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What is the minimum wage in Louisiana?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Louisiana has NO state minimum wage law. Workers covered by the federal FLSA receive $7.25/hour.

1. No State Minimum Wage

The Louisiana Legislature has never enacted a state minimum wage statute. Federal FLSA covers most workers (employers with $500K+ gross sales OR engaged in interstate commerce — virtually all).

2. Federal Rate

  • $7.25/hour under 29 U.S.C. § 206 — unchanged since July 24, 2009.
  • Youth wage: $4.25/hour for workers under 20 in first 90 days.
  • 3. Tipped Workers

    Federal rules: $2.13/hour cash wage + tips reaching $7.25 (29 U.S.C. § 203(m)).

    4. Local Preemption — La. R.S. 23:642

    Louisiana Revised Statute 23:642 prohibits any local government from establishing minimum wages, paid leave, or vacation requirements above federal/state law. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, etc. cannot set local minimums for private employers.

    5. Historical Background

  • New Orleans voters approved a city minimum wage in 2002 — invalidated by the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans Campaign for a Living Wage v. City of New Orleans, 825 So. 2d 1098 (La. 2002), as preempted by state law.
  • The 2002 statute (now La. R.S. 23:642) codified preemption.
  • 6. Overtime

    Federal FLSA: 1.5x after 40 hours/week. No state overtime law. No daily overtime.

    7. Federal Exemptions

    Standard FLSA exemptions: executive, administrative, professional ($684/week salary), outside sales, agricultural (small farm), seasonal recreation.

    8. Wage Payment Law (La. R.S. 23:631-642)

    Louisiana has wage payment requirements:

  • Final wages due within 15 days of termination or next regular payday, whichever is earlier (R.S. 23:631).
  • 90 days of wages as penalty for willful failure to pay (R.S. 23:632) — capped at 90 days, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
  • 9. Right-to-Work

    Louisiana is a right-to-work state (La. R.S. 23:983).

    10. Enforcement

  • Federal: U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division.
  • State: Louisiana Workforce Commission handles wage payment claims (not minimum wage).
  • Private right of action for unpaid wages under R.S. 23:632 with up to 90-day penalty wages.
  • 11. Pending Reform

    Multiple bills to enact a Louisiana minimum wage have been introduced over the years; none has passed.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your final wages weren't paid within 15 days — 90-day penalty wages available
    • Your employer is FLSA-covered but pays below $7.25
    • You're misclassified as an independent contractor
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • La. R.S. 23:642
    • La. R.S. 23:631
    • La. R.S. 23:632
    • La. R.S. 23:983
    • 29 U.S.C. § 206
    • 29 U.S.C. § 207

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.