Minimum Wage in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Louisiana enforces the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state-mandated increase.
How Louisiana treats Minimum Wage
Louisiana has not enacted a state minimum wage above the federal requirement, so employers must comply with the federal $7.25 per hour floor. The state recognizes federal tip credit rules, permitting employers to count tips toward minimum wage for employees in tipped positions. Louisiana does not provide for automatic wage adjustments, meaning any increase depends on legislative action at the state or federal level.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.