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As of 2024, Louisiana’s state minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour, which aligns with the federal minimum wage. Similarly, the tipped minimum wage remains at $2.13 per hour. These rates apply across the state, with only a few exemptions, which we’ll discuss later. Additionally, Louisiana employees are entitled to overtime pay at $10.88 per hour for working beyond 40 hours per week.
Let’s explore a breakdown of the minimum wages across various cities in Louisiana in the next section.
Minimum Wages in Louisiana Cities
Here is a table summarizing the minimum wage rates for tipped and non-tipped employees in Louisiana’s top 30 cities. The federal rate applies statewide since Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage rate.
| Cities | Non-Tipped Employees | Tipped Employees |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Baton Rouge | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Shreveport | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Lafayette | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Lake Charles | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Kenner | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Bossier City | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Monroe | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Alexandria | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Natchitoches | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Hammond | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Slidell | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Thibodaux | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Ruston | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Morgan City | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Pineville | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Central | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Gretna | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| West Monroe | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Covington | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Opelousas | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Zachary | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Mandeville | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| New Iberia | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Bastrop | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Ville Platte | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Rayne | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Winnfield | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| St. Gabriel | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
| Crowley | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour |
Now, let’s understand the salary threshold applicable to various employees in Louisiana in the next section.
Threshold For Employees Exempt
Before diving into Louisiana’s salary threshold, let’s understand the key distinctions between exempt and non-exempt employees. As defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA),
- Non-exempt employees: They comprise of low-income employees, entitled to receive the state minimum wage rate and overtime benefits. A change in the minimum wage rate directly impacts their income and livelihood.
- Exempt employees: They receive a pre-defined salary and are usually not eligible for overtime. Although minimum wage changes don’t directly impact them, employers may adjust their salaries to maintain pay parity with non-exempt employees.
According to the latest rules formulated by the Department of Labor (DOL), starting July 1, 2024, the salary threshold is raised from $684 per week ($35,568 per year) to $844 per week ($43,888 per year). This will further increase to $1,128 per week starting January 1, 2025.
The State of Louisiana follows the federal minimum wage rate, so the above-mentioned exempt threshold applies to the state as well.
Now, let’s discuss the historical changes witnessed in the minimum wages of Louisiana state in the next section.
Historical Data of Louisiana Minimum Wages
While Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage, it has always aligned with the federal rates established under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) since 1938. The state passed a law in 1997 that prevented cities from establishing their minimum wage rates.
However, there have been local efforts to increase wages for specific groups.
- New Orleans’ voters raised the minimum wage for city contractors to $10.55 per hour.
- In 2021, an executive order signed by President Biden raised the minimum wage for federal contractors to $15 per hour.
The table below summarizes the notable changes in Louisiana’s minimum wage rates between 1968 to 2023:
| Time Period | Year | Minimum Wage (in $) |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 to 1981 | 1968* | 1.15 – 1.60 |
| 1970* | 1.30 – 1.60 | |
| 1972 | 1.60 | |
| 1976* | 2.20 – 2.30 | |
| 1979 | 2.90 | |
| 1980 | 3.10 | |
| 1981 | 3.35 | |
| 1988 to 1998 | 1988 | 3.35 |
| 1991 | 3.80 | |
| 1992 | 4.25 | |
| 1994 | 4.25 | |
| 1996 | 4.25 | |
| 1997 | 4.75 | |
| 1998 | 5.15 | |
| 2000 to 2006 | 2000 | 5.15 |
| 2001 | 5.15 | |
| 2002 | 5.15 | |
| 2003 | 5.15 | |
| 2004 | 5.15 | |
| 2005 | 5.15 | |
| 2006 | 5.15 | |
| 2007 to 2013 | 2007 | 5.15 |
| 2008 | 5.85 | |
| 2009 | 6.55 | |
| 2010 | 7.25 | |
| 2011 | 7.25 | |
| 2012 | 7.25 | |
| 2013 | 7.25 | |
| 2014 to 2019 | 2014 | 7.25 |
| 2015 | 7.25 | |
| 2016 | 7.25 | |
| 2017 | 7.25 | |
| 2018 | 7.25 | |
| 2019 | 7.25 | |
| 2020 to 2023 | 2020 | 7.25 |
| 2021 | 7.25 | |
| 2022 | 7.25 | |
| 2023 | 7.25 |
* – Under the FLSA, the two rates shown in 1968, 1970, and 1976 reflect the former multiple-track minimum wage system in effect from 1961 to 1978.
Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/history
Now that we’ve covered the historical wage changes, let’s discuss employees who are exempt from Louisiana’s minimum wages in the next section.
Exemptions in Minimum Wages of Louisiana
Certain employees in Louisiana are exempt from receiving the minimum wage. These exemptions are determined by the Department of Labor (DOL), and they are usually paid less than the state’s minimum wage.
Here are the key exemptions under Louisiana’s minimum wage laws:
- Farm and seasonal workers
- Informal workers, such as newspaper deliverers, babysitters
- Tipped employees
- Minors and young workers
- Full-time and vocational students
- Employees with disabilities
- Employees at certain non-profit and educational organizations
Let’s clarify all your other doubts in the next FAQ section.
