Louisiana lost 1,131 energy jobs from 2024 to 2025, leaving the state with roughly 160,000 workers as sector employment fell about 1% both locally and nationwide.
Automation, policy changes affecting renewable energy and shifting economics drove the decline, reshaping hiring even as companies rely more on technology.
Coal and nuclear were exceptions, posting job growth while the broader energy workforce became smaller and more highly paid.
The Department of Energy still expects demand for energy workers to rise as electricity use climbs and data-center expansion lifts long-term labor needs.