The capital goods industry is an important sector of the economy. It plays a key role in driving productivity and economic growth.
There are many different types of capital goods, including machinery, equipment, software, buildings and structures, transportation equipment, military hardware, and many more.
There is a wide range of companies that operate in the capital goods industry, including manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and software, as well as suppliers of raw materials and component parts.
So, there are many jobs available in the capital goods industry. Do you want to know the best-paying jobs in capital goods? Well, in this article I’m going to discuss exactly that.
Before going into a more detailed dive let me first summarize the jobs here:
- Engineering Manager
- Mechanical Engineer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Database Administrators and Architects
- Software Developer
- General Operations Manager
- Computer Network Architects
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Marketing Manager
- Petroleum Geologist
- Training and Development Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Management Analyst
- Electrical Engineer
The capital goods industry is a vital part of the global economy. Businesses seek to invest in new technologies and equipment to improve their productivity and efficiency so the industry will continue to grow.
There are many opportunities in this field if you ever choose this industry as your career.
However, wages for jobs in the capital goods industry can vary. Your level of education, experience, and the specific industry you work in everything matters here.
So, with the list out of the way, let’s discuss the salary and requirements of the jobs in more detail.
Are you looking to make money without skills? Read here!
Best Paying Jobs in Capital Goods:
I’ve gathered 15 examples of best-paying capital goods jobs with salaries, along with some information about the job duties and education requirements to judge if it’s a suitable career path for you or not:
1. Engineering Manager:
Engineering managers oversee the work of engineers and other technical professionals in the development of goods and services.
They work with teams of engineers to coordinate projects. They also ensure that deadlines are met.
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an engineering manager in the United States is $131,818 per year.
Number of Jobs Available: About 191,100 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: To become an engineering manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
Some engineering managers may also need to have a master’s degree in engineering management or a related field.
Also, it will help you a lot if you have strong leadership and project management skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles and techniques.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 2% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Setting goals and objectives
- Managing budgets and resources
- Coordinating projects
- Providing leadership and mentorship
- Building relationships with stakeholders
- Analyzing data and making decisions
2. Mechanical Engineer:
Mechanical engineers are involved in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems. They also design devices and other products.
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an engineering manager in the United States is $81,073 per year.
Number of Jobs Available: About 284,900 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is the typical educational requirement for becoming a mechanical engineer.
However, advanced degrees and practical experience can be valuable in this field and may be preferred by some employers.
Also, engineering managers are expected to have strong leadership and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of engineering principles and techniques.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 2% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Designing and developing mechanical systems, devices, and products
- Providing technical guidance and support
- Testing and evaluating prototypes and products
- Staying up-to-date with advances in mechanical engineering and technology
3. Computer and Information Research Scientist:
Computer and information research scientists conduct research and development in the field of computer and information science.
Average Salary: The average salary for a computer and information research scientist in the United States is $119,166 per year according to Salary.com.
Number of Jobs Available: About 33,500 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering or information technology is required. Sometimes a master’s degree is also preferred.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 21% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Conducting research and development in the field of computer and information science
- Developing new technologies and solutions to problems
- Troubleshooting issues and providing solutions to technical problems
4. Database Administrators and Architects:
Database administrators and architects design, develop and maintain databases and database systems.
Average Salary: The average salary for a database administrator and architect in the United States is $153,181 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 144,500 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as information technology or computer engineering is required.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 9% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Designing and developing databases
- Managing and maintaining databases
- Analyzing data and making decisions
5. Software Developer:
Software developers generally develop software applications and systems. They are also involved in maintaining software applications.
Average Salary: The average salary for a software developer in the United States is $95,369 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 1,622,200 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: You typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science. A degree in information technology or computer engineering will also work.
In addition to formal education, software developers need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Good communication and teamwork abilities are also very good to have.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 25% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Designing and developing software applications and systems
- Testing and evaluating new prototypes
- Troubleshooting issues and providing solutions to technical problems
6. General Operations Manager:
General and operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. They maintain and supervise all of the operations done by an organization.
Average Salary: The average salary for a general operations manager in the United States is $121,973 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 3,402,300 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: To become a general operations manager, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, such as management, finance, or marketing.
Also, general operations managers are expected to have strong leadership and management skills, as well as good communication and teamwork abilities.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Developing and implementing strategies for achieving business goals
- Managing budgets and resources
- Providing leadership and direction to teams of managers and other professionals
7. Computer Network Architects:
Computer network architects work on computer networks such as LANs, WANs, and Intranets.
Average Salary: The average salary for a computer network architect in the United States is $177,103 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 174,800 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: If you want to become one you’d need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as information technology or computer engineering.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Designing and developing computer networks, including LANs and WANs
- Staying up-to-date with advances in computer networking and technology
8. Metallurgical Engineer:
Metallurgical engineers study and design metal products, as well as the processes used to create metal products.
They work with teams of engineers, technicians, and other professionals to develop and improve metal products, such as automobile parts, aerospace components, and medical devices.
Average Salary: The average salary for a metallurgical engineer in the United States is $122,651 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 22,100 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: You will need to have a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering or a related field, such as materials science or chemical engineering is required to achieve a job in this field.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Studying and designing metal products and processes
- Developing new methods for extracting metal
9. Data Scientist:
Data scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve complex problems and support decision-making.
Average Salary: The average salary for a data scientist in the United States is $125,041 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 113,300 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: You typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to data science, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 36% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
- Identifying trends, patterns, and insights from large data sets
- Supporting decision-making with data-driven insights
10. Marketing Manager:
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services to potential customers.
Average Salary: The average salary for a marketing manager in the United States is $76,179 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 347,000 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: To become a marketing manager, a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field, such as business, communications, or advertising is required.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 10% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Developing and implementing marketing strategies
- Conducting market research and analyzing data
- Creating marketing campaigns and materials
11. Petroleum Geologist:
Petroleum geologists study and interpret geological data to locate and assess the potential of oil and natural gas deposits.
Average Salary: The average salary for a petroleum geologist in the United States is $105,202 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 24,900 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in geology or a related field, such as earth sciences or environmental science is required to land a job in this field.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Studying and interpreting geological data
- Identifying and evaluating new exploration opportunities
- Developing and implementing drilling and production strategies
12. Training and Development Manager:
Training and development managers are responsible for designing and implementing training programs for employees.
Average Salary: The average salary for a training and development manager in the United States is $94,560 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 38,100 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a field related to training and development, such as human resources, education, or organizational development is required for this kind of job.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Identifying training needs and developing training programs
- Developing training materials and resources
- Delivering training to employees
- Evaluating the effectiveness of training programs
13. Industrial Engineer:
Industrial engineers are responsible for various industry-related designs and developments with the goal of maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
Average Salary: The average salary for an industrial engineer in the United States is $87,372 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 301,000 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field, such as mechanical engineering or systems engineering is required to achieve a job in this field.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 10% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Designing, developing, and improving systems, processes, and products
- Managing budgets and resources
- Ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards
14. Management Analyst:
Management analysts help organizations improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
Average Salary: The average salary for a management analyst in the United States is $79,052 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 950,600 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: You typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to management consulting, such as business, economics, or public policy to land a job in this sector.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 11% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Identifying problems and developing solutions
- Analyzing data and making recommendations
- Managing budgets and resources
15. Electrical Engineer:
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They also design and test various electrical components and products.
Average Salary: The average salary for an electrical engineer in the United States is $93,792 per year according to Glassdoor.
Number of Jobs Available: About 303,800 jobs were available in the field in 2021.
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, such as computer engineering or electronics engineering is required to land a job in this sector.
Job Growth: The jobs in this industry are expected to raise by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
Duties of the job:
- Developing and testing electrical components
- Testing and evaluating prototypes and products
- Staying up-to-date with advances in electrical engineering and technology
Is Capital Goods a Good Career Path?
The general answer to this question would be—yes, it is a very good industry to work in with great opportunities. This industry is so vast and there are a lot of companies that operate in this industry as well. That’s why many jobs are available.
These jobs offer great wages and benefits. But before you jump to a conclusion, make sure you have some interest in the field.
Overall, a career in the capital goods industry can be a good fit for you if you are interested in technology, innovation, and problem-solving, and if you have strong analytical and technical skills.
Why or Why Not Choose a Job in the Capital Goods Industry [Pros and Cons]
If you decide to choose a job in the capital goods industry you should look at the pros and cons to help you with your decision-making.
Here are some of the pros:
- A good number of job opportunities
- Lucrative salary and benefits
- Career advancement opportunities
- Better job security
- Very good work-life balance
Here are some of the cons:
- Some jobs may involve physically demanding work, such as lifting and moving heavy objects, working on assembly lines, or operating machinery.
- Stressful work environment
- Many high-paying jobs require a higher level of education to apply
Final Thoughts
Choosing a job can be a difficult and overwhelming process, as there are many factors to consider and a range of options available. However, you should focus on your interests and skills to make the choice that’s best for you.
Remember, choosing a job or career is a process, and it’s okay to explore different options and take your time to make the right decision for you.
Prioritizing your own goals is a must if you want a happier job life. So, before making a decision to get the best-paying jobs in capital goods you should research a lot.
Hopefully, this article will help you choose a great job in capital goods if you ever work in the industry. Thank you for reading and good luck!
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