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If you’re looking for a stable, high-paying career path, the best-paying jobs in basic industries could be just the answer. These essential sectors — mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy — are the backbone of products we rely on daily, from cars and buildings to clothing and food.
But as technology changes these fields with automation, AI, and green energy solutions, the demand for tech professionals is booming — basic industries is becoming a tech industry. So, is basic industries a good career path for tech-savvy job seekers?
Absolutely — read on to discover the highest-paying jobs in basic industries and why this career path could be a great choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the top-paying jobs in basic industries like mining, energy, and agriculture.
- There are high-demand roles like data scientists and automation engineers — where positions are on the rise.
- Green tech and automation are making basic industries a much more tech-orientated field.
- Search carefully, and there are basic industries roles that offer career stability with substantial salary growth for tech pros.
What Are Basic Industries?
Basic industries are sectors that provide the raw materials needed to create products used by other industries. These materials usually come from natural resources, such as minerals, oil, or crops.
Think of basic industries as the first step in a long chain that leads to the production of many everyday items. Unlike companies that make products for direct consumption, basic industries focus on gathering and processing raw materials that other industries depend on.
Here are some basic industries examples:
- Agriculture: Agriculture provides raw materials like food, cotton, and biofuels. It’s essential for the food industry and also supplies raw materials for clothing and energy.
- Mining: Mining involves extracting minerals like coal, iron, and copper, which are used to build things like cars, bridges, and electronics.
- Energy: The oil and gas industry, along with renewable energy like solar and wind power, provides the fuel and electricity needed to power homes and businesses.
- Manufacturing: Industries like steel production and chemical manufacturing create materials that are used to make buildings, vehicles, and machines.
Robotics, Data Analytics & Green Tech Lead the Way
As basic industries adopt more technology, they’re creating high-paying roles that offer stability and career growth.
In this article, we’ve handpicked the top-paying jobs in automation, data analytics, and green tech, identifying these categories as the movers and shakers of the most relevant basic industries: agriculture, mining, energy, and manufacturing.
Using data from the BLS, we’ll dive into why these roles are in demand and why tech professionals should consider working in basic industries.
9 Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries
We look at three roles in robotics and automation, three roles in data analytics, and three roles in sustainability and green tech.
1. Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in basic industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, designing and developing machines that improve the way automated systems work.
For example, they create robotic arms used in factories or machines that help with automated farming.
In terms of how many jobs are available, the projected job growth is much faster than average — so a mechanical engineering career is certainly stable along and high-paying.
- Median salary: $99,510 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 11% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available are available in basic industries? About 19,800 openings per year
2. Mining and Geological Engineers
Mining and geological engineers design mines and oversee operations where automation and robotics help extract resources safely and efficiently. By ensuring that automated machinery works smoothly, they help reduce risks to workers.
Mining and geological engineering may not be the most stable choice, as job growth is a bit slower than average, and very few opportunities open up annually.
Still, it’s one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries, making it a strong option for those interested in well-paying roles — if you can get their foot in the door.
- Median Salary: $100,640 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 2% growth (slower than average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries are available in basic industries? About 400 openings per year
3. Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers design the electrical systems that power automated machines and robots.
For example, they might work on systems that control factory equipment or manage power grids for energy companies. Their expertise is vital to keeping modern technologies running smoothly.
If you’re interested in the best-paying jobs in basic industries, this field offers excellent opportunities.
- Median salary: $109,010 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 9% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available are available in basic industries? About 19,000 openings per year
4. Data Scientists
Data scientists analyze data to help companies improve their operations, making processes more efficient and reducing costs.
For example, in agriculture, data scientists might use crop data to improve harvests, while in manufacturing, they help predict when machines will break down, preventing costly delays.
If you’re wondering what do basic industries jobs pay, data science is one of the top-paying jobs, offering excellent salaries and growth potential.
- Median salary: $108,020 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 36% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available are available in basic industries? About 20,800 openings per year
5. Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts are crucial — protecting critical data is essential.
Analysts build and maintain security systems that prevent cyberattacks, ensuring that important infrastructure, like power plants or factories, stays safe from digital threats.
If you’re looking for one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries, this career offers high salaries. As more companies rely on digital systems, the demand for security analysts is set to explode.
- Median salary: $120,360 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 33% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries? About 17,300 openings per year
6. Database Administrators and Architects
Database administrators and architects manage the huge amounts of data generated by basic industries like energy and manufacturing. Their job is to design secure systems to store, organize, and protect this data.
If you’re curious about what do basic industries jobs pay, this is one of the best-paying jobs in basic industries, with strong job growth expected in the coming years.
- Median salary: $117,450 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 9% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries? About 9,500 openings per year
7. Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers use chemistry and engineering principles to design equipment and processes for products such as fuel, detergents, and chemicals.
For example, they create ways to produce cleaner energy or make manufacturing more efficient.
Chemical engineers are among the best-paying jobs in basic industries. However, even though the role is set to grow much faster than average, there are very few openings per year, which is something to take into account.
- Median salary: $112,100 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 10% growth (much faster than average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries? About 1,400 openings per year
8. Industrial Production Managers
Industrial production managers ensure that everything in a plant runs smoothly and efficiently while also helping to meet sustainability goals.
In green energy sectors, they are the ones who lead the way in using new technologies, like energy-saving machines and automated systems that help reduce waste. For example, an industrial production manager might bring in green tech solutions to make production more eco-friendly.
This role is among the best-paying jobs in basic industries, particularly as businesses move towards greener practices.
- Median salary: $116,970 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 3% growth (as fast as average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries? Around 17,100 openings per year
9. Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers help basic industries like energy and manufacturing become more sustainable. They create solutions to reduce pollution, manage waste, and use resources more efficiently. For instance, they design systems to handle industrial waste or boost the use of renewable energy.
This role can get you up to $100K a year, especially with the growing demand for green solutions.
- Median salary: $100,090 per year
- Job outlook (2023-2033): 7% growth (faster than average)
- How many jobs are available in basic industries? About 3,000 openings per year
So, Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path for Tech Professionals?
Absolutely, basic industries can be an excellent career path for tech professionals. As these industries integrate more AI, automation, and data analysis, they open up high-demand roles for those with tech skills.
Many of the best-paying jobs in basic industries now focus on these areas. Roles like data scientists and automation engineers are helping to improve efficiency in energy, manufacturing, and mining.
With the growing emphasis on green tech, tech professionals are more important than ever for making these industries more sustainable.
Challenges & Considerations in Basic Industries
While working in basic industries can be rewarding, there are a few challenges to think about:
- Automation’s impact on jobs: With more automation in basic industries, production is becoming faster and more efficient. However, this shift means that some low-skill jobs are disappearing as machines take over repetitive tasks.
- Need for continuous learning: For tech roles, staying updated is essential. To stay competitive in areas like AI, data analysis, and automation, continuous learning and upskilling are must-haves.
- Location limitations: Many basic industries are based in rural or industrial areas, so relocating might be necessary. This can be a big adjustment, especially if you’re used to urban settings.
So while basic industries can be a great career path, especially for tech-savvy people, success here requires flexibility and a commitment to learning new skills.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a tech career that’s both high-paying and stable, the best-paying jobs in basic industries could be the right choice. Sectors like mining, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing are the backbone of our economy. And with more technology — like automation, AI, and green tech — these industries are becoming closer to tech roles than ever before.
While there are some challenges, like the need for ongoing learning and sometimes working in rural areas, the opportunities and salaries can make it worthwhile. For those ready to dive into a tech-driven and sustainable future, basic industries are a solid path forward.
