New data highlights three growing areas despite losses elsewhere in the state.
Two out of three metropolitan areas in Louisiana are losing jobs, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). There are, however, three labor markets helping Louisiana net more jobs overall.
Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Hammond all had strong job gains for the year to date ending August 31. Overall, Louisiana’s nonfarm employment reached 1,992,200—the highest total in state history for August.
The largest losses were seen in the manufacturing, trade and utilities sector. Low crude oil prices are also driving job losses in the state.
“Were it not for job losses related to the price of oil, we would expect even better numbers,” Curt Eysink, LWC executive director, said in a statement. “The longer the price of oil stays low, the more we would expect to see collateral impact on other sectors.”
According to the commission, Baton Rouge also reached the highest level of employment in the series history for August 2015, with an estimated addition of 5,200 over the month. Lake Charles similarly reached its largest employment level for August, led by growth in leisure and hospitality over the year. Hammond remained steady overall and has gained jobs for 17 consecutive months.
According to economists, the job gains in these markets are being driven by specific industries and businesses that other areas are missing.
“The only problem is that New Orleans and Lafayette have a strong connection to the oil and gas industry, and that’s really showing up in the numbers,” economist Loren Scott told The Advocate.
