A vast array of careers are available within basic industries, requiring many different skill sets. If you want to find a role in this field, learning more about how many jobs are available can help you decide whether this is the right career for you.In this article, we review how many jobs are available in basic industries and we offer a list of roles for you to consider.
Basic industries refer to the occupations that produce the things we use daily in society. The function of these industries is to harvest the raw materials that make most of the products we buy. These raw materials are then transported elsewhere to be turned into products for people to buy.Here are some examples of basic industries:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that over 10 million job openings exist for all industries, as of April 2023. This includes job openings in basic industries. Of the 10 million job openings, approximately nine million of them are for private industries, many of which participate in basic industries.Related: Are Basic Industries a Good Career Path? (Plus Jobs)
The list below includes roles to consider within a variety of basic industries. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.
National average salary: $41,093 per yearPrimary duties: Fish processing involves preparing and packaging fish for retail. Lorries transport the freshly caught fish to processing plants or seafood markets where the fish processors make them safe for consumption. There are strict hygiene standards to follow, and regulations ensure that the fish are all handled in a way that makes them suitable for sale to the public.Find fish processor jobs
National average salary: $67,371 per yearPrimary duties: Loggers work in the forestry industry and harvest trees for lumber, paper and other wood products. A logger's work involves using a lot of machinery, such as chainsaws, skidders and loaders. After cutting down the trees, they load the logs on to transport in preparation for transporting them to the mill. A logger is always aware of safety because this job involves working at height and with potentially dangerous tools.Find logger jobsRelated: How To Become a Logger in 6 Steps (With Salary and Skills)
National average salary: $62,430 per yearPrimary duties: Animal caretakers care for the health and wellness of animals by providing feed and water regularly. These caretakers might work on farms, production facilities or other locations and may assist with administering medication to animals. Other duties may include ensuring proper environmental living conditions and providing light facility maintenance.Find animal caretaker jobsRead more: How To Become an Animal Caretaker
National average salary: $43,061 per yearPrimary duties: Production operators set up, oversee and maintain equipment for company production lines. These operators follow established protocols and procedures to set up and monitor production equipment to ensure final products align with strict quality control measures.Find production operator jobsRelated: Complete Guide To Becoming a Production Operator
National average salary: $37,869 per yearPrimary duties: A forklift operator transports various materials, products and equipment around a facility such as a warehouse. Safety procedures are an integral part of this job, and accredited bodies issue each driver with a license before they can work. In addition, supervisors can expect an operator to perform maintenance on their forklift when necessary, and they may be subject to routine inspections to ensure the safety of everyone in the building.Find forklift operator jobsRelated: Forklift Operator Certification: How To Get Certified
National average salary: $57,766 per yearPrimary duties: A welder works on construction sites and industrial settings to join metal parts together. There are various techniques they can employ depending on the type of job they are doing. Reading technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials and completing work to high safety standards are all responsibilities a welder has daily.Find welder jobs
National average salary: $49,326 per yearPrimary duties: Chemical technicians perform chemical analysis tasks and test different products under the direct supervision of a chemist or chemical engineer. Some duties may also include cleaning the laboratory according to industry and company best practices, tracking chemical inventories and delivering chemical analysis reports to supervisors.Find chemical technician jobsRead more: What Does a Chemical Technician Do? (Plus Salary Info)
National average salary: $53,492 per yearPrimary duties: Metal workers help install and maintain metal products. Although their scope of duties may vary on their education, specialty and company many metal workers are responsible for preparing metal products for installation, cleaning work areas and laying out metal sheets for specific jobs.Find metal worker jobsRead more: What Does a Sheet Metal Worker Do? (With Salary and Duties)
National average salary: $54,052 per yearPrimary duties: A carpenter is a skilled craftsperson who works with wood. In basic industries, they can utilize their skills in various ways. They may be involved in construction, manufacturing, maintenance and other roles. A carpenter trains for several years to become proficient in precision sawing, hand sanding and drilling to complete their projects.Find carpenter jobsRelated: 12 Pros and Cons of Being a Carpenter (Plus Tips for Becoming One)
National average salary: $48,850 per yearPrimary duties: A rigger is a professional working on an oil or gas drilling rig, either on or offshore. Their responsibilities include operating drilling machinery, driving cranes and performing maintenance on extraction equipment. They are always aware of safety procedures and how to use the drilling equipment responsibly.Find rigger jobsRelated: What Do Oil Rig Workers Do? (Primary Duties and Skills)
National average salary: $57,408 per yearPrimary duties: A miner uses heavy machinery and other equipment to extract minerals such as coal and ore from the earth. This role involves working deep underground and using machines and transport to remove the minerals and return them to ground level. In addition, they may use controlled explosives to break up rocks before employing tools to make them smaller. This is a safety-conscious job, and there are always many safety procedures and protocols to follow.Find miner jobsRelated: Learn About Being a MinerNote that figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) helped supplement data from Indeed.
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Here are some tips that could help you get a job in basic industries:
While different industries require varying technical skills, there are many transferrable skills you can develop to appeal to employers. This can include communication, organization, attention to detail and problem-solving.
Browsing different companies can help you understand more about common job requirements, which can help you better tailor your applications to these companies. Researching different companies also enables you to find one that aligns best with your values and interests, which can result in higher job satisfaction.
The nature of many jobs in basic industries means that you may be required to travel long distances to work at them, and you could be away from home for long periods. Making preparations for these requirements, such as establishing regular communication with your support system and finding your work-life balance can enhance your ability to remain flexible.
Certifications and degree programs can help you pursue certain roles or higher-level positions with a company. Completing these types of programs can also help employers better understand how you want to excel in the industry and your technical knowledge within the field.
Share on Messenger Share on WhatsAppSharjah, the third-largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is home to a large population of expatriates. Known for its cultural heritage and economic growth, Sharjah offers numerous job opportunities across various sectors. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to secure a job in Sharjah.
Sharjah's economy is diversified, with significant contributions from sectors like education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The city hosts numerous administrative and commercial centers, making it a hotspot for job seekers. Additionally, Sharjah’s cost of living is lower compared to Dubai, attracting many middle-class expatriates.
Education : The minimum educational requirement is usually a high school diploma, but having a degree or specialized certification in a relevant field can significantly enhance your chances. Specific roles might require additional professional qualifications or certifications.
Skills : Proficiency in English is crucial as it is the primary language of business. Knowing Arabic or Hindi can be beneficial for better integration and communication within the workplace.
Experience : Prior work experience is often highly valued. It can provide a competitive edge and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Work Permit and Visa : To work legally in Sharjah, you need a work permit (labor card) and a residency visa. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) oversees the issuance of these permits.
Resume and Profile : Prepare a professional resume that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experience. Tailor it to suit the specific job you are applying for.
Job Platforms : Utilize online job platforms like Dubaijobapply, LinkedIn, and GulfTalent to search and apply for job vacancies. These platforms provide access to numerous job listings from various sectors.
Networking : Leverage your network to find job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with people working in your desired field.
Recruitment Agencies : Consider engaging with recruitment agencies that specialize in placing candidates in the UAE. They can provide valuable insights and help match your profile with suitable job openings.
Healthcare : Sharjah has a growing healthcare sector with numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. Jobs range from doctors and nurses to administrative and support staff.
Education : The city is home to several universities, schools, and educational institutions, offering opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff.
Manufacturing and Industry : Sharjah has a robust industrial sector, with many job openings in manufacturing, logistics, and engineering.
Tourism and Hospitality : With its cultural heritage and tourist attractions, Sharjah’s tourism and hospitality industry is thriving, offering various roles in hotels, travel agencies, and cultural sites.
To work in Sharjah, you need a valid work permit issued by MoHRE. Here’s the process:
Entry Visa : Before arriving, you need an entry visa. Your employer usually arranges this.
Residence Visa and Emirates ID : Upon arrival, you must obtain a residence visa and an Emirates ID card. The employer usually sponsors and arranges these.
Work Permit : The employer applies for your work permit through the Tas’Heel system. Once approved, it is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, during which the employer arranges the necessary documentation for a longer stay.
Working Hours : The maximum working hours are 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week for private sector employees. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours daily.
Leave and Holidays : Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave after one year of service. Public holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and other Islamic festivals.
Safety and Rights : MoHRE ensures the protection of workers' rights, including safety standards, termination of employment, and end-of-service gratuity payments.
Surgeons/Doctors : Due to the critical nature of their job, surgeons and doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in Sharjah, with salaries ranging from AED 35,000 to AED 125,000.
Judges : With extensive knowledge of laws and regulations, judges earn between AED 29,700 and AED 105,000.
Bank Managers : Responsible for managing financial institutions, bank managers earn between AED 22,500 and AED 79,600.
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) : CEOs, who manage company operations and make major corporate decisions, earn between AED 21,000 and AED 74,600.
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) : An industrial hub offering cost-effective business setups with benefits like 100% ownership and tax exemptions.
USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone : Supports SMEs in expanding their trade in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Etisalat : A leading telecom company known for its dynamic and rewarding work environment.
Dana Gas : One of the largest oil and gas companies headquartered in Sharjah.
United Arab Bank : Known for its growth-conducive work environment and competitive salary packages.
Sharjah’s flexible economy allows for freelancing and part-time jobs. To work as a freelancer, you need a residency visa and a freelance license from the Sharjah Free Zone. Freelance permits are valid for two years, with annual renewals required.
Local Job Consultants : Consultants can help you navigate the job market, but be wary of high commission fees.
Free Job Platforms : Dubaijobapply is a free job platform that connects job seekers with trusted companies in Sharjah.
Direct Applications : Apply directly to companies through their career portals or via email.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the job market in Sharjah effectively and increase your chances of securing a desirable position. Good luck!