How many Jobs are Available in Capital Goods?

The capital goods industry provides the tools and equipment required by other industries. Because of this, these companies are vital to the manufacturing, service, retail, and construction industries that provide the day-to-day goods and services we rely on.

Here are 15 of the highest-paying jobs in the capital goods industry to help you get your foot in the door of an industry you can’t afford to ignore.

How Many Capital Goods Jobs are there Today?

In the United States, there are currently about 6.5 million jobs in the capital goods industries. This includes jobs in manufacturing, construction, and mining. The average salary for a capital goods worker is $55,000 per year. Here are the available jobs in capital goods.

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the planning, coordination, and control of manufacturing processes. They develop processes and procedures to optimize production and minimize costs. A Manufacturing Engineer typically has a bachelor’s degree in engineering. The median annual salary for a Manufacturing Engineer is $85,880.

Mechanical Engineer

As a mechanical engineer, you will design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacture of mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering for this job. The median annual salary for this position is $84,190.

Chemical Engineer

A chemical engineer designs and develops processes to manufacture chemicals and related products, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They also oversee the operation of chemical plants and oversee the safety of workers. The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $104,910 in May 2019.

Material Scientist/Engineer

In the capital goods industries, material scientists and engineers are responsible for developing and testing new materials used to create products. They work with a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, and must have a strong understanding of the properties of each. Material scientists and engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction Equipment Operator

Operators in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction industries use a variety of equipment to extract natural resources like coal, oil, and gas. They typically work long hours in difficult conditions. But their efforts are rewarded with high wages. The median annual wage for these workers was $61,210 in May 2019, which was much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.

Construction Equipment Operator

A construction equipment operator is responsible for the operation of various types of power construction equipment, such as excavators, loaders, backhoes, and graders.

They must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints and follow verbal instructions from their supervisor. Construction equipment operators typically work full time and may be required to work overtime hours on evenings and weekends. Pay for construction equipment operators varies depending on experience and location, but the median annual salary is $47,910.

Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Workers

These workers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of industrial machinery. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints and manuals, as well as have a strong understanding of the inner workings of machines. Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers typically earn an hourly wage of $17.49.

Motor Vehicle Operators (All Other)

Motor vehicle operators include people who drive buses, taxi cabs, and other vehicles for hire. They typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. The median annual wage for this occupation is $35,780.

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

(six sentences): Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods and materials over long distances. They typically have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The median annual wage for this occupation is $43,680.

Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians are responsible for the design, construction, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. They typically work in manufacturing, research and development, or the air transportation industry. The median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technicians was $64,550 in May 2019.

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

In the United States, the average salary for an electrical power-line installer and repairer is $60,510 per year. These workers are responsible for installing and repairing the electrical power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is typically provided.
Most electrical power-line installers and repairers work full time, and overtime hours are common.

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

1. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers earned a median annual wage of $74,590 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. They typically work in oil refineries and gas processing plants.
3. Their job duties include monitoring equipment and instruments, making adjustments as necessary, and keeping records.

Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Most structural iron and steel workers learn their trade through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically last 3 to 4 years. They can also be completed more quickly by taking night classes.
The median annual wage for this job is $42,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This occupation has a projected growth rate of 8% from 2012-2022, according to the BLS.

What are the Benefits of a Bapital Goods Job?

Working in the capital goods industry can be very rewarding. Not only are you paid well, but you also have the opportunity to help people and businesses grow. Capital goods industries include manufacturing, construction, and mining. These industries are important because they provide the materials that other industries need to function.

Best Places to find Capital Goods Jobs

1. LinkedIn – There are many job postings for capital goods jobs on LinkedIn, as well as a variety of networking and career resources.
2. Indeed – Indeed is a job search engine that includes many listings for capital goods jobs.
3. Glassdoor – Glassdoor is a website where you can research companies and read reviews from employees. It’s also a great place to find job listings. 4. Simply Hired – Simply Hired is a large online job site with thousands of openings available.

5. College Recruiter – Many college recruiters are focused on hiring people with skills or experience in the capital goods industry.
6. Trade Schools – Numerous trade schools offer courses or degree programs that teach skills relevant to the construction industry and other areas of capital goods employment.

Average Salary For Capital Goods Workers

Capital goods industries are critical to the U.S. economy, and workers in these industries are some of the highest-paid in the country. The average salary for a worker in the capital goods industry is $84,560, which is significantly higher than the national average of $48,320. Here are 15 of the highest-paying jobs in capital goods industries

Best paying Jobs in Capital Goods

1. Chief Executives- Median Salary: $183,270
2. General and Operations Managers- Median Salary: $114,850
3. Marketing Managers- Median Salary: $113,180
4. Financial Managers- Median Salary: $109,740
5. Human Resources Managers- Median Salary: $106,910

Conclusion

A career in the capital goods industry can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. There are a variety of jobs available in this field, and the pay is often very good. If you are looking for a stable career with good pay and benefits, then a job in the capital goods industry may be the right choice for you.