Is Industrial Specialties A Good Career Path? – Complete Guide

Is industrial specialties a good career path? For us, about anyone, the answer is a resounding yes. After all, there are many benefits to pursuing a career in industrial specialties.

The industrial revolution has been a boon for humankind. It has created new opportunities and avenues for people to explore. One of the most popular career choices these days is industrial specialties.

Is Industrial Specialties A Good Career Path – Yes, Here’s How:

Yes, industrial specialties is a great career path for many reasons.

While industries are pretty different from each other, they all have one thing in common:

“the need for specialized skills.”

And this is where industrial specialty comes in. Once you have chosen your desired industry, you will need to specialize in a particular area to be successful.

There are many reasons why industrial specialty is a good career choice. Industries and businesses are always in need of people with specialized skills.

As an industrial specialist, you can find employment in various industries.

Here are some significant areas where industrial specialists are in high demand:

1. Food & Beverage Industry:

The food and beverage industry is one of the most sought-after industries for industrial specialists. Why is this so?

Well, it is a very vast and complex industry. It has many different aspects, such as production, processing, packaging, and distribution.

Each of these areas requires a different set of skills and knowledge. You can find employment in any of these areas as an industrial specialist.

Some leading roles of an industrial specialist in the food industry include:

1.1 Food Quality Control Specialist:

One of the most critical roles of an industrial specialist is to ensure food quality control.

You will be responsible for inspecting food products and checking them for defects. You will also be responsible for testing the quality of food products.

Their average yearly salary is $58374 per Payscale.

Not only is this an essential job, but it is also a very well-paying one.

1.2 Food Safety Specialist:

As a food safety specialist, you will ensure that foods and drinks are safe for consumer.

You will conduct inspections and tests to ensure food products meet safety standards.

You will also be responsible for investigating food-borne illnesses and outbreaks.

The average yearly salary for a food safety specialist is $58,374, per Payscale.

1.3 Food Scientist:

If you are interested in the scientific aspect, you can become a food scientist.

You will be responsible for researching and developing new food products.

You will also be responsible for improving the quality of existing food products.

The average yearly salary for a food scientist is $68336, per Payscale.

1.4 Food Technologist:

They develop and improve food and drink production methods.

For food production, there are many different methods. Such as freezing, canning, drying, and fermentation.

For drink production, there are different methods, such as brewing and distilling.

It is your job to develop new methods or to improve existing ones.

The average yearly salary for a food technologist is $59420, as per Payscale.

2. Manufacturing Industry:

The manufacturing industry is another popular choice for industrial specialists.

This is because the manufacturing industry is very complex. And it requires a lot of specialized skills.

Engineers, industrial designers, and production managers are in demand as industrial specialists here.

Here are some major roles of industry specialists in the manufacturing industry:

2.1 Engineer:

Engineers play a vital role in the manufacturing industry. They are responsible for designing and developing new products.

They are also responsible for improving the manufacturing process. Manufacturing processes include things like assembly, packaging, and distribution.

This is a very technical job, requiring a lot of knowledge and skills.

The average yearly salary for an engineer is $68336 per Payscale.

2.2 Industrial Designer:

Industrial designers are responsible for the look and feel of the products. They design products keeping in mind the aesthetics as well as the function.

The industrial designer works with the engineers. They have degrees in engineering, product design, or industrial design.

The average yearly salary for an industrial designer is $61598, as per Payscale.

2.3 Production Manager:

Who is responsible for ensuring that the manufacturing process is running smoothly? It is the production manager.

The production manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process.

This includes things like quality control, resource allocation, and production planning.

The average yearly salary for a production manager is $74,812 per Payscale.

3. Retail Industry:

The retail industry is also a good choice for industrial specialists. This is because the retail industry is very fast-paced. There are always new products being launched.

And the demand for new products is always high. So, there is a lot of work for industrial specialists in the retail industry.

Here are some famous roles and responsibilities of industry specialists:

3.1 Retail Manager:

The retail manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the store. Their specialization is in managing the store.

They are responsible for staffing, inventory management, and customer service.

The retail manager has to ensure that the store runs smoothly and that the customers are happy.

The average yearly salary for a retail manager is $50636, as per Payscale.

3.2 Merchandiser:

The merchandiser is responsible for planning and executing the store’s marketing strategy.

They are responsible for things like product placement, pricing, and promotions.

The merchandiser has to ensure that the store’s products are being sold. And they have to come up with new ideas to promote the products.

The average yearly salary for a merchandiser is $45,762, as per Payscale.

3.3 Inventory Manager:

The inventory manager is responsible for managing the store’s inventory. They have to ensure that the products are in stock and that they are being sold.

Also, they are responsible for ordering new products and tracking sales. They also come off as warehouse managers.

With a specialization in management, an inventory manager is a significant person in the retail industry.

The average yearly salary for an inventory manager is $56,824, as per Payscale.

4. Cement and Construction Industry:

The construction industry is another good choice for industrial specialists. This is because there is always a demand for new buildings and infrastructure.

Construction projects are complex, and they require a lot of coordination. That’s where industrial specialists come in.

Here are some famous roles and responsibilities in the construction industry:

4.1 Project Manager:

The project manager is responsible for the overall management of the construction project. They are responsible for things like budgeting, scheduling, and coordination.

The project manager has to ensure that the construction project is on time and within budget.

Their specialization is in project management. And they have to have a lot of experience in the construction industry.

The average yearly salary for a project manager is $76,385, as per Payscale.

4.2 Construction Engineer:

Engineers are responsible for the design of the construction project. They must ensure that the project is safe and meets all the relevant regulations.

Construction engineers also have to oversee the construction process. They have to ensure that the project is according to the plans.

They specialize in engineering, any domain. Such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.

The average yearly salary for a construction engineer is $69,938, as per Payscale.

4.3 Construction Worker:

Construction workers are responsible for the actual construction of the project. They have to do things like digging holes, erecting scaffolding, and laying bricks.

They are specialists, too, because they need the right skills and experience to do their job.

And without them, the construction project would not be possible. Their average hourly salary is $16.77 as per Payscale.

5. Electronics and IT Industry:

It is the future. That’s why electronics and IT industry is a good choice for industrial specialists.

This industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies getting developed continuously.

And that’s why there is always a demand for people with the right skills and experience.

Some of the famous roles and responsibilities in this industry are:

5.1 Network Administrator:

Network administrators are responsible for the overall management of the network. They have to ensure that the network is up and running.

Every entity has a network, like companies, schools, and hospitals. And the network administrator ensures that it is working right.

They need to have a good understanding of networking concepts. And they also need to be able to troubleshoot problems.

The average yearly salary for a network administrator is $61931, as per Payscale.

5.2 Systems Engineer:

As the name suggests, systems engineers design systems. They have to ensure that the system is working as intended.

They also have to troubleshoot problems. And they also have to maintain the system.

Systems engineering is a broad field. And it covers domains like electrical, mechanical, and software engineering.

The average yearly salary for a systems engineer is $81,660, as per Payscale.

5.3 Database Administrator:

Database administrators are responsible for the overall management of the database. They have to ensure that the data is securely stored and authorized users can access it.

They also have to ensure that the database is fully backed up. And they also have to troubleshoot problems.

Database administration plays a vital role. And it requires a good understanding of database concepts.

The average yearly salary for a database administrator is $74,407, as per Payscale.

5.4 Web Developer:

Web developers are responsible for the development of websites. They have to ensure that the website is working as intended.

Web development has a variety of sub-fields. Such as web design, web programming, and web security.

There are different languages in web development, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Front-end developers need to have a good understanding of these languages.

Back-end developers need to understand server-side scripting languages. Such as PHP, Ruby on Rails, and Python.

The average yearly salary for a web developer is $67,567 as per Payscale

The wages exceed $100,000 for web developers with experience and expertise.

6. Agriculture Industry:

With world population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, agriculture industry is good to go to.

The agriculture industry is responsible for the production of food. With world population expected to increase, there will be increased demand for food.

The agriculture industry is also responsible for producing other products. Such as timber, cotton, and wool.

Some significant roles in this industry are:

6.1 Agricultural Engineer:

Agricultural engineers are responsible for the design of agricultural machinery. Agriculture machinery includes tractors, plows, and harvesters.

They also have to design irrigation systems. And they also have to create storage facilities for agricultural products.

Agriculture is not an easy field. It requires expertise, experience, and creativity.

The average yearly salary for an agricultural engineer is $70,199, as per Payscale.

6.2 Agricultural Scientist:

Agricultural scientists research to develop new ways to improve the yield of crops. They also study to develop new methods of pest control.

They also research to develop new methods of animal husbandry. Specialization in biology and chemistry is necessary for this role.

However, other fields of study, for instance, economics, can also be helpful.

The average yearly salary for an agricultural scientist is $84,281 per Payscale.

6.3 Agricultural Technician:

Agricultural technicians help farmers with the day-to-day operations on the farm. They have to maintain the machinery. And they also have to troubleshoot problems.

They also have to test the soil. And they also have to apply pesticides and herbicides.

Their domain of work is very vast. And it requires good problem-solving skills.

The average yearly salary for an agricultural technician is $45,433 per Payscale.

7. Pharmaceuticals Industry:

The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the manufacturing of drugs. It is a growing industry with a lot of potentials.

It manufactures both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This industry is also responsible for the research and development of new medicines.

Some significant roles in this industry are:

7.1 Chemist:

Chemists are responsible for the manufacturing of drugs. They have to develop new formulas for the drugs. And they also have to improve the existing procedures.

They also have to test the drugs. And they also have to ensure that the drugs meet the required standards.

Chemists need to have a good understanding of chemistry. And they also need to be good at problem-solving.

The average yearly salary for a chemist is $59701, as per Payscale.

7.2 Pharmacist:

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing drugs. They also have to advise patients on the use of the drugs.

They also have to ensure that the drugs get stored properly. And they also have to ensure that the drugs get used safely.

Pharmacists need to have a good understanding of human physiology. And they also need to be good at communication.

The average yearly salary for a pharmacist is $116,132 per Payscale.

7.3 Quality Control Officer:

Before the drug hits the market, it has to go through quality control. Quality control officers are responsible for testing the drugs.

They have to ensure that the drugs meet the required standards. And they also have to ensure that the drugs are safe for human use.

Quality control officers need to have a good understanding of chemistry.

The average yearly salary for a quality control officer is $24,000, as per Payscale.

Here are 7 different careers you can take in the industrial specialties industry.

So is industrial specialties a good career path? The answer is yes. Industrial specialties are a good career path because it offers a lot of variety. And it also offers good salaries.

So if you are thinking of a career in industrial specialties, go for it.

Pros Of Working In Industrial Specialties:

Although we have already established that industrial specialties are a good career path. But let us look at some of the pros of working in this field:

1. Always In Demand:

The industrial specialties industry is always in demand. This is because the initiatives in this field are constantly growing. And they always need more workers.

But, unforeseen circumstances can lead to a decline in the demand for workers.

For instance, an outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the demand for workers in this field.

However, the demand for workers will always rebound, and this field will always be in order.

2. Good Salaries:

As we have seen, the salaries in this field are pretty good. Chemists, for instance, earn an average yearly salary of $59,701.

And pharmacists earn an average yearly salary of $116,132. So if you are looking for a good-paying job, this is your field.

With experience and expertise, you can even earn more than the average salary.

3. Variety:

This is one of the best things about this field. There is a lot of variety in this field. You can choose to work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Or you can choose to work in the quality control department of a company. Or you can even choose to work as a chemist or a pharmacist.

Whether you want to work in a lab or an office, there is a job for you in this field.

Cons Of Working In Industrial Specialties:

Industrial specialties are a good career path, but working in this field has some cons. Let us look at some of the cons of working in this field:

1. Long Hours:

If you are in the warehouse or factories, you will have to work long hours. This is because production never stops. And you will have to work in shifts.

Sometimes, you might even have to work on weekends. So if you are not prepared to work long hours, this might not be your field.

The long hours can also be stressful. And it can take a toll on your health.

2. Dangerous Conditions:

If you work in factories, you will be working in dangerous conditions. There is a risk of getting injured.

Or you might even get exposed to some dangerous chemicals. So if you are not comfortable working in such conditions, this field is not for you.

So overall, industrial specialties is a good career path. But it has its pros and cons. You need to weigh the pros and cons before you decide if this is the right field for you.

Final Word:

Is industrial specialties a good career path? The answer is yes. The variety, good salaries the always-in-demand nature makes it a good career path.

However, you must be ready to work long hours in dangerous conditions.

So if you are ready for the pros and cons of working in this field, then go for it.

Last Updated on 1 year by Shahzaib Arshad