Statutory minimum wage in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Louisiana has no state minimum wage law, according to the US Department of Labor. Employers subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | No [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $7.25 per hour [2] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | Louisiana has no state minimum wage law. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act may pay tipped employees (more than $30 a month in tips) a cash wage of $2.13 an hour, provided tips bring pay up to $7.25 an hour. [3] |
| Higher local minimum wagesEmployees | Local governments may not set a minimum wage that private employers must pay (La. R.S. 23:642). [4] |
Notes
- The US Department of Labor lists Louisiana as having no state minimum wage law; employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. No state source was reached.
- This is the federal rate that covered employers must pay; the state has no rate of its own.
- No scheduled change for the next year was confirmed from an official source read for this page.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (page marked updated 1 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (page marked updated 1 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (revised 1 July 2026) (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: RS 23:642. Setting minimum wage or employee benefits; prohibited (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | No | Federal $7.25 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | Yes | $11.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Mississippi | No | Federal $7.25 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | Yes (state law) | $7.25 per hour | Exempts some under-18s and under-20 students | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.