Exploring High-Paying and In-Demand Jobs in Basic Industries

The basic industries are those that provide the raw materials and infrastructure that support other industries. They include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction.

The median annual wage for basic industries jobs was $52,000 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,390.

The following are some of the highest-paying basic industries jobs:

• Petroleum engineers: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. They typically earn a median annual wage of $130,850.
• Mining and quarrying managers: Mining and quarrying managers plan and direct the extraction of minerals and other resources from the earth. They typically earn a median annual wage of $124,610.
• Electrical power-line installers and repairers: Electrical power-line installers and repairers install and maintain power lines. They typically earn a median annual wage of $54,190.
• Construction managers: Construction managers plan, coordinate, and direct the construction of buildings and other structures. They typically earn a median annual wage of $91,340.
• Operating engineers: Operating engineers operate construction equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators. They typically earn a median annual wage of $60,750.

The following are some of the fastest-growing basic industries jobs:

• Solar photovoltaic installers: Solar photovoltaic installers install and maintain solar panels. They are expected to grow 95 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Wind turbine service technicians: Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They are expected to grow 105 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Machinists: Machinists set up and operate machines to cut and shape metal. They are expected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• Computer numerical control programmers and operators: Computer numerical control programmers and operators set up and operate computer-controlled machines to cut and shape metal. They are expected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• Assemblers and fabricators: Assemblers and fabricators assemble and install metal products. They are expected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

If you are looking for a high-paying and in-demand job, a career in basic industries may be a good option for you.