What this means Our calculation
3 of 23 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $79,840. Prices run 15% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (4.2%) and the population is shrinking (-2.3% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Shreveport Government data
All 23 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $79,840 | -18% | $94,189 | 140 | #194 |
| Construction Supervisor | $68,360 | -11% | $80,646 | 950 | #328 |
| Welder | $63,610 | +22% | $75,042 | 910 | #22 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $61,450 | -4% | $72,494 | 640 | #283 |
| Electrician | $60,830 | -3% | $71,762 | 800 | #232 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $60,580 | -3% | $71,467 | 330 | #207 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,490 | +0% | $71,361 | 440 | #188 |
| Machinist | $60,440 | +6% | $71,302 | 340 | #87 |
| Plumber | $59,720 | -3% | $70,453 | 680 | #233 |
| Building Inspector | $59,670 | -11% | $70,394 | 130 | #285 |
| HVAC Technician | $58,620 | -2% | $69,155 | 500 | #227 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $56,820 | -8% | $67,032 | 110 | #169 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $51,000 | -15% | $60,166 | 750 | #260 |
| Roofer | $48,540 | -3% | $57,264 | 100 | #168 |
| Concrete Finisher | $47,880 | -16% | $56,485 | 90 | #251 |
| Carpenter | $46,920 | -16% | $55,352 | 480 | #344 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $46,450 | -10% | $54,798 | 150 | #329 |
| Maintenance Technician | $46,320 | -4% | $54,645 | 2,110 | #267 |
| Auto Mechanic | $45,990 | -6% | $54,255 | 930 | #326 |
| Pest Control Technician | $43,230 | -3% | $50,999 | 120 | #142 |
| Painter | $42,670 | -10% | $50,339 | 270 | #304 |
| Construction Laborer | $38,480 | -18% | $45,396 | 1,170 | #326 |
| Landscaper | $34,990 | -7% | $41,278 | 720 | #340 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Shreveport
The Shreveport area has about 183,849 homes. 48% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is older than most; 14% were built in 2010 or later. Older homes often need more repair, replacement and upgrade work. 64% of households own their home, and the median home value is $195,300.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.2% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Shreveport area's population shrank 2.3% from 2020 to 2025 (392,511 → 383,474), ranking #364 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). More people moved out than in (net -8,636).
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Shreveport are down 9% from 2021 to 2025 (1,136 → 1,029). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Shreveport area is 22 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 8% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 80% drive alone, 2% take transit and 8% 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.