000 and can go as high as $40,000 with the right combination of education and work experience. A salary of $50,000 or more is possible with the right combination of education and experience. Management and executive roles often pay greater salaries.

High Paying Jobs In Basic Industry

The average salary in basic might be a little low but there are a lot of best-paying jobs in a basic industry which you might look into according to your skill set. We are going to mention a few of them.

1- Steel Fabricator

Steel fabrication is the process by which raw steel is transformed into a usable product by a qualified individual known as a steel fabricator. The procedure entails modifying standard steel sections into a wide variety of sub-sections and end products.

The average Salary is $56,288 per year

2- Wood And Paper Production

Paper is made from raw wood by adding cellulose or fibers and refining the process until paper is generated. The best wood for papers, often softwood coniferous woods, is harvested and processed to manufacture paper. The paper and pulp sector is the most common employer in this field.

The average Salary Is $68,254 per annum.

3- Occupational Health And Safety Officers

These experts have been extensively trained to ensure the health and safety of their employees on the job. They are responsible for conducting workplace inspections to ensure that employees’ health and safety are not compromised by any physical dangers.

There is an average salary of $70,000.

4- Forensic Scientist

A forensic scientist is an expert who uses scientific methods to investigate criminal cases and compiles evidence that may be presented in court. Forensic science is an excellent field of study that may be completed in four to six years.

The median wage is $55,809 per year.

5- Electrician

A licensed electrician is a trained professional who installs and maintains electrical wiring in structures. They also put cable conduit pipes in brand new structures. In addition, there are other sub-fields within the electrical industry, each of which requires a certain type of electrician.

The median income is $56,900.

6- Truck driver

Truck drivers move freight from one location to another throughout the country. Raw materials and finished products alike might fall under this category. Thus, a truck driver has to be a safe driver with a clean driving record and a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

A typical annual wage is $44,837.

7- Pipefitter

A pipe fitter is an expert in the field of constructing water distribution networks, including those used for heating and cooling. Pipefitters, in contrast to plumbers, who often work with polyvinyl chloride, are responsible for installing and maintaining pipe systems that are subject to high pressure.

The median wage is $49,847.

8- Steel Worker

Steelworkers build, install, and maintain steel structures. It’s important to note that steelworkers are also employed by manufacturers who process steel.

The average yearly salary of a steelworker is $34,815.

9- Drilling Engineer

When it comes to oil and gas drilling, two related fields of study—drilling engineering and petroleum engineering—are essential. This task includes, among other things, drilling bits and wells, as well as planning and directing drilling activities.

Engineers in the petroleum industry or drilling operations average $116,873 per year.

10- Petroleum Geologist

Petroleum geologists specialize in all aspects of the energy industry, including finding new oil and gas reserves, extracting those reserves, and refining the products. The need for this expertise is high and is only anticipated to grow.

Experts in this field must travel extensively in order to locate oil and gas reserves, evaluate geological data, and pinpoint promising exploration and exploitation areas.

Professionals with expertise in this field may expect an annual salary of $109,384.

11- Metal Fabrication

Cutting, bending, and putting metal into usable forms is part of the metal production process. A professional metal worker or fabricator does this procedure.

Around $41,780 per year is the typical compensation for a fabricator.

Qualifications Requirement For A Career In Basic Industries

The criteria for schooling and certification might be very different from one basic industry to the next, and these differences can be important depending on the kind of work you wish to do. However, keep in mind that wages are usually determined by your current skill level and expertise.

Some entry-level jobs in the manufacturing sector need a university degree

Typically, these degrees are in engineering or a closely related technical discipline; but, in other cases, a completely different degree may be required. As an example, if you want to work as a food scientist or a geoscientist, you may be required to have a scientific degree.

However, many merely demand high school graduation or GED

Those who don’t want to deal with the burden of education or student loans may find this intriguing. In addition, as you acquire experience and go up the corporate ladder, your salary will rise accordingly.

Be prepared to learn on the job

Most businesses that recruit entry-level employees will have to provide on-the-job training for them. As a bonus, you’ll be paid to learn the ins and outs of your career.

What Are The Basic Industries’ Characteristics?

There are some specific characteristics that basic industries have and others do not. Of course, basic industries are the intermediaries in production since they serve other industries that turn raw materials into finished products. Some of the characteristics include the following:

The Physical Demands Of The Job

Work in the basic industries is more technical and physical in nature, and it calls for a high level of stamina and expertise. To operate a plant, for instance, you need to have received training and learned certain fundamental skills. As a result, most of the individuals who work in these businesses possess a wide range of talents, while others are unskilled yet provide vital physical labor.

Technical Jobs

Technical skills are required for the vast majority of entry-level positions in most industries. Mining and construction, for instance, employ a wide variety of people, from materials scientists to field installers to oil rig workers, and many other skilled positions.

As I’ve already indicated, fundamental industries like steel, woodworking, chemical production, and milling are essential to the functioning of more specialized sectors. Jobs in these sectors tend to be highly technical by their very definition.

Environment-Related Consequences

Basic industries may provide environmental problems; consequently, safety measures are implemented to protect the public from those dangers.

For instance, if the mining locations aren’t properly secured, mining itself might represent a serious risk. In addition, because of the potential for environmental damage, rules limit the locations where enterprises may operate that produce steel and other metals.

Unsafe Situation

Workplace hazards are a fact of life in many low-tech businesses. The mining business, for example, has far more risks and dangers than similar fundamental industries.

Oil field employees, paper mill workers, and machine operators are just a few examples of those working in the basic sector that is subject to potentially dangerous working circumstances.

Competent Workers Are Required

Some positions in the basic industries sector need for exceptionally well-trained individuals to handle the complexities of machine operation and other complex tasks. Workers in the chemical sector, for instance, need specialized knowledge and training to handle the wide variety of potentially dangerous substances they encounter on the job.

Many available positions in the field of basic industry need applicants to have advanced degrees.

How To Succeed In The Basic Industries

Is working in basic industries a smart career choice, and what steps can I take to get started in this field? To guarantee you have the skills and attributes necessary to excel in the foundational sectors, we have provided several important guidelines.

Ability, Skill, and Talent

Getting hired in a low-level industry is challenging. Training is rigorous to guarantee that only the most capable candidates make the cut. Having a positive outlook, taking the initiative, and adapting well to change are the keys to success after you land a position in the basic industries. These qualities are essential for dealing with the pressures of these occupations on a daily basis.

Adaptability

Jobs in the basic industries are numerous when the economy is doing well, but the opposite is also true. In order to weather the storms of any economic cycle, it is helpful to remain flexible and maintain a steady stream of professional qualifications, even if your work is rather entry-level.

Teamwork

Most employment in fundamental industries is inherently collaborative. Learning to work with others and really like doing so are signs of discipline and motivation.

Productivity

Employees in the basic industries are likewise required to contribute effectively. The ability to multitask and manage one’s time effectively is essential in today’s fast-paced production operations.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Working In Basic Industries

Several primary sectors contribute significantly to a country’s standard of living and economy. Some examples are farming, logging, fishing, mining, making things, and building things. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these sectors that must be weighed before concluding that they are crucial to a country’s prosperity.

Advantages

Raw materials and intermediary products are what the basic industry focuses on. There are a lot of upsides to working in this field.

Lots of Jobs Opportunities

One advantage is that your skills will always be in demand in this field. The fundamental industry is an integral aspect of every functioning economy, thus there will always be a demand for workers.

High Paying Job

Second, you’ll be doing a high-paying job. The primary industries often provide competitive wages.

Work Stability

Work stability ranks as the fourth advantage. Basic industrial jobs tend to be more resilient during economic downturns. Thus, individuals will always have a need to spend money on food, clothing, and other essentials, regardless of the state of the economy.

Part-Time Jobs

One further advantage is that part-time employment in the fundamental business provides competitive pay and benefits packages. The basic industries often have the highest rates of unionization.

On-The-Job Training

A high school diploma or GED may be sufficient for certain entry-level positions in basic industries. Some don’t even require a high school diploma, while others demand a bachelor’s degree. These positions are ideal for gaining the hands-on experience and knowledge you need to advance in your chosen field.

Disadvantages

Long hours, challenging circumstances, and poor compensation are just a few of the drawbacks of working in a fundamental business like agriculture. During the planting and harvesting seasons, a farmer’s workload significantly increases. All kinds of weather won’t stop you from doing this physically difficult activity.

Construction employees are also subject to harsh circumstances on the job. Working outside in all types of weather, they are susceptible to sun, heat, cold, and even injury.

What Companies Are In The Basic Industries Field

It would be quite difficult to provide a comprehensive list of all the businesses operating in the fundamental industries. However, we have provided a list of firms below to give you an idea of the types of brands that provide employment chances in this field.

Dow Chemical

The originator of several essential raw materials across various sectors. Because of their widespread operations, they provide competitive salaries and a wide range of benefits to employees of various skill levels.

Cargill

A global corporation with a strong reputation in the agriculture and food industries.

Glencore International

Manufacturing energy goods, agricultural goods, and metals and minerals. They are widespread, providing several options for people in need of fresh employment.

International Paper

An industry-leading pulp and paper brand with a global presence. Paper towels, tissues, diapers, and many more products rely on the materials they create. They have a fantastic benefits package and a wide variety of different trade positions available, from an electrician to forklift operator.

Nucor

They are a prominent supplier of raw materials for the steel industry. In addition to selling scrap metal, they offer logistical support, including transport and material processing, through their raw materials section. This is an excellent area to look for a job, as there are many different trades you may pursue and the company has a lot of positive evaluations from employees.

Chevron

When it comes to employment prospects, they are a formidable competitor and one of the leading employers in the gas business.

Sealed Air Corporation

If you enjoy popping bubble wrap, then you should be familiar with the Sealed Air Corporation brand. They manufacture a wide variety of goods, including enchanted wrapping paper. They provide a wide range of job paths with excellent pay and perks.

Newmont Mines

Newmont Mining is among the most recognizable names in the mining industry’s roster of notable corporations. They have a productive mining industry, producing precious metals including gold, silver, lead, and copper. They are well-liked by the community for their eco-friendly policies, and their workers receive competitive pay and benefits.

Du Pont de Nemours.

DuPont, a powerhouse in a number of different sectors, supplies a wide range of factories with materials. Their products and components may be found in transportation, manufacturing, consumer goods, and electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion – Is Basic Industries A Good Career Path?

We hope the information provided in this post regarding “Is basic industries a good career path?” has been helpful. It is crucial to perform research initially, regardless of whether or not you are thinking about pursuing a career in the basic industries. It’s possible that some of the basic industry occupations are more suited to you than others. Before settling on a course of action, it’s a good idea to weigh your interests, talents, and available possibilities.