In the heart of Louisiana's Acadiana region, 135 miles from New Orleans, the city of Lafayette is surrounded by swamps, bayous and marshes. Though the "Cajun Heartland" is only the fourth-largest city in Louisiana, the city is home to The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the second-largest university in the state and the city's fifth-largest employer.
Fastest-Growing Industries in Lafayette
The top five employers in Lafayette are:
- Lafayette Parish School System
- Lafayette General Health
- Wood Group Production Services
- Lafayette Consolidated Government
- University of Louisiana-Lafayette
These companies provide careers in a variety of fields, but a degree or certification may be necessary for many of them.
Five of the top industries in Lafayette are:
Despite Lafayette's unemployment rate (4.6 percent) and future job growth (12.2 percent) is slightly lower than national averages, the city's rich cultural history and fresh Gulf seafood make it a popular destination.
Education may be the defining factor for a stable career, especially in vocational careers within the fastest-growing industries. Thankfully, there are technical schools in Lafayette that provide the necessary training.
Some of the highest-paying careers in Lafayette include:
- Electrician
- Dental Hygienist
- Medical Assistant
- HVAC Technician
- Electro-mechanical Technicians
Why Is Lafayette Good for Vocational Students?
If you're looking to attend school in Lafayette, there are a variety of options available — especially in seeking vocational certifications. It's important to do your research and determine whether one of these trade and vocational schools may fit your needs.
Vocational schools in Lafayette include the following:
- Unitech Training Academy - Lafayette Campus
- Delta College of Arts & Technology, Inc
- Blue Cliff College
- Remington College-Lafayette Campus
- W.D. Smith Career Center
- Lafayette Regional Vocational and Technical Center
These trade schools in Lafayette provide the necessary training to become a construction manager, electrician, engineer, fabricator, jeweler, accountant, or truck driver in the city. Because of the slower economic growth, job candidates with vocational and trade certifications may have a leg up on the competition.
Learn More about Lafayette
Demographics | Total Population | 126,515 |
Education and Earnings | # Enrolled in College | 10,784 |
| Median Earnings Without High School Degree | $16,173 | |
| Median Earnings With High School Degree | $26,841 | |
| Median Earnings With Associate Degree | $32,230 |
Commute | Average Commute Time | 22 minutes |
| % Commutes by Walking | 2.1% | |
| % Commutes by Bicycle | 1.2% | |
| % Commutes by Public Transportation | 1% |
Housing | Median Housing Cost | $883 |
| Median Gross Rent | $874 | |
| Median House Value | $190,800 |