Louisiana Hits Record 2.02 Million Jobs With Second-Fastest US Growth
Louisiana recorded the second-highest job growth rate in the U.S. through September 2026, reaching a record 2.02 million non-farm jobs.
Louisiana reached a record high of 2.02 million non-farm jobs through September 2026, marking the second-fastest job growth rate in the United States, trailing only South Carolina. According to data from Leaders for a Better Louisiana, the state added 36,000 jobs over the previous 12 months. This expansion was primarily driven by the construction sector, which added 18,000 jobs, and the manufacturing sector, which grew by 2% to add nearly 3,000 positions.
Governor Jeff Landry credited the state's aggressive economic development strategy for these gains. Key contributors to the surge include the construction of liquefied natural gas export terminals along the coast and Meta's Hyperion data center in Richland Parish. On November 12, Landry attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Metairie for the national headquarters of Swyft Fiber. The broadband company is investing $1 billion into the state with a goal of reaching 500,000 homes and creating up to 300 jobs in Jefferson Parish.
Despite the employment surge and gains in health care and professional business services, the state continues to face significant challenges. Some industrial projects have encountered legal and environmental opposition, and Louisiana recently topped a national list for the number of people living in poverty.
