Capital goods cover a vast number of jobs – close to 1.5 million jobs in the U.S. Some sectors of the field, such as manufacturing, feature about 600,000 careers for anyone seeking employment in engineering, computer design, business development, or marketing.

To get a better grasp of the job market, it helps to define “capital goods” first.

What Are Capital Goods?

Basically, capital goods are tangible products that businesses use in making goods or providing services. Therefore, these assets may include equipment, tools, machines, or buildings. 

Capital goods then refer to products used in making other items that are not part of a newly manufactured product. Again, machine tools, plant equipment, construction and mining equipment, electrical components, textile machines, and printing and packaging machines all encompass capital goods.

The main industries that cover capital goods include the automotive industry, the chemicals field, textile producers, electronics makers, the aerospace industry, and manufacturers of machines.

Given that these industries drive the economy, you’ll find plenty of good jobs that fall under the classification of “capital goods.”

A Test Question

To make sure you understand what is meant by capital goods, take a look at the following question. Which of the products below are not considered a capital good?

1. Tools
2. Food and clothing
3. Machines
4. Trucks

If you answered number 2, you’re correct, as this item is listed as a non-durable consumer good. 

Again, capital goods are tangible assets that a business makes so a second business can manufacture consumer goods. They range from vehicles to machines to buildings to tools. You can also add printing and packaging equipment or the machines used to make textiles to this expansive list. The goods can be large–like ships–or small like computer chips.

Examples of Well-Paying Jobs in the Capital Goods Field

Most jobs that are capital goods jobs pay very well. In fact, you can earn, on average, from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. 

Let’s look at some more of the best-paying jobs in the capital goods field.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

To get top pay in capital goods as a senior mechanical engineer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and several years of experience. You’ll make about $90,000 per year when you have acquired these qualifications.

Sales Engineer

If you prefer sales to design, you can earn a good living in capital goods as a sales professional. A sales engineer should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and have worked in the field for several years. They make about $87,000 per year with this type of experience. 

If you make a commission salary or receive bonuses, you may want to check with a California employment lawyer to make sure you’re paid in full for the sales you make.

Industrial Designer

If you choose to design products, you can make a good living in capital goods. This job entails developing a product from conceptualization to design. You’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design and several years of experience to rake in about $74,000 yearly. 

Marketing Manager

If you like the idea of planning and coordinating marketing activities, then you’ll like the role of marketing manager in the capital goods field. For this job, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and several years of working in a marketing role. For your efforts, you’ll earn about $65,000 annually. 

Business Development Manager

If you’re good at planning and leading a company’s business development efforts, you’ll find the position of business development manager well suited to your career goals. You’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business for the job and gain experience in the field. With this type of background, you’ll make about $60,000 per year.

Engineering Manager

You’ll make more money if you work toward a job as an engineering manager than if you focus on business development. You’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in engineering and work for several years in the field. The average yearly income is quite good – about $100,000 annually. Engineers who work in the aerospace industry make about $118,000 per year.

Computer-Aided Design Technician or Digital Designer

If you have a keen interest in computers, you may find a job as a computer-aided design technician to your liking. In this job, you’ll oversee CAD software development and implementation for the production of components and parts. 

Technicians make about $50,000 annually, while web developers or digital designers with a bachelor’s degree make about $78,000 yearly.

Research and Development Manager

You’ll find plenty of jobs in capital goods that require someone who has skills in R&D. To secure this job, you’ll need to be able to lead in a company’s research and development objectives. For your work, you’ll be rewarded with a sizable paycheck and benefits. 

To apply for the job, you’ll have to have a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in the field. Expect to make around $60,000 annually.

Other Jobs that Pay Well in Capital Goods

Besides working in the above jobs, you can also find career opportunities as a manufacturing manager (who usually is paid about $100,000 annually) or as a warehouse worker. 

One of the Upper Echelon Jobs

One of the highest-paid employees in the field is a Director of Manufacturing who makes about $200,000 per year. Not only are they responsible for employing a workforce, but they must also use their skills to supervise and manage others and enforce factory safety requirements.

Skilled Trades in the Capital Goods Field

Skilled trades such as electricians, construction workers, plumbers, and ironworkers also make up some of the structural jobs in the capital goods field. These workers also receive overtime pay.

Examples of Digital Goods Businesses

Current common examples of businesses in the capital goods field include those companies that manufacture naval ships or wind turbine blades for power plants. Makers of steel beams for buildings can also be included under this category. Beams are also used for concrete foundations or to build roadways.

Makers of capital goods also help support the efforts of national defense and public works. For instance, the U.S. military depends on various commodities for its defense efforts, including aircraft, missiles, ships, and munitions. Car manufacturers rely on raw materials and components at each stage of the production process. 

Talk to an Employment Rights Attorney To Ensure Fair Pay and Benefits

Naturally working in a well-paying occupation in the capital goods field also involves making sure you’re fairly treated on the job. If you have any questions about pay or benefits, or feel you’ve experienced discrimination, contact a professional employment rights attorney to discuss your case today. Contact the Mara Law Firm at 619-784-8775 right away.