As the exports of the US are increasing, you might ask, “How many jobs are available in basic industries?”.
A 2022 report showed that total exportation in the US jumped by $9.31 billion within a year.
This indicates that the basic industries in the country are expanding and that new jobs are being created.
Statistics from the BLS show the number of jobs in the basic industries in the US is over 24 million.
These jobs include miner, steelworker, drilling engineer, iron worker, and food scientist.
However, some sectors are only partially basic, as some exported products return to the country in other forms. An example is the imported packaged tofu made from exported soybeans.
If you want to start a career path in the basic industry, you’re in luck. In this article, you’d learn about the available jobs in the basic industry and the skill set needed to acquire them.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Basic Industries?
This industry is expanding yearly; in 2022, the exportation value was about $169 billion.
Therefore, there is plenty of money to be made as the industry is one of the driving forces of the country’s GDP. Here are some of the jobs available.
Miner
The job here is about working deep underground to extract valuable resources like coal, gold, or copper from the earth.
It’s a physically demanding job that requires a lot of hard work and caution to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
If you have the energy to burn, you might join other miners earning between $29,000 and $74,000 annually.
Iron And Steel Worker
Also known as metal fabricators. Their primary function is producing and assembling metal constructions, including bridges, buildings, and towers.
They use specialized tools and techniques to cut, shape, and assemble components.
The materials they work with to create custom-designed structures include steel, aluminum, and other metals. However, the job requires physical strength, and the salary is appreciable.
You might wonder – how many jobs are available in the basic industry if you want to walk this career path. The average salary for iron and steel workers in the US is about $48,000 per year.
You may enter the iron and steel industry with just a high school degree. However, about 41% of the total workers in this field in the US have a bachelor’s degree.
Drilling Engineer
A drilling engineer is a professional who plans, designs, and oversees the drilling operations for extracting oil or gas from underground reservoirs.
They use the information gathered from geological surveys and come up with drilling strategies that are both effective and safe.
Also, they minimize environmental impact as they work. Drilling engineers supervise drilling crews and ensure that all equipment and procedures meet industry standards and regulations.
In the US, the average salary for these professionals is about $103,000 per annum. Also, their average qualification is a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to walk this path, consider getting a degree in Geology, mechanical engineering, or petroleum engineering.
Material Specialist
These professionals study and analyze materials like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Their job is to determine these materials’ properties and potential uses.
Also, they conduct experiments and tests to evaluate materials’ durability, strength, and other characteristics. This is to ensure that they meet specific quality standards.
Material specialists work in various industries, including aviation, automobiles, building, and electronics, to name a few.
Their work is crucial to the development of new materials and technologies. The average annual salary of these specialists is about $64,000.
Food Scientist
A food scientist makes a living investigating the chemical, biological, and structural aspects of the foods we eat.
They use their studies to develop and improve food products, processing techniques, and packaging methods.
You can find them in different industries, from the food production sector to governmental organizations and academic labs.
A food scientist’s job is to check that foods are healthy, wholesome, and up to standard before they hit store shelves.
They may also conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to determine the quality and acceptance of new or existing food products.
Therefore, their role in the basic industry is essential as other countries would only import products that have been satisfied as safe.
Suppose you want to start a career path here. In that case, you should get a bachelor’s degree, which is the lowest qualification requirement for these professionals. Their annual salary in the US ranges between $61,400 and $206,000.
Horticulturist
A horticulturist is an expert in the field of plant science and cultivation. These could be for practical or decorative purposes.
They can get jobs in various organizations, from nurseries and gardens to universities and government agencies.
Their role in the basic industry is vital as they help to develop new plant varieties and improve crop yields.
Horticulturists may also work in education and outreach, teaching others about the benefits of gardening and horticulture.
The average qualification of these professionals is a bachelor’s degree. However, about 10% of horticulturists in the US have a high school diploma. Their average salary is about $19 per hour.
Conclusion
There are over 24,000,000 jobs in the basic industry, and it is expanding yearly. However, the number of jobs available varies from one industry field to another.
Also, individual strengths and qualifications have a role to play in starting a career in this industry.
It would be great to further research the qualification requirement of the job position you want to apply for.
FAQs
1.) Which Industry Is Considered A Basic Industry?
The term “basic industry” typically refers to industries that produce goods or services that other industries or consumers use. These include agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
Basic industries are essential to the economy because they generate economic activity and employment. They also support the growth of other industries.
2.) Is Basic Industry A Good Career Path?
It is difficult to determine if working in basic industries is a good career path as it depends on individual preferences and goals.
However, basic industries are crucial to the economy and provide stable job opportunities with the potential for career growth and advancement.
3.) What Is The Average Salary For Workers In Basic Industries?
The average salary of workers in basic industries varies widely depending on the specific industry and job type.
For example, workers in the manufacturing industry earn an average salary of around $55,000 per year. However, mining industry employees earn a minimum of about $29,000 annually.