Louisiana Minimum Wage 2026
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Last Reviewed: February 4, 2026
Applicable Period: 2026
Jurisdiction: State of Louisiana, United States
Update Schedule: Quarterly reviews in 2026; annual reviews thereafter
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Louisiana Minimum Wage – 2026 Quick Reference
- Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Louisiana
- Current Minimum Wage Rates in Louisiana 2026
- Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
- Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Louisiana
- Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
- Employer Obligations and Enforcement
- Louisiana Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
- Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Verification Log
Introduction
The minimum wage in Louisiana is established by federal law, as the state has not enacted its own minimum wage statute. For 2026, employers in Louisiana must comply with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009.
Minimum wage regulations in Louisiana operate exclusively under federal requirements established by the FLSA. Louisiana law prohibits parishes and municipalities from enacting local minimum wage ordinances that differ from the applicable rate. The Louisiana Workforce Commission provides resources and information for employers and employees regarding wage and hour requirements.
This page provides an authoritative overview of Louisiana minimum wage law for 2026, including the applicable federal rate, tipped employee provisions, the state’s preemption of local wage ordinances, coverage and exemptions, enforcement procedures, and compliance requirements. All information is compiled from official government sources.
| Louisiana Minimum Wage — 2026 Quick Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Rate | Effective Date | Official Source |
| State minimum wage | Federal rate applies | — | La. R.S. 23:642 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25/hour | July 24, 2009 | FLSA |
| Tipped minimum wage | $2.13/hour | July 24, 2009 | FLSA § 203(m) |
| Tip credit allowed | Yes (up to $5.12) | — | Federal law |
| Next scheduled increase | None | — | — |
| Rate adjustment mechanism | Federal adoption | — | La. statute |
| Local minimum wages | Prohibited | — | La. R.S. 23:642 |
| Annual adjustment | No | — | — |
Last verified: February 4, 2026 via Louisiana Workforce Commission website
Overview of Minimum Wage Law in Louisiana
Legal Authority
Louisiana has not enacted a state minimum wage law. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:642, the state prohibits local governmental subdivisions from establishing minimum wage rates that private employers would be required to pay employees. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (formerly known as the Louisiana Workforce Commission) provides information and resources related to employment law but does not administer a state minimum wage program.
The absence of state minimum wage legislation means that Louisiana employers and employees are governed exclusively by federal wage and hour requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Relationship to Federal Law
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage establishes a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employers and employees. Louisiana law does not establish an independent state minimum wage rate. When an employer is subject to the FLSA, they must comply with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Because Louisiana has no state minimum wage, employers covered by federal law must pay the federal rate. Employers not covered by the FLSA have no statutory minimum wage obligation under Louisiana law.
Coverage Scope
Louisiana minimum wage coverage is determined entirely by federal law. The FLSA applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales of at least $500,000. Individual employees may also be covered if their work regularly involves interstate commerce. Most private sector employers with employees fall under FLSA coverage.
Employers not subject to FLSA coverage have no minimum wage obligation under Louisiana law, as the state has not enacted minimum wage requirements independent of federal law.
State Preemption of Local Minimum Wages
Louisiana law explicitly prohibits local governments from establishing minimum wage requirements. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:642 states that “no local governmental subdivision shall establish…a minimum wage rate which a private employer would be required to pay or grant employees.”
This preemption statute, enacted in 1997 and amended in 2012, prevents parishes, municipalities, and other local jurisdictions from establishing wage rates that exceed the applicable federal minimum. The legislation reflects a state policy determination that uniform wage requirements promote economic stability and business competitiveness across Louisiana.
Current Minimum Wage Rates in Louisiana 2026
Federal Minimum Wage Application
As of 2026, the minimum wage in Louisiana is $7.25 per hour for covered employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This rate has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009, when the final phase of a three-step federal minimum wage increase took effect.
Louisiana has not enacted legislation to establish a state minimum wage rate different from the federal floor. Consequently, employers subject to the FLSA must pay at least $7.25 per hour to covered, non-exempt employees. Employers not covered by the FLSA have no statutory minimum wage obligation under Louisiana law.
No Scheduled Increases
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Louisiana. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour remains the applicable rate, and this will continue unless Congress enacts legislation to increase the federal minimum or Louisiana establishes an independent state minimum wage law.
Louisiana has not enacted legislation providing for automatic adjustments to a minimum wage rate based on inflation, cost of living, or other economic factors. Changes to the minimum wage applicable in Louisiana require either federal legislative action or the enactment of new Louisiana statutes establishing a state minimum wage.
Legislative History and Proposed State Minimum Wage
While Louisiana currently has no state minimum wage, various legislative proposals have been introduced over the years to establish one. Recent proposals in the Louisiana Legislature have included:
- House Bill 226 (2024 session): Proposed establishing a state minimum wage of $10 per hour beginning January 1, 2025, and $12 per hour beginning January 1, 2026. The bill did not pass.
- Senate Bill 206 (2025 session): Proposed establishing a state minimum wage of $10 per hour beginning January 1, 2025, and $12 per hour beginning January 1, 2026, with provisions for the rate to match any future federal minimum wage increases. The bill has been prefiled but has not been enacted.
- Senate Bill 49 (2021 session): Proposed establishing a state minimum wage beginning at $9 per hour with scheduled increases and annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill did not pass.
None of these legislative proposals have been enacted into law. Louisiana continues to rely on the federal minimum wage as the applicable rate for covered employers and employees.
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
Federal Tipped Employee Provisions Apply
Louisiana has no state-specific provisions governing tipped employee wages. Employers in Louisiana who employ tipped workers must comply with federal requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Tipped minimum wage: $2.13 per hour
Maximum tip credit: $5.12 per hour
Total minimum compensation: $7.25 per hour (cash wage + tips)
Under federal law, employers may pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that the employee’s tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for all hours worked.
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee
Under the FLSA, a “tipped employee” is one who customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. Qualifying occupations typically include:
- Restaurant servers and bartenders
- Hotel and casino service workers
- Parking attendants and valets
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
- Hairstylists and barbers
- Other service occupations where tipping is customary
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Employers who claim a tip credit under federal law must:
- Inform employees of the tip credit provisions before claiming the credit, including notification that the employer intends to treat tips as satisfying part of the employer’s minimum wage obligation
- Ensure total compensation (cash wage plus tips) equals or exceeds $7.25 per hour for all hours worked
- Pay the difference if an employee’s tips fail to bring total compensation to the federal minimum wage
- Maintain accurate records of employee tips and hours worked
- Allow employees to retain all tips except where valid tip pooling arrangements exist
The U.S. Department of Labor requires employers to provide notice to employees regarding tip credit provisions. Failure to provide proper notice means the employer cannot claim a tip credit and must pay the full federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour before tips.
Tip Pooling and Sharing
Federal law permits mandatory tip pooling arrangements where tips are distributed among employees who customarily and regularly receive tips. Under FLSA regulations:
- Permitted participants: Employees who customarily receive tips, such as servers, bartenders, bussers, and service bartenders
- Prohibited participants: Employers, managers, and supervisors cannot participate in tip pools or retain any portion of employee tips
- Valid arrangements: Tip pools must be distributed among employees in a reasonable manner
The prohibition on employer and manager participation in tip pools applies regardless of whether the employer takes a tip credit. The December 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act strengthened protections preventing employers and managers from keeping employee tips.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances in Louisiana
Louisiana law prohibits cities and parishes from enacting their own minimum wage rates that differ from the applicable federal minimum wage. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:642, “no local governmental subdivision shall establish…a minimum wage rate which a private employer would be required to pay or grant employees.”
This state preemption statute prevents municipalities and parishes from establishing higher minimum wage rates for private sector employers. The uniform federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies across all jurisdictions in Louisiana.
Legislative Findings Behind Preemption
The Louisiana Legislature enacted the preemption statute based on findings that:
- Economic stability and growth depend on uniform employment requirements across the state
- Local variation in minimum wage rates would threaten businesses with loss of employees to areas requiring higher wages and loss of customers to areas allowing lower wages
- Businesses must operate in a uniform environment with respect to minimum wage rates to remain competitive and attract quality employees
- State-level decision making on wage policy preserves consistency in the labor market
Living Wage Ordinances for Government Contractors
While Louisiana prohibits local governments from establishing general minimum wage requirements for private employers, some jurisdictions have enacted “living wage” ordinances that apply to employers performing work under government contracts.
New Orleans Living Wage Ordinance: The City of New Orleans has enacted living wage requirements for contractors and subcontractors performing services for the city. These ordinances establish minimum compensation rates for employees working on city contracts but do not create general minimum wage requirements for all private sector employers in the city. The living wage provisions apply only to specific categories of city contractors and service providers.
Such living wage ordinances are permissible under Louisiana law because they apply to government contracting relationships rather than imposing general minimum wage requirements on private employers operating within the jurisdiction.
Who Is Covered and Who Is Exempt
Employees Covered by Federal Minimum Wage
Louisiana minimum wage coverage is determined by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Covered employees include:
- Enterprise coverage: Employees of businesses engaged in interstate commerce or producing goods for interstate commerce with annual gross sales of at least $500,000
- Individual coverage: Employees whose work regularly involves interstate commerce, regardless of employer size or sales volume
- Domestic service workers: Employees providing domestic services in private homes if they earn at least $2,800 annually (2026 threshold) from a single employer or work more than 8 hours per week for one or more employers
- Healthcare and residential care workers: Employees of hospitals, residential care facilities, schools, and preschools, regardless of revenue
Most private sector employees in Louisiana are covered by the FLSA either through enterprise or individual coverage provisions.
Common Exemptions from Minimum Wage
The following categories of employees are generally exempt from FLSA minimum wage requirements:
Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees
Employees performing bona fide executive, administrative, or professional duties are exempt if they meet both salary and duties tests. For 2026, the minimum salary threshold for exempt status is $844 per week ($43,888 annually) under the current federal overtime regulations, subject to future regulatory changes.
Outside Sales Employees
Employees whose primary duty is making sales away from the employer’s place of business and who are customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s business location are exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Agricultural Workers
Many agricultural workers are exempt from FLSA minimum wage requirements. Exemptions apply to employees employed by employers who did not use more than 500 man-days of agricultural labor in any calendar quarter of the preceding calendar year, as well as immediate family members of farm employers.
Seasonal and Recreational Establishment Employees
Employees of seasonal and recreational establishments that operate no more than seven months per year or whose average receipts for any six months are not more than one-third of their average receipts for the other six months may be exempt.
Newspaper Delivery Workers
Individuals engaged in delivering newspapers to consumers are generally exempt from FLSA minimum wage requirements.
Independent Contractors
Properly classified independent contractors are not employees and therefore not covered by minimum wage requirements. However, the U.S. Department of Labor applies an economic reality test to determine worker classification, and misclassification of employees as independent contractors may result in minimum wage violations, back pay liability, and penalties.
Small Employer Coverage
Louisiana law does not provide exemptions from minimum wage requirements based on employer size. However, FLSA coverage depends on whether the employer meets federal enterprise coverage or individual coverage tests. Small businesses that are not engaged in interstate commerce and do not meet the $500,000 annual gross sales threshold may not be subject to FLSA enterprise coverage, though individual employees may still be covered if their work involves interstate commerce.
Employers should consult with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division to determine whether they are subject to FLSA coverage requirements.
Employer Obligations and Enforcement
Employer Compliance Requirements
Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must:
- Pay the applicable minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for all hours worked by non-exempt employees
- Maintain accurate payroll records documenting hours worked and wages paid for at least three years
- Display required posters informing employees of federal minimum wage rights under the FLSA
- Comply with overtime requirements for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
- Properly classify employees and independent contractors
Recordkeeping Requirements: Under FLSA regulations, employers must maintain records including:
- Employee names, addresses, and Social Security numbers
- Hours worked each workday and workweek
- Regular hourly rate of pay
- Total wages paid each pay period
- Date of payment and pay period covered
These records must be maintained for at least three years and made available for inspection by U.S. Department of Labor investigators.
Enforcement of Federal Minimum Wage Law
The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division enforces minimum wage requirements in Louisiana. The federal agency:
- Investigates wage complaints filed by employees
- Conducts compliance investigations and audits
- Issues findings of violations and seeks remedies
- Recovers back wages on behalf of employees
- Assesses civil monetary penalties for violations
- Refers cases for criminal prosecution when appropriate
Filing a Complaint: Employees who believe they have not been paid proper minimum wage may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor through:
- Online: WHD Complaint Portal
- Phone: 1-866-487-9243 (toll-free)
- Regional office: New Orleans District Office, U.S. Department of Labor, 600 South Maestri Place, Suite 610, New Orleans, LA 70130
Federal law prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage complaints, participate in investigations, or assert their rights under the FLSA. Employers who retaliate may face additional liability and penalties.
Penalties for Minimum Wage Violations
Employers who violate the Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage requirements may be subject to:
Back Wages: Employers must pay employees the difference between wages paid and the required minimum wage for all hours worked, typically going back two years from the date of complaint or three years for willful violations.
Liquidated Damages: The FLSA authorizes liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid minimum wages, effectively doubling the employer’s liability unless the employer demonstrates it acted in good faith with reasonable grounds to believe it was not violating the law.
Civil Monetary Penalties: The U.S. Department of Labor may assess civil monetary penalties of up to $2,074 per violation for repeated or willful violations of minimum wage requirements (2024 penalty amounts adjusted annually for inflation).
Criminal Penalties: Willful violations of the FLSA may constitute criminal offenses punishable by fines of up to $10,000. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment.
Attorney Fees: Employees who prevail in FLSA minimum wage actions may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation from the employer.
Private Right of Action
Employees may file private lawsuits in federal or state court to recover unpaid minimum wages under the FLSA. Private actions must be filed within two years of the violation or three years for willful violations. Employees who file private lawsuits may recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
Louisiana Minimum Wage vs Federal Law
The Federal Minimum Wage Floor
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. This federal rate sets a floor for minimum wage requirements nationwide and applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or with annual gross sales exceeding $500,000, as well as individual employees whose work regularly involves interstate commerce.
Louisiana’s Adoption of Federal Standards
Louisiana has not enacted an independent state minimum wage law. Employers and employees in Louisiana are governed exclusively by federal minimum wage requirements under the FLSA. For employers covered by both potential state and federal law, there is no state law to compare because Louisiana has not established minimum wage requirements.
The absence of state minimum wage legislation means that employees working for employers not covered by the FLSA have no statutory minimum wage protection under Louisiana law. This differs from states that have enacted minimum wage statutes providing broader coverage than federal law.
Federal Coverage Determines Minimum Wage Rights
Because Louisiana minimum wage rights depend entirely on federal coverage, employees and employers must determine whether the FLSA applies to their employment relationship. Federal coverage exists through:
- Enterprise coverage: Businesses engaged in interstate commerce with annual gross sales of $500,000 or more
- Individual coverage: Employees whose work regularly involves interstate commerce, regardless of employer size
Most employees in Louisiana are covered by one of these federal provisions, but workers employed by small, purely intrastate businesses may fall outside FLSA coverage and therefore have no minimum wage protection under current Louisiana law.
Minimum Wage Posting Requirements
Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must display an official federal minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. Because Louisiana has not enacted a state minimum wage law, there is no separate state minimum wage poster requirement.
Federal poster requirements:
- Display the “Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act” poster
- Post in locations where employees can readily see it, such as break rooms, time clock areas, or other prominent locations
- Available in English and Spanish versions
Where to obtain posters:
- Download from U.S. Department of Labor website
- Download from Louisiana Workforce Commission
- Order printed copies from the U.S. Department of Labor
Available languages: The federal FLSA poster is available in English and Spanish. Additional language versions may be available from the U.S. Department of Labor for specific industries and circumstances.
Compliance: Failure to display required federal posters may result in citations and penalties from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Employers must update posters when minimum wage rates change or when revised poster versions are issued by the Department of Labor.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission website provides links to required federal employment law posters, including the FLSA minimum wage poster, that Louisiana employers must display.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minimum Wage in Louisiana 2026
What is the minimum wage in Louisiana in 2026?
The minimum wage in Louisiana is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage rate. Louisiana has not enacted a state minimum wage law, so the federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act applies to covered employers and employees.
When is the next minimum wage increase in Louisiana?
No minimum wage increases are currently scheduled in Louisiana. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will remain the applicable rate unless Congress enacts legislation to increase it or Louisiana establishes its own state minimum wage through new legislation.
Does Louisiana allow tip credit?
Yes, federal law permits employers in Louisiana to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, with up to $5.12 in tip credit, provided total compensation reaches $7.25 per hour. Louisiana has no state-specific tip credit provisions, so federal FLSA requirements govern tipped employee wages.
Are there different minimum wages in different cities in Louisiana?
No, Louisiana law prohibits cities and parishes from enacting minimum wages different from the applicable federal rate. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:642, local governments cannot establish minimum wage rates that private employers would be required to pay. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies uniformly across all Louisiana jurisdictions.
Who is exempt from minimum wage in Louisiana?
Common exemptions from the federal minimum wage include executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting salary and duties tests, outside sales employees, certain agricultural workers, seasonal and recreational establishment employees, and newspaper delivery workers. Independent contractors are not covered. Most hourly workers, including part-time employees, are covered by federal minimum wage requirements.
What happens if an employer pays below minimum wage in Louisiana?
Employers who pay below the federal minimum wage face back wage liability, liquidated damages equal to unpaid wages, civil monetary penalties up to $2,074 per violation, and potential criminal prosecution. Employees can file complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division or file private lawsuits to recover unpaid wages. Federal law prohibits retaliation against workers who report violations.
Do small businesses have to pay minimum wage in Louisiana?
Louisiana law does not provide size-based exemptions from minimum wage requirements. However, federal FLSA coverage depends on whether the employer meets enterprise coverage tests (annual sales of $500,000+) or whether individual employees’ work involves interstate commerce. Small businesses not meeting federal coverage requirements may not be subject to minimum wage obligations, as Louisiana has no independent state minimum wage law.
Is Louisiana’s minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
No, Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage that differs from the federal minimum. Louisiana employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Louisiana has not enacted legislation establishing a minimum wage higher than the federal rate.
How often does Louisiana increase its minimum wage?
Louisiana does not have an independent state minimum wage that adjusts on a regular schedule. The applicable federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. Changes to the minimum wage in Louisiana would require either federal legislative action to increase the federal rate or Louisiana legislative action to establish a state minimum wage.
Can employers pay less than minimum wage during training?
Federal law does not authorize a general training wage below the minimum wage for adult workers. However, the FLSA permits employers to pay workers under age 20 a youth minimum wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After 90 days or when the employee turns 20, employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
How to file a minimum wage complaint in Louisiana
Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage compensation may file a wage complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Filing methods include:
- Online portal: WHD Complaint Portal
- Phone: 1-866-487-9243 (toll-free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- In-person: New Orleans District Office, U.S. Department of Labor, 600 South Maestri Place, Suite 610, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Mail: Complaints may be mailed to regional Wage and Hour Division offices
The U.S. Department of Labor will investigate the complaint and may recover unpaid wages on behalf of the employee. Federal law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints or participate in investigations.
Do remote workers in Louisiana get the Louisiana minimum wage?
Generally, the minimum wage of the jurisdiction where the employee physically performs work applies. Remote workers located in Louisiana are subject to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applicable in Louisiana, even if their employer is based in another state. However, if the employer is located in a state with a higher minimum wage and the employee works remotely from that state, the higher state minimum wage typically applies based on where the work is performed.
Information Verification Log
All information on this page has been compiled from official government sources and verified for accuracy as of the dates below.
| Source | Last Verified | Full URL |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:642 | February 4, 2026 | https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=83958 |
| Louisiana Workforce Commission | February 4, 2026 | https://www.laworks.net/laborlawinfo.asp |
| Louisiana Workforce Commission – Posters | February 4, 2026 | https://www.laworks.net/downloads/downloads_posters.asp |
| U.S. Department of Labor – State Minimum Wages | February 4, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state |
| U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | February 4, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa |
| U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division | February 4, 2026 | https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd |
| Louisiana Legislature – Bill Search | February 4, 2026 | https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillSearch.aspx |