If you’re exploring career options, you might be wondering:
How many jobs are available in basic industries — and are they worth pursuing?
Basic industries are the backbone of the economy, providing raw materials that power manufacturing, construction, and energy production.
From agriculture to mining, these jobs might not always get the spotlight, but they’re essential — and many of them pay well.
How Many Jobs Are Available in Basic Industries in the US in 2025?
Basic industries employ millions of U.S. workers, serving as the foundation of the economy by supplying raw materials, energy, and infrastructure. While exact numbers vary depending on definitions and reporting methods, here are some data-backed snapshots by sector:
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🌱 Agriculture & Forestry – Roughly 2.2 million people are employed in agriculture and related industries.
This aligns with Bureau of Labor Statistics data that shows about 2,162,000 workers in agriculture and related sectors (seasonally adjusted) as of mid-2025. FRED
In addition, broader counts of jobs tied to agriculture and food sectors reach over 22 million when factoring in related industries (food processing, supply chains, etc.) -
⛏️ Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction – The combined “Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction” sector currently employs approximately 586,000 workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Utilities (including power, water, and waste services) employ around 591,000 people in the U.S. as of recent data. -
🏗️ Construction & Raw Materials–Related Construction – The construction sector — especially including infrastructure, industrial builds, and raw-material–related facilities — includes over 8.2 million jobs.
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🧪 Chemical & Material Manufacturing / General Manufacturing – Manufacturing remains one of the largest single sectors in basic industry. At the end of 2024, about 12.6 million people were employed in manufacturing.
Alternative sources indicate 12.76 million employees in manufacturing as of late 2024.
🔑 Key Insight: Because many of these roles are categorized as “essential work,” they often have stronger job stability compared to sectors like retail or hospitality. Even during economic slowdowns, the production of basic goods, energy, and infrastructure is often maintained, which helps buffer job losses.
What are the Most Common Jobs in Basic Industries?
Basic industries span a wide range of roles — many of which don’t require a four-year degree and can be entered through technical training, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience:
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🌾 Agricultural Workers – These roles include planting, harvesting, operating farm machinery, and supervising crop cycles.
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⛏️ Mining Technicians & Engineers – From drill operators and safety monitors to geologists and mine planners, these roles focus on resource extraction.
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🛢️ Petroleum Engineers & Drillers – They design extraction methods, manage wells, and ensure efficient oil and gas production (often among the higher paying roles in basic industry).
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⚡ Power Plant Operators & Utilities Technicians – Run, maintain, and monitor equipment that produces electricity, treats water, or handles waste systems.
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🧪 Chemical Technicians & Material Operators – Work in production plants that refine raw materials into chemicals, plastics, metals, and industrial compounds.
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🏗️ Construction Laborers & Heavy Equipment Operators – Build the infrastructure that supports mining, plants, and industrial operations (roads, pipelines, foundations).
Accessibility Advantage: Many of these roles do not require a 4-year college degree. That makes them accessible to a broader workforce and ideal for people seeking stable, hands-on careers with upward mobility.
What are the Salary Ranges in Basic Industries?
Pay in basic industries can vary dramatically based on sector, experience level, union agreements, and geographic region, but overall, these roles tend to offer competitive wages compared to many service-sector jobs. Here’s a deeper look at what you can expect:
| Job Role | Average Annual Pay | Top Earners Can Make | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $35,000–$45,000 | $60,000+ | Pay is higher for operators skilled in GPS-guided machinery or who work in high-value crop regions like California or the Midwest grain belt. |
| Mining Technician | $50,000–$65,000 | $80,000+ | Underground and offshore mining roles typically pay more due to safety risks and remote work conditions. |
| Petroleum Engineer | $100,000–$130,000 | $150,000+ | One of the highest-paying jobs in basic industries. Engineers with offshore drilling or shale expertise are especially sought after. |
| Power Plant Operator | $80,000–$95,000 | $110,000+ | Overtime and shift differentials can significantly boost pay — especially in nuclear or natural gas power plants. |
| Chemical Technician | $50,000–$70,000 | $85,000+ | Those with certifications in hazardous materials or process safety earn closer to the top range. |
| Construction Project Manager | $75,000–$100,000 | $130,000+ | Large-scale industrial projects (pipelines, refineries, power facilities) tend to pay well above average. |
📌 Pro Tip: Total Compensation Matters
While salary is important, many basic industry roles offer union membership, which can mean:
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Pension or 401(k) matching for long-term financial security
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Comprehensive healthcare including dental and vision coverage
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Paid overtime and shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays
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Job protections and collective bargaining power
This means that the real earning potential is often much higher than the base salary alone. For example, a unionized power plant operator with regular overtime could easily exceed $120K annually.
Job Outlook & Growth
The future of basic industries looks strong and dynamic — with both traditional and emerging opportunities opening up across the U.S.
Agriculture & Food Production
Demand for skilled agricultural workers is growing as the industry adopts precision farming and sustainable practices. Tech-savvy workers who can operate automated equipment, drones, and data-driven systems are in high demand.
Energy Transition & Renewables
As the U.S. invests in clean energy, wind farm technicians, solar installers, and battery plant workers are some of the fastest-growing jobs in the sector. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, renewable energy employment is projected to grow by over 40% in the next decade.
Skilled Trades & Infrastructure
Construction and skilled trades (welders, electricians, heavy equipment operators) are facing severe labor shortages. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has unlocked billions in funding for new projects, which means steady work and higher wages through 2030.
Manufacturing Resurgence
Many companies are reshoring production to the U.S. due to supply chain vulnerabilities revealed during the pandemic. This trend is driving hiring in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor production, and materials science.
Job Security Advantage
Because these jobs produce essentials like food, energy, and raw materials, they are less vulnerable to economic downturns than sectors like retail or hospitality. Even during recessions, production continues — making basic industries a safe bet for long-term employment.
Conclusion
So, how many jobs are available in basic industries?
In 2025, millions of Americans — roughly 1 in 6 workers — are employed in sectors that provide raw materials and essential goods.
Basic industries employ roughly 24–26 million workers in the U.S. as of 2025, and they’re a critical part of the economy because they provide raw materials that fuel manufacturing, construction, and energy production.
