Louisiana HR laws for employers (2026)
The Louisiana rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Louisiana employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state overtime law. Federal FLSA rules apply (1.5x after 40 hours in a workweek). |
| Final pay when fired | By the next regular payday or within 15 days of discharge, whichever comes first. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday for the pay cycle in which the employee resigned, or within 15 days, whichever comes first. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Required for vacation the employee has earned and is eligible to take under the employer's policy. Earned vacation cannot be forfeited at separation (La. R.S. 23:631(D)). |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate, and state law bars local governments from requiring sick or vacation days (La. R.S. 23:642). |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees (minors only). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Louisiana has no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employers. State law bars local governments from setting a minimum wage.
Other Louisiana rules to know
- Local preemption: Louisiana parishes and cities cannot set a minimum wage or require vacation or sick days for private employers (La. R.S. 23:642).
- If the amount of final pay is disputed, the employer must still pay the undisputed part on time.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Louisiana in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. Louisiana has no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employers. State law bars local governments from setting a minimum wage.
When is a final paycheck due in Louisiana?
If the employer ends employment: By the next regular payday or within 15 days of discharge, whichever comes first. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday for the pay cycle in which the employee resigned, or within 15 days, whichever comes first.
Does Louisiana require paying out unused vacation?
Required for vacation the employee has earned and is eligible to take under the employer's policy. Earned vacation cannot be forfeited at separation (La. R.S. 23:631(D)).
Is paid sick leave required in Louisiana?
No statewide mandate, and state law bars local governments from requiring sick or vacation days (La. R.S. 23:642).
Sources
- La. R.S. 23:631 (final pay and vacation)
- La. R.S. 23:642 (local minimum wage and leave preemption)
- US DOL - State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026)
- US DOL - Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- US DOL - State Meal Break Requirements
- Ezel - Louisiana paid sick leave requirements (secondary)
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.