News

Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership analysis showcases six-figure earnings, strong workforce retention, and regional economic impact

Gonzales, LA – River Parishes Community College’s (RPCC) Process Technology program is receiving statewide recognition following the publication of a new workforce analysis by the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership (GBREP), highlighting the program as one of Louisiana’s strongest pathways to high-wage careers.

Drawing on newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Postsecondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) database, the analysis found that graduates of RPCC’s Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians associate degree program earn a median salary of $134,767 within five years of graduation. Graduates of RPCC’s Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians programs also demonstrated exceptional outcomes, reaching median earnings of $117,625 five years after graduation.

The report notes that these earnings far exceed both the Baton Rouge metropolitan area’s median household income of $69,293 and Louisiana’s statewide median household income of

$60,986, demonstrating the life-changing economic impact of career and technical education.

“These findings affirm what we’ve always believed—that workforce education has the power to transform lives while strengthening our communities,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor. “As unprecedented industrial investment continues across Ascension Parish and the River Region, we’re ensuring local residents have access to the education and training that leads to these careers while providing employers with the skilled talent they need to grow. That’s a win for our students, our industry partners, and our communities.”

The analysis also highlights the program’s remarkable retention of talent within the state. According to the federal data, approximately 99 percent of RPCC’s engineering-related associate degree graduates remain living and working in Louisiana five years after graduation, ensuring their skills, earnings, and economic contributions continue to benefit local communities and employers.

“This is not only a win for our graduates—it’s a win for Louisiana,” Taylor said. “When our students stay here, they strengthen our workforce, support local businesses, raise families, and contribute to the continued growth of our region.”

The article points to the Capital Region’s unique concentration of industrial employers—including ExxonMobil, BASF, CF Industries, Dow, Shell, and many others—and notes that industrial production careers are concentrated at rates many times higher than the national average. As billions of dollars in industrial expansion continue across South Louisiana, demand for skilled process operators is expected to remain strong.

The findings come as RPCC continues expanding access to Process Technology education. Beginning this fall, the College will offer accredited evening Process Technology classes at Donaldsonville High School, creating new opportunities for working adults and parents to pursue careers in one of Louisiana’s highest-demand industries without leaving the workforce.

Demand for the new evening Process Technology offering exceeded expectations. The initial cohort reached capacity before the program’s registration and orientation event, leading RPCC to add a second section, which also filled quickly. The response reflects both the growing need for flexible educational pathways and the continued demand for skilled process operators throughout the River Region.

The expansion complements RPCC’s planned Hyundai Steel Training Center in Donaldsonville, scheduled to open in early 2028, further strengthening the workforce pipeline for the Capital Region’s growing manufacturing and industrial sectors.

The report also recognizes RPCC’s stackable credential model, which allows students to earn workforce-ready credentials while continuing toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. This flexible approach enables students to enter the workforce quickly while continuing to advance their education and earning potential over time.

RPCC extends its appreciation to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership for highlighting the transformative impact of workforce education and for using federal outcomes data to demonstrate the value of career-focused pathways for students, employers, and Louisiana’s economy.

“Our partnership with regional industry and economic development organizations continues to demonstrate what’s possible when education is aligned with workforce needs,” Taylor said. “We’re proud that independent data confirms the value of investing in our students and the future of Louisiana.”

The full analysis, Two Years. Five Years. Six Figures., is available through the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership.