Louisiana Career & Training Directory
Explore 218 careers with Louisiana-specific salary data, licensing requirements, and 12 accredited schools.
Top Careers in Louisiana
Louisiana's Petrochemical and Port Economy Drive High-Wage Trades Careers
Louisiana's economy is defined by petrochemicals, oil and gas refining, and one of the busiest port systems in the world — the Port of South Louisiana moves more tonnage than any U.S. port. The 'Cancer Alley' petrochemical corridor along the Mississippi River employs large numbers of process operators and industrial maintenance workers. New Orleans anchors a major tourism and hospitality sector, while the offshore oil and gas industry sustains roughnecks, roustabouts, and marine workers across the Gulf Coast. Wages are near national medians in industrial roles but below-average in service sectors.
Petroleum Refinery Operator
- Median Salary
- $82,400/yr
- Job Growth
- +2.8% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 2-year associate degree + OJT
Registered Nurse
- Median Salary
- $65,200/yr
- Job Growth
- +6.0% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 2–4 years (ADN or BSN)
Pipefitter
- Median Salary
- $68,400/yr
- Job Growth
- +4.4% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Electrician
- Median Salary
- $61,800/yr
- Job Growth
- +9.7% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Offshore Drilling Operator
- Median Salary
- $62,100/yr
- Job Growth
- +2.5% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- Short-term certificate + OJT
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Median Salary
- $57,400/yr
- Job Growth
- +7.0% (2022–2032)
- Training Time
- 1–2 year certificate + apprenticeship
Salary figures based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024/2025. Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032. State figures reflect Louisiana-specific wage data; individual employer pay varies.
Airline Pilot (Career Track) / Flight Student
DevOps Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cloud Technician / Cloud Engineer
Construction Manager / Superintendent
Database Administrator (DBA)
Schools in Louisiana
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
Part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS). Serves northwestern Louisiana including Caddo, Bos...
Delgado Community College
Largest community college in Louisiana (~11,800 students). One of the most comprehensive program offerings in the LCTCS ...
Baton Rouge Community College
LCTCS system headquarters. Serves the Baton Rouge metro with strong allied health, trades, and business technology progr...
Bossier Parish Community College
Serves the Shreveport-Bossier metro area. Strong military veteran support programs given proximity to Barksdale AFB....
About Louisiana's Job Market
Louisiana's economy supports a strong demand for trained vocational professionals across healthcare, construction, technology, and transportation. The state's growing population drives steady openings for allied health workers, skilled tradespeople, and tech professionals.