LALouisiana pay rules
Minimum wage $7.25. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier.
Louisiana minimum wage$7.25 now
Louisiana overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Louisiana final paycheck lawFired: next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier
Louisiana PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | Louisiana | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. No state minimum wage law. The federal rate applies to covered employers. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $2.13 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $5.12. Federal rule. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | Federal rule only: 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. Louisiana has no state overtime law. | Federal wage law, 29 U.S.C. 207checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier, including your unused vacation | La. R.S. 23:631, 23:632checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier | La. R.S. 23:631, 23:632checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | After you ask for it in writing, up to 90 days of wages as a penalty plus attorney fees if the employer fails to pay. | La. R.S. 23:631, 23:632checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. Earned but unused vacation must be paid when you leave the job. | La. R.S. 23:631(D)checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | No state meal period requirement for adults. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No state rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.