Louisiana is fueling business growth with a skilled workforce.
Professional services is one of Louisiana’s largest employment sectors, supporting more than 96,000 jobs across the state. From engineering services and general operations to data centers and consulting, this diverse and expanding field plays a vital role in business activity across energy, process industries, and emerging technology sectors.
Louisiana maintains a strong competitive position with the ninth-lowest corporate tax rate in the nation and a business cost structure that is 7% below the national average. These advantages have contributed to the state’s growing expertise in engineering and technical consulting for complex sectors such as petrochemicals, utilities, and advanced manufacturing.
Nationwide, the professional services sector is expected to grow at a steady pace of 1.7% over the next decade. Louisiana is poised to benefit by continuing to develop strategic subsectors like computer programming, data processing, and high-value consulting. With demand rising for innovation, automation, and digital infrastructure, Louisiana’s professional services firms are helping to lead transformation at both the local and global level.
Engineering Solutions that Drive Industry
Engineering is a cornerstone of Louisiana’s industrial strength, fueling innovation and operational excellence across key sectors like energy, process industries, and logistics. The state’s engineering firms and technical consultants provide critical expertise that supports complex projects, from process optimization in petrochemical plants to the design and implementation of major utility and transportation systems.
Louisiana’s specialization in engineering services is backed by a skilled and industry-savvy workforce and a cost structure that enhances business performance. Companies benefit from the state’s deep experience in applied engineering, as well as close collaboration between industry and education to meet evolving technical demands.
As industries adopt advanced technologies and sustainable practices, Louisiana’s engineering sector is leading the charge on delivering scalable, customized solutions that improve productivity and reduce risk.
Powering the Future of Data
Louisiana is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for data center development, thanks to its abundant natural resources, affordable energy, and business-friendly environment. The state’s ample water supply, a vital asset for efficient data center cooling, adds to a strong infrastructure foundation, along with low utility costs and expedited permitting processes.
In a landmark investment, Meta selected Northeast Louisiana for a $10 billion AI-optimized data center, one of the largest economic development projects in state history.
