Basic industries are the backbone of the economy, encompassing sectors that produce raw materials and essential goods used in manufacturing and construction. Unlike consumer-facing industries that sell finished products directly to customers, basic industries focus on extracting, refining, and supplying materials that fuel other industries.
Basic industries are a good career path because they offer stability, competitive salaries, and long-term job opportunities. It appeals to individuals who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and contributing to something fundamental to society. If you value job security and want to build a career that won’t be easily replaced by AI or automation, basic industries offer a future-proof path.
But of course, as with any career path, there are pros and cons to consider. Plus, you should ensure that your potential career aligns with your personality and interests.
Major Types of Basic Industries?
The first step in evaluating whether a career in basic industries is a good choice is understanding the different types of industries that fall under this category.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is one of the largest globally, and with increasing consumption rates, it shows no signs of slowing down. It contains three main segments:
- Upstream
- Midstream
- Downstream
The upstream segment involves the exploration and drilling for oil and gas reserves, while the midstream is responsible for transporting these resources through pipelines or tankers. The downstream businesses focus on refining and processing crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel.
Companies: ExxonMobil, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66.
Mining
The mining industry involves the extraction of minerals, metals, and other valuable resources from the earth. This sector is also quite diverse, including various subsectors such as coal mining, metal ore mining, and non-metallic mining.
Hands-on roles like geotechnical engineer, mining engineer, and equipment operator are career options common in this field. However, there is also a growing demand for professionals with specialized skills in environmental management and sustainability.
Companies: Southern Copper Corporation, Freeport-McMoRan Inc, Newmont Corporation, Albemarle Corporation, Peabody Energy Corporation.
Agriculture Industry
One of the most important sectors in any country is agriculture. It is also the most crucial of all the basic industries because it affects a large number of people directly and indirectly. In fact, agriculture is the dominant industry in underdeveloped and developing countries.
Agribusiness is also the primary source of raw materials and the primary driver of economic status in many countries. There is a correlation between the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of a country and the condition of its agricultural sector.
Companies: Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Bunge Limited, Tyson Foods, CHS Inc.
Chemical Industry
Every industry requires a chemical element in the production process, making the chemical industry vital. It is responsible for transforming raw materials into gases or chemical solutions utilized in other industries.
The main products in the chemical industry are classified into basic, consumer, and specialty chemicals.
Basic chemicals: This category of chemicals includes industrial gases, inorganic chemicals, and polymers. These are used to manufacture products like plastics, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.
Consumer chemicals: These are readily available products that we use every day. Soaps, perfumes, detergents, and bleaching powder are some examples of consumer chemicals.
Specialty chemicals: These are the chemicals responsible for providing specific characteristics to a product, such as anti-corrosive additives in paints or UV protection in sunscreen lotions. Producing these chemicals involves a high degree of research and development. Other examples in this category are adhesives, lubricants, and catalysts.
Companies: LyondellBasell Industries, Dow Inc, ExxonMobil Chemical, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Westlake Corporation
Paper and Pulp Industry
Contrary to popular belief, paper manufacturing industry is not limited to just producing paper. This industry includes various sub-sectors, such as wood products, pulp production, and paper manufacturing. Wood products involve processing raw lumber into usable products like furniture or building materials.
Pulp production is the process of turning wood chips into a fibrous material used in the production of paper goods. And finally, the paper manufacturing sector involves converting this pulp into various paper products.
Companies: International Paper, WestRock, Georgia-Pacific, Domtar, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA).
Energy Production
The energy production sector involves both traditional and renewable sources of energy. Traditional sources include fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, while renewable sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Careers in this sector range from engineers and technicians who design and maintain traditional energy plants to researchers developing new methods for harnessing renewable energy. With the world's increasing focus on sustainable practices, the US Department of Energy reports that employment in the US energy sector saw a 3.8% rise in 2022, equating to 300,000 new jobs.
Companies: Valero Energy, NextEra Energy, Inc., First Solar, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Southern Company
Construction Industry
This industry involves the planning, designing, and building of structures such as homes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure like roads and bridges.
With the growing population and urbanization trends worldwide, there is a constant demand for skilled workers in this field. According to Zippia, the US construction industry boasts a market size of approximately $2.8 trillion as of 2022.
Companies: The Turner Corporation, Bechtel, MasTec Inc, Kiewit Corporation, STO Building Group
Is Basic Industries a Good Career Path for You and Why?
A career in basic industries can be fulfilling for several reasons:
Job Stability and Demand
Despite economic fluctuations, there's a consistent demand for the products of basic industries. Food, raw materials, and energy are always needed, providing a level of job security not found in many other sectors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in basic industries will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, adding over half a million jobs. This growth is due in part to the constant demand for basic products and resources.
Lucrative Opportunities
While salaries in basic industries vary depending on the specific job and industry, many positions offer high earning potential. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mining and geological engineers earned a median salary of $100,640 in May 2023.
Put simply, basic industries can offer well-paying job opportunities for individuals with the right skills and experience.
Hands-on Work Experience
Let's say you start as a laborer in the construction industry and work your way up to become a project manager. Along the way, you would have gained valuable experience in various roles and developed a diverse set of skills. This type of hands-on learning is often more beneficial than traditional classroom-based education.
Low-entry Barrier
Basic industries often have relatively low entry barriers compared to other sectors. While certain positions may require specialized training and education, there are also many opportunities for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes basic industries accessible to a wider range of people, creating diverse and inclusive work environments.
Challenges of a Career in Basic Industries
Like any other career path, working in basic industries comes with its set of challenges. Some of these include:
Dangerous Working Conditions
For example, miners may have to work underground or in confined spaces, while construction workers are exposed to heights and heavy machinery. These conditions require strict adherence to safety protocols and can pose a significant risk if not followed.
Physical Demands
As mentioned earlier, most jobs in basic industries involve physically demanding work that can be challenging for some individuals. The long hours spent on their feet or performing physically taxing tasks can take a toll on the health and well-being of workers.
Job Location and Mobility
Although flexibility is a strength in any career path, it can be a challenge in basic industries. Some jobs may require workers to relocate to different locations, sometimes even to remote and isolated areas. This can disrupt personal lives and make it challenging to maintain stable relationships.
Technological Changes
Technology is advancing day by day, and as a result, many basic industries are incorporating more automation and machinery into their operations. This can lead to job displacement for workers who are not trained in using these technologies, making it important for individuals to upskill and adapt to industry changes continuously.
What Education and Training Requirements Are Needed for Basic Industries Jobs?
One of the unique aspects of basic industries is that it offers opportunities for individuals with a wide range of educational backgrounds. While some jobs require specialized training and education, others may only need a high school diploma or equivalent.
A bachelor's degree in a related field is often required for technical positions, such as engineers or scientists. Some higher-level roles may also require additional certifications or advanced degrees.
On-the-job training and apprenticeships are common in basic industries and can provide valuable hands-on experience and skills development. Employers may also offer training programs to upskill employees and keep them updated on industry advancements.
Examples of Career Trajectories Within Basic Industries
What are some jobs and career trajectories to consider within basic industries? As one can imagine, there are multiple options for those wishing to pursue a career in this sector. This is primarily due to the numerous industries categorized as basic industries. Let's have a look at a few options below.
Agronomist
Agronomists are professionals who study and manage the production of crops on a commercial scale. They provide inputs on soil management, nutrients, irrigation, seeds, or fertilizers.
Agronomists also use their market analysis and management skills to ensure that their clients' crops are profitable. Depending on the size of the farm, agronomists may also be involved in managing finances and personnel.
Salary: The average annual salary of an agronomist is more than $60,000.
Mining Engineer
Mining engineers work in surface or underground mines and are responsible for designing safe and efficient mining processes. They develop plans for mine operations, monitor production rates, and evaluate new equipment needs to ensure cost-effective and environmentally friendly mining practices.
A bachelor's degree in engineering is typically required for this role, focusing on mining engineering. Many mining engineers also hold professional licenses.
Salary: The average annual salary for a Mining Engineer is $96,287.
Construction Project Manager
Construction project managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the project, including design, permit approvals, materials procurement, and construction.
A bachelor's degree in a related field and several years of experience in the construction industry are typically required for this role. Project managers can also pursue certifications to enhance their skills and credibility.
Salary: The average annual salary for Construction Project Manager is $95,589
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum geologists study the Earth's surface and subsurface to identify potential oil and gas reserves. They use specialized techniques such as seismic imaging and drilling data to analyze geological formations and predict the presence of hydrocarbons.
A bachelor's degree in geology or a related field is typically required for this role, along with experience working in the petroleum industry. The average annual salary for a Petroleum Geologist is over $100,000.
Aside from the aforementioned career trajectories, there are several other positions and opportunities within basic industries that individuals can explore. For example:
- Horticulturist
- Drilling engineer
- Steel fabricator
- Occupational health and professionals
- Textile manufacturers
- Synthetic chemist
- Biomedical researcher
- Agricultural and food scientists
Personality Types Best Suited for Basic Industries
Does your personality type determine your success in basic industry jobs? While no specific personality type guarantees success in this sector, certain characteristics may be advantageous. Basic industries require detail-oriented, adaptable individuals with strong problem-solving skills. Hence, we can conclude that certain personality types can thrive in basic industries compared to others, such as:
Realistic (Doers) and Investigative (Thinkers)
According to Holland's Theory of Career Choice, individuals who fall under the Realistic or Investigative personality types tend to excel in activities that involve practical, hands-on tasks and analytical thinking.
The Realistic type is practical and prefers hands-on work. Thus, working with tools, machines, and physical objects is an ideal fit for them. They also have a strong mechanical aptitude and enjoy finding solutions to problems.
People with investigative personalities have a natural aptitude for understanding and analyzing complex systems. They are also analytical, inquisitive, and drawn to research and exploration. As such, they are well-suited for roles that require problem-solving and critical thinking skills, making them suitable for careers in engineering and science-based fields within basic industries.
Conventional (Organizers)
Individuals with a conventional personality tend to excel at organizing, managing, and processing information. They are detail-oriented and thrive in structured environments, making them well-suited for administration and data management roles within industrial settings.
Future Outlook for Basic Industries
If you're planning a career in basic industries, it's normal to wonder about the future outlook for these industries. While it's impossible to predict the future, the job outlook for many basic industries is expected to decline or remain low for the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
For example, the BLS reports that agricultural labor positions may increase by just 1% through 2031, whereas other roles, such as those in forestry, conservation, and logging, are projected to decline by up to 4%. The low entry barriers and steady demand for raw materials often contribute significantly to the scarcity of job opportunities in these industries.
But that doesn't mean the future outlook is bleak for all basic industries. Many different types of basic industries will continue to thrive in the future. For example, reports show that there will be about 115,700 job openings for agricultural workers each year over the next decade. These openings are expected to come from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field for other reasons.
Is a Basic Industry Career Good for You?
The breadth and depth of job opportunities and benefits within basic industries are proof that the answer to ‘Is basic industries a good career path?’ is yes. The secret to getting hired by a basic industry player is to prove your proficiency and zeal in either skill or knowledge.
In most cases, these industries appreciate practical skills more than theoretical skills when recruiting for technical positions. Also, you need to be physically and mentally prepared for some positions.
They can be physically demanding and require long hours at times. However, if you enjoy working with your hands, being outdoors, and solving problems, a career in basic industries may be the perfect fit for you.
