As industries evolve and technology reshapes the global workforce, certain roles in basic industries continue to offer lucrative career opportunities. These foundational sectors—including agriculture, mining, forestry, oil and gas, and fishing—are essential to any economy. They supply the raw materials that power all other industries, making them indispensable and consistently in demand.
While not everyone can become a high-earning surgeon or lawyer, there are plenty of top-paying roles in basic industries for those with the right skill set and education. From Petroleum Engineers to Refinery Managers, these jobs can lead to rewarding and high-paying careers.
Let’s explore the top 10 best paying jobs in basic industries for 2024, including what they entail and what kind of salary you can expect.
1. Petroleum Engineer
Average Salary (US): $127,318/year
Petroleum Engineers design and implement methods to extract oil and gas from beneath the earth’s surface. They focus on improving efficiency and safety in drilling operations. A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field is typically required.
Key Industries: Oil and Gas, Energy, Environmental Consulting
Why It Pays Well: High technical expertise and risk management involved in exploration and drilling.
2. Offshore Drilling Rig Manager
Average Salary (US): $83,417/year
Also known as a Toolpusher, this role oversees offshore oil drilling operations. They’re responsible for ensuring the safety and productivity of the entire rig team.
Key Industries: Oil Exploration, Deepwater Drilling
Why It Pays Well: Leadership responsibility in high-risk, remote environments.
3. Reservoir Engineer
Average Salary (US): $167,679/year
Reservoir Engineers evaluate oil and gas fields to determine how much resource can be extracted. They help optimize production while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Key Industries: Oil and Gas, Geological Consulting
Why It Pays Well: Critical in maximizing extraction profitability from existing fields.
4. Drilling Engineer
Average Salary (US): $104,950/year
Drilling Engineers plan and execute drilling operations, making sure they are safe, environmentally sound, and cost-efficient. Certifications such as IWCF are often required.
Key Industries: Oil and Gas, Energy
Why It Pays Well: Requires strong technical acumen and advanced safety knowledge.
5. Production Engineer
Average Salary (US): $95,972/year
These engineers manage oil and gas production after wells are drilled. They aim to optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve equipment lifespan.
Key Industries: Oil & Gas Production, Energy Management
Why It Pays Well: Directly tied to the operational success of energy production facilities.
6. Petrophysicist
Average Salary (US): $116,844/year
Petrophysicists analyze rock and fluid properties to guide drilling and production strategies. They rely on well logging and geophysical data.
Key Industries: Oil Exploration, Geosciences
Why It Pays Well: Involves highly specialized knowledge and data interpretation.
7. Geoscientist
Average Salary (US): $64,143/year
Geoscientists study earth processes and materials to assist in exploration and environmental protection. They often specialize in geology, geophysics, or hydrology.
Key Industries: Mining, Environmental Consulting, Oil & Gas
Why It Pays Well: Essential in identifying resource-rich sites and ensuring safe extraction.
8. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Specialist
Average Salary (US): $97,013/year
HSE Specialists ensure regulatory compliance and reduce risks in industrial settings. They implement safety programs and monitor environmental impact.
Key Industries: Oil and Gas, Construction, Manufacturing
Why It Pays Well: Protects company operations from safety liabilities and environmental fines.
9. Refinery Manager
Average Salary (US): $97,446/year
Refinery Managers oversee operations in facilities that process crude oil into usable fuels and chemicals. They ensure efficiency, profitability, and compliance with safety standards.
Key Industries: Petrochemical, Energy
Why It Pays Well: Requires high-level decision-making and years of industry experience.
10. Chemical Engineer
Average Salary (US): $94,179/year
Chemical Engineers design and optimize processes for manufacturing chemicals, fuels, and other products. Their work spans multiple sectors, including oil, energy, and biotech.
Key Industries: Pharmaceuticals, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing
Why It Pays Well: High demand across diverse industries for process optimization and innovation.
Final Thoughts:
Basic industries remain the backbone of the global economy, offering not just stability but also some of the most rewarding salaries—especially for those with the right mix of education, experience, and drive.
These roles often demand technical knowledge, hands-on training, and the ability to handle responsibility under pressure. As technology advances, even more specialized and higher-paying roles will emerge.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to shift careers, the basic industries sector is a promising place to build a future. Explore these top-paying jobs—and maybe, you’ll find your perfect match.
FAQs:
1. What are basic industries?
Basic industries are sectors that focus on extracting and processing natural resources. They include agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing, oil and gas, and related fields that provide raw materials to other industries.
2. Are basic industry jobs still in demand in 2024?
Yes, despite automation and shifts in global markets, basic industries remain crucial for economic infrastructure and are consistently in demand—especially roles tied to energy and resource extraction.
3. What qualifications are needed for high-paying jobs in basic industries?
Most top-paying roles require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, environmental science, or a related technical field. Some positions may also require certifications, licenses, or postgraduate education.
4. Which job in basic industries pays the most in 2024?
According to current data, Reservoir Engineers top the list with an average U.S. salary of $167,679/year, thanks to their critical role in maximizing oil and gas production profitability.
5. Are these jobs physically demanding or hazardous?
Many basic industry jobs, particularly those in oil rigs or remote mining operations, involve physical labor, long shifts, and exposure to environmental risks. However, roles like engineers or HSE specialists are more technical and administrative in nature.
Stay in touch to get more updates & news on Contact Help!