Top 15 Best Paying Jobs in Basic Industries (Updated 2024)
The foundation of any nation’s economy is its basic industries. A significant portion of the population receives employment from basic industries, and individuals who graduate from another subject or profession and want to change occupations can also find work in these sectors.
The best-paying jobs in basic industries are often in management or engineering positions. Companies in these industries typically offer high salaries to attract and retain top talent. Here are 15 of the highest paying jobs in basic industries:
- Chief executive officer: $183,270
- General and operations manager: $113,730
- Engineering manager: $108,800
- Marketing manager: $104,340
- Financial manager: $103,910
- Human resources manager: $102,780
- Sales manager: $99,560
- Information technology manager: $98,870
- Operations research analyst: $93,390
- Actuary: $92,840
- Petroleum engineer: $87,200
- Computer hardware engineer: $86,950
- Electronics engineer: $85,880
- Electrical engineer: $84,810
- Industrial engineer: $82,860
If you’re looking for a career with good pay and job security, consider one of the many options available in the field of basic industries. With a little research, you’re sure to find a position that suits your skills and interests.
You also don’t want to miss these other fascinating posts on other best paying jobs:
- Best Paying Jobs in Diversified Commercial Services
- Best Paying Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies
- Best-paying Jobs in Consumer Non-durables
- Best Paying Jobs in Packaged Foods
- Best Paying Jobs in Natural Gas Distribution
1. Chief executive officer: $183,270
A chief executive officer, or CEO, is the highest-ranking executive in a company. They are responsible for making major decisions that affect the overall direction of the business. CEOs report to the board of directors and are responsible for ensuring that the company meets its financial goals.
The duties of a CEO vary from company to company, but there are some common responsibilities that all CEOs share. These include developing and implementing strategic plans, making decisions about investments and acquisitions, overseeing the daily operations of the company, and acting as the face of the organization to shareholders, employees, and the general public.
What Does a Chief Executive Officer Do?
A chief executive officer, or CEO, is the highest-ranking executive in a company. They are responsible for making major decisions that affect the overall direction of the business. CEOs report to the board of directors and are responsible for ensuring that the company meets its financial goals.
The duties of a CEO vary from company to company, but there are some common responsibilities that all CEOs share. These include developing and implementing strategic plans, making decisions about investments and acquisitions, overseeing the daily operations of the company, and acting as the face of the organization to shareholders, employees, and the general public.
2. General and operations manager: $113,730
A general and operations manager is responsible for the overall coordination and supervision of a company or organization’s operations. This may include developing and implementing strategies, budgets, and policies; overseeing the work of subordinate managers; and ensuring that goals are met. In some cases, a general and operations manager may also be responsible for directly managing the work of employees.
The specific duties of a general and operations manager vary depending on the size and type of organization they work for. However, there are some common duties that are typically associated with this position, such as:
- Planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of an organization
- Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs
- Establishing objectives and goals for the organization
- Overseeing the work of subordinate managers
- Monitoring financial performance
- Formulating company policies
- Making decisions regarding resource allocation
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Serving as a liaison between the Board of Directors (or similar governing body) and the organization’s staff
3. Engineering manager: $108,800
As an engineering manager, you will be responsible for leading and coordinating a team of engineers. This team will work on various projects, so it is important that you are able to manage multiple tasks at once and keep everyone on track. You will also be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the engineering department.
This includes setting goals for employees and ensuring that they are met. In addition, you may also be responsible for writing reports, analyzing data, and presenting findings to upper management.
A Typical Day as an Engineering Manager
No two days as an engineering manager are alike, but there are some common activities that you can expect to do on a daily basis. These include meeting with your team to discuss upcoming projects, reviewing progress reports, assigning tasks to individual members of your team, and attending meetings with other managers.
You will also spend time talking to clients or customers about their needs and requirements. In addition, you may be called upon to solve problems that arise during the course of a project.
4. Marketing manager: $104,340
Marketing managers are responsible for planning, developing, and executing marketing and advertising campaigns. They may also be responsible for managing a team of marketing professionals, setting budgets, and ensuring that campaigns are executed within budget and on schedule.
In order to be successful in this role, marketing managers must have strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
Marketing managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field. Many marketing managers also have experience working in an advertising agency or as a brand manager. Some larger companies may require their marketing managers to have an MBA.
The duties of a marketing manager vary depending on the size of the company and the products or services being marketed. However, there are some common duties associated with this position. These duties include:
- Developing marketing plans
- Identifying target markets
- Conducting market research
- Overseeing the production of marketing materials
- Coordinating promotional activities
- Monitoring competitor activity
- Evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
- Managing budgets
- Supervising staff members
5. Financial manager: $103,910
A financial manager is responsible for the financial health of an organization. They create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies to ensure the long-term financial security of a company.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in finance, becoming a financial manager is a great option. Here’s what you need to know about the duties and responsibilities of this role, as well as the skills and qualifications you’ll need to succeed.
What Does a Financial Manager Do?
A financial manager’s primary responsibility is to oversee the finances of their organization and ensure that it is operating within its budget. This includes creating financial reports, analyzing market trends, and developing strategies to reduce costs and increase revenues.
Financial managers also direct investment activities, such as choosing which stocks or bonds to invest in, and monitor the performance of these investments. In addition, they may also be responsible for managing the organization’s cash flow and preparing tax returns.
Skills and Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need excellent analytical and math skills. You should also be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. In addition, most employers will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. Some employers may also prefer candidates who have experience working in accounting or financial analysis.
6. Human resources manager: $102,780
A human resources manager is responsible for the recruitment, training, and development of employees in an organization. They also oversee the benefits and compensation programs for employees. In larger organizations, the human resources manager may also be responsible for employee relations and labor relations.
The duties of a human resources manager can be divided into three main categories: recruitment, training and development, and employee relations.
Recruitment: One of the most important duties of a human resources manager is recruiting new employees. This includes advertising open positions, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and making hiring decisions.
Training and Development: Once an employee is hired, it is the responsibility of the human resources manager to provide training on the company’s policies and procedures. They may also provide more general training on topics such as teamwork and customer service. Additionally, human resources managers are responsible for developing and implementing employee development programs.
Employee Relations: Another key duty of a human resources manager is to foster positive relationships between employees and management. This includes handling employee complaints, mediating disputes, and investigating claims of harassment or discrimination.
7. Sales manager: $99,560
A sales manager is the professional who oversees a team of salespeople in an organization. The sales team may sell products, services, or both. In any case, the sales manager is responsible for ensuring that the team meets its quotas and goals.
The duties of a sales manager include hiring and training new team members, setting quotas, developing sales strategies, and analyzing data. They also often act as a mentor to their team members and help them to close deals. In addition, sales managers may be responsible for creating and giving presentations, as well as attending networking events.
Sales managers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. They also typically have several years of experience working in sales.
8. Information technology manager: $98,870
An IT manager’s day typically starts with checking email and responding to any urgent messages. Once that’s out of the way, it’s time to start working on projects. An IT manager might be responsible for developing new software applications, overseeing the installation of new hardware, or managing a team of programmers.
No two days are alike for an IT manager, but there are some common duties that need to be carried out on a daily basis. These include monitoring system performance, ensuring data security, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise.
An IT manager also needs to stay up-to-date on new technology trends and developments so that they can make recommendations on how to improve their company’s IT infrastructure.
9. Operations research analyst: $93,390
Operations research analysts use mathematical modeling and other analytical methods to help organizations solve complex issues. They work with managers and staff to identify and interpret data, understand problems, and develop solutions. Many operations research analysts work in the manufacturing industry, but there are also many opportunities in the healthcare, finance, and government sectors.
These professionals typically have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering. However, some employers may require a master’s degree.
Operations research analysts typically need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as experience with statistical software and databases.
Operations research analysts typically work full time in office settings. They may occasionally travel to meet with clients or attend conferences. Some operations research analysts work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines or solve complex problems.
They typically have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering. However, some employers may require a master’s degree. Operations research analysts typically need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as experience with statistical software and databases.
Operations research analysts typically work full time in office settings. They may occasionally travel to meet with clients or attend conferences. Some operations research analysts work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines or solve complex problems.
10. Actuary: $92,840
An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk in insurance, finance, and other industries.
Actuaries typically work for insurance companies, but they may also consult for banks, investment firms, and government agencies. The job of an actuary is to evaluate data and identify trends so that businesses can make informed decisions about managing risk.
An actuary’s duties vary depending on the industry in which they work, but some common duties include:
- Analyzing data to identify trends
- Designing models to predict future events
- Developing plans to manage risk
- Recommending policies to reduce risk
- Monitoring changes in the marketplace
Actuaries use their skills in mathematics, statistics, and finance to assess risk and develop plans to mitigate or avoid loss. They must be able to communicate their findings effectively so that non-actuaries can understand and make use of their recommendations.
11. Petroleum engineer: $87,200
A petroleum engineer’s job is to extract oil and gas from the ground and then refine it. They are responsible for every step of the process, from finding new reserves to drilling and extracting the oil and gas to transporting it to refineries.
Petroleum engineers use their skills in math and science to figure out the best way to extract oil and gas from the ground in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Why Is Their Job Important?
Petroleum engineers play a vital role in the oil and gas industry. Without them, we would not be able to extract the oil and gas that we need to power our homes, businesses, and vehicles. Petroleum engineers are constantly innovating new ways to extract oil and gas so that we can continue to meet our energy needs.
12. Computer hardware engineer: $86,950
As a computer hardware engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the most cutting-edge technology available. You’ll be responsible for researching, designing, testing, and developing new computer hardware and equipment. In addition, you’ll also be responsible for troubleshooting any problems that may arise with existing hardware and equipment.
If you’re looking for a good paying job in the basic industries sector that offers a lot of room for growth and advancement, then a career as a computer hardware engineer is definitely worth considering!
What Does a Computer Hardware Engineer Do?
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture of computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. Their responsibilities may also include supervising other engineering and technical personnel.
Computer hardware engineers typically work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. They often work in teams with other engineers who specialize in different areas, such as electrical engineering or software engineering.
13. Electronics engineer: $85,880
Electronics engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing and supervising the manufacture of electronic equipment. This can include anything from portable music players to artificial hearts. As an electronics engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, computing, telecommunications and aerospace.
Your duties would vary depending on your employer, but could include researching and designing new products, conducting feasibility studies, overseeing the production process and managing projects. You would also need to keep up to date with the latest technology trends and developments.
To become an electronics engineer, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Many employers also prefer candidates with experience in the industry. Electronics engineers generally work regular office hours, although you may need to work overtime to meet deadlines or attend evening meetings. Some engineering jobs may involve frequent travel.
14. Electrical engineer: $84,810
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. They also work on projects such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and the smart grid.
In addition to their engineering duties, electrical engineers also need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of a project team, as well as with customers and clients. As technology continues to advance, electrical engineers will play an increasingly important role in developing new and innovative products and systems.
15. Industrial engineer: $82,860
Industrial engineers figure out how to get the work done safely, efficiently and with the best quality. They works in many industries, including healthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics, Telecommunications, and Petroleum.
The duties of an industrial engineer can vary depending on the industry they work in. However, there are some common duties that all industrial engineers perform. These include conducting time studies, analyzing workflows, designing new production processes, and developing methods to improve worker productivity.
In addition, industrial engineers often oversee the implementation of new technologies and systems. They also work with other engineers and managers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. As a result, industrial engineers play a vital role in ensuring that businesses run smoothly and efficiently.
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