Louisiana’s Economy Benefits from Engineering

When it comes to choosing the career you will spend the rest of your life doing, not only do you have to find something that you enjoy, but you also want to work and live in a place that is going to contribute to your success. While you have the option of going into any field and taking your chances finding a job anywhere in the U.S., if you’re looking for something that is always in high demand and can benefit you no matter where you live, you might consider going into engineering.

Whether you have a broad, general knowledge of this industry or you hone your skills to a specific field, having a degree in engineering can be beneficial. As the world continues to become more technologically sophisticated, people with the right skills and knowledge will be needed throughout the workforce, and this is especially true in the state of Louisiana.

The Value of Engineering to Louisiana’s Economy

Louisiana’s economy has had some struggles in the past, and a lot of issues stemmed from the fact that this state is susceptible to the forces of nature, including hurricanes, which cause a lot of devastation and damage. Despite these setbacks, the state has seen steady growth over the past several years, and some of the industries that have grown include wholesale trade, real estate and professional, scientific and technical services.

Since this state is prone to natural disasters, it is constantly on the lookout for professionals who can help rebuild areas devastated by storms, as well as create new communities that can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Thus, having the right skills and knowledge about civil engineering or environmental engineering, as well as in the other engineering fields, could benefit the state and local communities. Thus, you may find that having an engineering degree will serve you and the state of Louisiana well.

This video highlights one example of a significant economic benefit made possible by innovative engineering talent in Louisiana.

Annual State Revenue/GDP

In 2010, the GDP for Louisiana was $213.6 billion, ranking it 24th in the nation. Some of the largest contributors to the state’s economy include tourism and culture, which earn it an estimated $5.2 billion per year. Some of the other industries that contribute to the economy of the state include agriculture, manufacturing, shipping and film production.

Some of the principal agricultural products that come from this state include seafood, and it’s the largest supplier of crawfish in the world, supplying nearly 90% of this product. Other crops include cotton, cattle, sugarcane, soybeans, rice, dairy products and poultry and eggs.

When it comes to manufacturing, some of the items produced in the state include petroleum and coal products, chemical products, paper products, processed foods and transportation equipment. The Port of Louisiana is the largest shipping port within the Western Hemisphere, as well as the 4th largest in the world. The film industry in the region has thrived since the early 2000s, giving the state the nickname “Hollywood South.”

The Number of Engineering Jobs in Louisiana

In 2017, there were 30,070 architecture and engineering jobs in the state of Louisiana. Some of the largest numbers of engineers include people working in the following fields:

• Chemical engineers – 2,300
• Civil engineers – 3,130
• Electrical engineers – 1,160
• Industrial engineers – 1,760
• Mechanical engineers – 1,660
• Petroleum engineers – 1,510

Engineer Salaries in Louisiana

The mean annual wage for engineers in Louisiana was $83,310. When compared to the national average of $86,190, this is slightly less than what other places pay. However, it’s important to keep in mind that several factors go into determining how much you get paid as an engineer. These include the cost of living in the area where you are working, your level of experience and what company you work for. It’s possible to get paid higher or lower than the average depending on these factors. The breakdown for mean annual wages for the specific fields are as follows:

• Chemical engineers – $108,070
• Civil engineers – $96,570
• Electrical engineers – $91,600
• Industrial engineers – $96,260
• Mechanical engineers – $97,250
• Petroleum engineers – $148,600

In some of these fields, including civil, industrial and mechanical engineering, the mean annual wage in Louisiana is higher than the national average. Thus, if you decide to focus on one of these fields, you may have the opportunity to find a good-paying job in this southern state.

Type of Engineering Work in Louisiana

There are a variety of different engineering jobs available throughout the state of Louisiana, but some of the most in-demand jobs include the following:

• Project engineer
• Civil project engineer
• Civil and structural engineers
• Process design engineer
• Mechanical engineer

Louisiana Engineering Colleges and Universities

Earning a degree in engineering can serve you well in Louisiana, especially if their economy continues its steady growth. There are many industries and fields that are looking for educated, skilled employees, so it’s possible to find a challenging and well-paying job throughout the state. There are several colleges and universities in Louisiana that can help you earn your engineering degree, and some that you might consider attending include:

• Tulane University
• Louisiana Tech University
• Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• University of Louisiana, Lafayette
• McNeese State University
• University of New Orleans

Louisiana may not be an economic powerhouse within the U.S., but it is home to a variety of industries that provide important products to the nation and to the world. The economy has been hit hard by natural disasters, but it bounces back and continues to see slow, steady growth. This growth is projected to continue, and the state needs people with the right skillsets to help with this endeavor.

Earning a degree in engineering may be just what you need to find a rewarding and lucrative career in Louisiana, and you can use your abilities to advance the technology within the state to make manufacturing more productive, as well as change cities and the environment so that they are better prepared to handle any storms or hurricanes that impact the area.

Louisiana has a lot of potential, and they continue to thrive and succeed despite the hardships that the state has endured. If you’re looking for a job that will give you meaning and allow you to make a difference, then become an engineer and work in the state of Louisiana.

Are You a Louisiana Professional Engineer

Louisiana professional engineers must renew their licenses every two years. Check our our summary of the license renewal requirements. It includes all of the required forms, renewal fees, due dates, and much more.