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Basic industries like farming, mining, manufacturing, construction, utilities and energy underpin everything else in the economy. They provide the raw materials, power and infrastructure that make modern life possible. If you’re hunting for stable, well-paid work or thinking about a career pivot, these sectors offer huge potential—but the numbers behind them can feel opaque.

Below is a practical look at the scale of employment in basic industries, where the openings are and how to position yourself to land one.

The Scale of Basic-Industry Employment

It’s helpful to see just how many people already work in these foundational sectors:

Agriculture and food: In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 22.1 million full- and part-time positions were tied to the agricultural and food sector—roughly 10.4% of all U.S. jobs. Only about 2.6 million were direct, on-farm roles; the rest were in processing, food services, retail and related industries.
Manufacturing: The National Association of Manufacturers reports that there were about 12.7 million manufacturing workers in July 2025. Manufacturing jobs pay well—workers averaged $102,629 in total compensation in 2023—and most employees are eligible for health benefits.
Construction: The U.S. construction sector employed roughly 8.31 million people in July 2025. Employment has been steady, but energy-driven construction is growing faster than overall construction (4.5% vs. 2.3% from 2022–2023) thanks to clean-energy investments.
Utilities: About 598,000 employees worked in electric, water and other utilities in July 2025. This sector is highly unionized and boasts some of the highest average wages in the economy; typical hourly earnings were around $52.
Natural resources and mining: Mining and logging employed around 617,000 people in July 2025. The sector’s average hourly wage exceeded $40, though jobs come with higher injury risks.
Energy: According to the U.S. Energy & Employment Report, 8.4 million Americans worked in the energy sector in 2023, making up over 5% of all U.S. jobs. Clean-energy jobs grew 4.2% in 2023—more than twice the overall job-growth rate—adding 142,000 positions.

These figures don’t even include tens of millions of workers worldwide. A 2023 International Renewable Energy Agency review found 13.7 million people employed in renewable energy globally, with solar alone accounting for 4.9 million jobs.

Where the Openings Are Right Now

Basic industries continuously hire due to retirements, growth and increased investment. Government labour surveys are a great place to see current openings:

Manufacturing: As of June 2025 the U.S. had about 415,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs. Durable goods openings dropped to 261,000, but nondurable goods openings rose to 155,000.
Construction: Job openings in construction stood at around 246,000 in June 2025.
Mining and logging: There were roughly 25,000 open positions.
Energy: Clean-energy investments created 142,000 new jobs in 2023, and overall energy employment grew 3% between 2022 and 2023.
Future needs: Industry groups forecast a shortfall of about 1.9 million manufacturing workers by 2033 unless more people enter the trade.

Canada follows similar patterns. Manufacturing employs about 1.7 million Canadian workers, but automation is reducing low-skill roles and creating demand for specialized talent. A recent analysis found that wages for advanced manufacturing positions have climbed to CAD $75,000–$85,000, and that many manufacturers struggle to hire engineers, AI specialists and technicians. One in three trades workers in Ontario is over 55, hinting at more vacancies ahead. Volatile trade conditions also cause swings in employment; in April 2025 Canada lost 31,000 manufacturing jobs in a single month due largely to tariff uncertainty.

Trends Reshaping Basic-Industry Careers

Beyond raw numbers, a few macro-trends are reshaping what it means to work in basic industries:

Clean energy and sustainability: Federal investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles and grid modernization are driving hiring in solar, wind and battery manufacturing. Clean-energy employment is growing faster than the overall labour market. For job seekers, that means high demand for electricians, solar installers, wind turbine technicians and sustainability specialists.
Automation and digitalization: Manufacturers and utilities are adopting robotics, AI and advanced analytics. This reduces demand for routine labour but increases the need for technicians, software engineers and data analysts who can implement and maintain smart systems. In Canada, 40% of manufacturers cite staff shortages as the biggest barrier to adopting AI and robotics.
Aging workforce: Many tradespeople are nearing retirement. In Ontario, one in three workers with a trade certificate is over 55. Employers are desperate for new apprentices and mid-career changers willing to learn skilled trades.
Global trade pressures: Tariffs and supply-chain disruptions can cause sudden layoffs or hiring freezes. About 39% of Canadian manufacturers reported instituting hiring freezes or layoffs in response to U.S. tariff uncertainty.
Unionization and benefits: Basic-industry workers often enjoy better benefits than the average employee. Ninety-three percent of U.S. manufacturing employees were eligible for employer health insurance in 2024. Utilities workers are among the highest paid hourly employees, and unionized energy jobs are more abundant than in other sectors.

Common Roles and What They Require

Basic-industry careers span a wide range of skill levels. Here are examples of roles you’ll find:

Skilled trades: Electricians, welders, heavy-equipment operators and millwrights keep plants and infrastructure running. Many roles require apprenticeship training or trade certificates but offer high wages and job security.
Engineering and technical: Process engineers, industrial electricians, instrumentation technicians, environmental engineers and safety specialists design and optimize systems. A college diploma or bachelor’s degree in engineering or applied science is often needed.
Technology and data: Robotics technicians, automation engineers and data analysts install and program smart machinery, optimize production lines, and interpret sensor data. Certifications in robotics, PLC programming or data analytics are highly valued.
Sustainability and clean energy: Wind turbine service technicians and solar installers are two of the fastest-growing occupations, with projected 10-year growth rates of 60% and 48%. Sustainability specialists and environmental scientists help companies meet regulatory requirements and reduce emissions.
Agricultural science and food production: Agronomists, crop scientists and food safety technicians support farm productivity and quality control. Many of these roles require university degrees or specialized diplomas.
Logistics and operations: Supply-chain coordinators, dispatchers and warehouse managers support transportation and distribution—critical functions across mining, manufacturing and utilities.

Tips for Landing a Role in Basic Industries

Identify growing niches: Research sectors with strong momentum—clean energy, advanced manufacturing, utilities modernization—and target roles where demand exceeds supply. Look at government reports or union bulletins for up-to-date hiring data.
Develop transferable skills: Technical literacy, digital troubleshooting, safety training (e.g., WHMIS or OSHA), and project management are valuable across industries. Even if you’re new to trades, certifications from community colleges or union training programs can open doors.
Leverage apprenticeships and training programs: Many employers sponsor apprenticeships that pay you while you learn. If you’re pivoting from another career, these programs can be a low-risk way to acquire a trade.
Network beyond the usual channels: Basic-industry hiring often happens through unions, trade associations, and local community connections. Attend open houses at utilities or manufacturing plants, join professional societies, and subscribe to sector-specific job boards.
Highlight safety and reliability: Employers in high-hazard industries value candidates who understand workplace safety and who can pass background and drug tests. Emphasize any certifications (e.g., First Aid, confined space training) in your résumé.
Stay adaptable: Industries like manufacturing and energy are becoming more automated and sustainable. Show that you are willing to learn new technologies and adapt to changing regulations; employers want curious problem-solvers, not just hands-on labor.

The Bottom Line

Basic industries may not grab headlines the way tech start-ups do, but they employ millions of people and are evolving rapidly. With manufacturing boasting over 12 million workers and 415,000 openings, agriculture supporting over 22 million jobs, and the energy sector growing faster than the overall economy, there’s no shortage of opportunity. If you’re willing to build practical skills, embrace technology and seek out the right niche, you’ll find rewarding work that directly shapes the world around us.