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New occupational forecasts predict robust growth through 2022
Louisiana employment growth to outpace the nation
BATON ROUGE – Two occupational forecasts adopted today by the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council paint a brightening picture of Louisiana short-term employment and through 2022, and they indicate a sustained impact from rising industrial construction employment.
Louisiana employment will grow at an annualized rate of 1.7 percent through 2015 and 1.3 percent through 2022. By comparison, nationwide employment is forecast to grow at 1.1 percent per year.
Occupational groups forecast to grow fastest through 2022 are computer and mathematical occupations, 36.6 percent; personal care and service occupations, 21.6 percent; and healthcare support occupations, 21.1 percent.
The 10 industries forecast to add the most jobs through 2015 are:
| Industry | 2015 employment | Projected Total Growth * |
| Specialty trade contractors | 76,391 | 14,489 |
| Heavy + civil engineering construction | 54,334 | 13,481 |
| Food services and drinking places | 150,258 | 8,686 |
| Professional and technical services | 90,679 | 6,706 |
| Ambulatory health care services | 96,985 | 6,438 |
| Educational services | 170,557 | 5,273 |
| Administrative and support services | 88,183 | 3,280 |
| Merchant wholesalers, durable goods | 41,251 | 2,513 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 43,971 | 2,421 |
| Marine transportation | 13,063 | 2,395 |
* Baseline year is 2013
All eight of the state’s metro regions are forecast to outpace national growth either in the short-term, long-term or both.
“Louisiana will have jobs available for everyone who's willing to get the education and training that employers need in their workforce. Every region of the state will see a share of that,” said Curt Eysink, executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. “These forecasts of expansion by business and industry will create terrific opportunities for individuals. They also are a call to action that high schools, community and technical colleges and universities are responding to quickly.”
Industries forecast to add the most jobs through 2022 are: (the base year is 2012)
| Industry | 2022 employment | Projected Total Growth** |
| Ambulatory health care services | 112,260 | 21,713 |
| Professional and technical services | 105,285 | 21,312 |
| Food services and drinking places | 169,418 | 19,160 |
| Educational services | 180,615 | 15,331 |
| Administrative and support services | 96,985 | 6,438 |
| Hospitals | 170,557 | 5,273 |
| Social assistance | 88,183 | 3,280 |
| Specialty trade contractors | 41,251 | 2,513 |
| Local government (excluding education + hospitals) | 43,971 | 2,421 |
| Support activities for mining | 13,063 | 2,395 |
** Baseline year is 2012
Occupational groups forecast to grow fastest through 2022 are computer and mathematical occupations, 36.6 percent; personal care and service occupations, 21.6 percent; and healthcare support occupations, 21.1 percent.
All eight of the state’s metro regions are forecast to outpace national employment growth either in the short-term, long-term, or both.
“There seems to be no end in sight for job growth in Louisiana, and all regions of the state will see a share of that,” said Curt Eysink, executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. “These forecasts represent amazing new opportunities for workers, but they’re also a wake-up call for educators and administrators who will need to prepare and train more people than ever to create the workforce of tomorrow.”
The forecasts are produced in collaboration by the Louisiana Workforce Commission and LSU’s Division of Economic Development. The forecasts are built on historical data, interviews with management from companies that drive employment throughout the state, business and industry associations and economic development authorities.
They are used by individuals, businesses and industry and also by schools, colleges and universities to set education and training priorities.
Click here to view a summary presentation of the new forecast.
Note: This revision date does not reflect the revision date of the press release shown. Press Release postings are updated as needed and should be considered accurate as shown.
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