Working in New Orleans

New Orleans has a diverse economy and an abundance of job opportunities. Serving as a major port, the city plays an important role in international trade and export, hosting several multinational companies.

Beyond trade and exports, New Orleans also has a strong tourism sector, which generates a large part of the city’s annual income.

Job market in New Orleans

The job market in New Orleans is fairly robust and has shown impressive recovery since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. More and more businesses are establishing operations in New Orleans because of the low costs and the incentives offered by the local government. 

Due to its size, New Orleans has historically been a major port of entry and is still a significant player in international trade. Individuals with experience in import and export can find work in many of these areas. The education and healthcare sectors also offer career opportunities in New Orleans, and these industries have shown a remarkable capacity for growth. Manufacturing, construction and energy are also strong sectors.

Tourism and related hospitality industries have played a notable role in the city’s economy. It is estimated that tourism generates 30 to 40 percent of the funds required for the city's annual budget.

Finding a job in New Orleans

When looking for work in New Orleans, the internet offers a wealth of resources, from widely used job portals to social media networks such as LinkedIn. Viewing and applying for positions online is a great way to learn about the job market in the city. It's worthwhile spending some time researching possible employers in the area and then keeping an eye on their websites for any job listings that may go up.

Networking, both online and in person, can also be a source of information about possible vacancies. Knowing someone at a particular company can be the ideal way to get a foot in the door, whether in the form of an introduction to the person hiring or simply ensuring that your CV gets noticed.

Useful links

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor

Work culture in New Orleans

New Orleans offers an attractive lifestyle and a favourable cost of living, and most businesses generally try to ensure a good work-life balance for their employees.

Big corporations operating in New Orleans also offer employees great benefits packages, including transport allowances, health plans and opportunities for training and subsequent career progression.

The local government in Louisiana has also offered lots of support to small businesses looking to set themselves up in New Orleans. As such, the city has become a popular place for start-ups. Employees at these smaller enterprises often enjoy perks such as flexi-time and the ability to work remotely.