What this means Our calculation
12 of 30 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is telecom equipment installers at $81,090. Prices run 7% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is higher than most metros (4.4%) and the population is shrinking (-3.4% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in New Orleans Government data
All 30 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $81,090 | +30% | $87,573 | 590 | #17 |
| Electrical Lineworker | $77,980 | -19% | $84,214 | 370 | #216 |
| Construction Supervisor | $77,700 | +1% | $83,912 | 2,130 | #181 |
| Building Inspector | $69,500 | +3% | $75,056 | 340 | #148 |
| Machinist | $66,990 | +17% | $72,346 | 550 | #22 |
| HVAC Technician | $63,500 | +7% | $68,577 | 1,280 | #90 |
| Welder | $63,270 | +21% | $68,328 | 2,000 | #27 |
| Electrician | $62,490 | +0% | $67,486 | 2,240 | #192 |
| Plumber | $62,450 | +2% | $67,443 | 1,510 | #174 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $61,560 | -4% | $66,482 | 1,510 | #281 |
| Appliance Repair Technician | $60,940 | +21% | $65,812 | 70 | #20 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,460 | +0% | $65,294 | 710 | #189 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $58,240 | -2% | $62,896 | 1,150 | #210 |
| Carpenter | $50,130 | -11% | $54,138 | 1,390 | #254 |
| Drywall Installer | $49,230 | -9% | $53,166 | 50 | #108 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,190 | +1% | $53,123 | 1,610 | #183 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $48,750 | -2% | $52,647 | 50 | #88 |
| Glazier | $48,250 | -13% | $52,108 | 110 | #108 |
| Concrete Finisher | $47,830 | -16% | $51,654 | 160 | #252 |
| Rigger | $47,730 | -21% | $51,546 | 270 | #61 |
| Ironworker | $47,530 | -26% | $51,330 | 100 | #142 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $47,030 | -23% | $50,790 | 310 | #240 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $46,640 | -10% | $50,369 | 340 | #324 |
| Pest Control Technician | $46,610 | +5% | $50,336 | 450 | #57 |
| Painter | $45,980 | -3% | $49,656 | 700 | #243 |
| Maintenance Technician | $45,260 | -6% | $48,878 | 4,940 | #311 |
| Tile Setter | $44,130 | -13% | $47,658 | 50 | #113 |
| Construction Laborer | $39,480 | -16% | $42,636 | 3,620 | #309 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $39,170 | -19% | $42,302 | 290 | #125 |
| Landscaper | $35,410 | -6% | $38,241 | 1,440 | #328 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in New Orleans
The New Orleans area has about 467,937 homes. 63% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is older than most; 8% were built in 2010 or later. Older homes often need more repair, replacement and upgrade work. 62% of households own their home, and the median home value is $267,900.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.4% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The New Orleans area's population shrank 3.4% from 2020 to 2025 (1,005,404 → 970,849), ranking #377 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). More people moved out than in (net -40,113).
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in New Orleans are down 68% from 2021 to 2025 (5,282 → 1,694). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the New Orleans area is 25 minutes each way, longer than the typical metro (24 min). 13% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 72% drive alone, 2% take transit and 9% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Louisiana Official source
The main state licensing office in Louisiana is the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Louisiana licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Louisiana.