Key Takeaways
• Louisiana’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009 and matching the federal rate.
• New Orleans has a local minimum wage of $10.00, rising to $15.00 per hour by 2022.
• Special rules apply for tipped workers, minors, students, and disabled employees with wage exceptions.
As of July 2025, the minimum wage in Louisiana remains a central issue for workers, employers, and policymakers. The state’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage and unchanged since 2009. This situation affects hundreds of thousands of workers, especially those in low-wage industries, and shapes the economic landscape for families and businesses across Louisiana.
Who is affected? Every worker and employer in Louisiana, from restaurant servers in Baton Rouge to retail clerks in Shreveport, is touched by the minimum wage rules. What is the current rate? The minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, with some exceptions for tipped workers, students, and certain other groups. When did this rate take effect? The federal minimum wage has been set at $7.25 since July 24, 2009, and Louisiana has followed this rate ever since. Where does this apply? The $7.25 rate applies statewide, except in places like New Orleans, where local laws set a higher minimum wage. Why does this matter? The minimum wage sets the lowest legal pay for most jobs, directly impacting workers’ ability to afford basic needs. How does it work? Employers must pay at least the minimum wage unless a specific exemption applies.
Let’s break down the details, exceptions, local differences, and what this means for the people of Louisiana.
Louisiana’s Minimum Wage in 2025: The Basics
General Minimum Wage:
The minimum wage in Louisiana is $7.25 per hour. This matches the federal minimum wage, which has not changed since 2009. Louisiana does not have its own state minimum wage law, so it relies on the federal standard. This means that, unless a city or parish sets its own higher rate, workers across the state must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.
Tipped Employees:
Workers who earn tips, such as restaurant servers and bartenders, have a different base wage. In Louisiana, the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour. However, employers must make sure that when tips are added to this base wage, the total is at least $7.25 per hour. If tips are not enough to reach this amount, the employer must pay the difference. This rule is designed to protect tipped workers from earning less than the minimum wage.
Sub-minimum Wage Exceptions:
Some workers can legally be paid less than the standard minimum wage under certain conditions:
- Learners and Employees Under 18: Employers can pay workers under 18 years old $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. This rule is meant to encourage hiring young or inexperienced workers.
- Employees with Physical or Mental Limitations: In some cases, workers with certain disabilities may be paid a sub-minimum wage if the employer has special permission from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Full-time Student Program: Certain students working in retail, service, agriculture, or higher education jobs can be paid 85% of the federal minimum wage, which is $6.16 per hour. To qualify, employers must get certification from the Department of Labor, and students’ work hours are limited to 8 hours per day and 20 hours per week during school, or up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
Exemptions:
Not all workers are covered by minimum wage laws. Some groups are exempt, including:
- Farmworkers on small farms
- Seasonal amusement or recreational workers
- Casual babysitters
- Outside salespeople
These exemptions are set by federal law and mean that some jobs do not have to follow the minimum wage rules.
Local Minimum Wage Differences: New Orleans Leads the Way
While Louisiana as a whole follows the federal minimum wage, some local governments have set higher rates. The most notable example is New Orleans.
New Orleans Minimum Wage:
The city of New Orleans has a local ordinance that sets a higher minimum wage of $10.00 per hour. This rate was scheduled to increase to $15.00 per hour by 2022. Within the city limits, employers must follow this higher wage law, even though the rest of the state remains at $7.25 per hour. This local rule is meant to help workers in New Orleans keep up with the higher cost of living in the city.
Employers operating in New Orleans must follow the city’s minimum wage law, not the lower state or federal rate. This difference shows how local governments can take action when state or federal changes are slow to happen.
Historical and Policy Context: Why Louisiana’s Minimum Wage Remains Low
No State Minimum Wage Law:
Louisiana is one of only five states in the United States 🇺🇸 without its own state minimum wage law. This means the state defaults to the federal minimum wage. The federal rate has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009, even as the cost of living has gone up.
Legislative Efforts:
There have been many attempts to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana. For example, in 2023, Senate Bill 269 proposed raising the minimum wage to $10.25 per hour, with future increases tied to inflation. However, this bill did not pass the Senate Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations. Similar efforts have failed in past years, leaving the minimum wage unchanged.
Arguments For and Against Raising the Wage:
Supporters of a higher minimum wage say that $7.25 per hour is not enough to cover basic living costs. They point out that nearly 39% of Louisiana workers earn less than $15 per hour, and that low wages hit Black, Hispanic, and women workers the hardest. Advocates argue that raising the wage would help reduce poverty and give families a better chance to succeed.
Opponents, including the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, argue that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses, especially for small businesses. They worry that higher labor costs could force employers to cut jobs or reduce hours. However, economic research suggests that these fears may be overstated, and that moderate increases in the minimum wage do not usually cause large job losses.
Practical Implications for Workers and Employers
For Workers:
Earning the minimum wage in Louisiana means making $7.25 per hour, which is below the estimated living wage of $11.33 per hour in the state. This gap makes it hard for many workers to afford rent, food, healthcare, and other basic needs. Tipped workers, young employees, and students may earn even less, depending on their job and employer.
Workers in New Orleans benefit from the higher local minimum wage, but most workers in the state do not. Many families rely on multiple jobs or public assistance to make ends meet.
For Employers:
Employers in Louisiana must follow federal wage laws. They cannot pay less than $7.25 per hour unless a specific exception applies. Employers who use tipped workers must carefully track tips to make sure total pay meets the minimum wage. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines and legal trouble.
Employers in cities like New Orleans must pay the higher local minimum wage. This can create challenges for businesses that operate in multiple locations with different wage laws.
For Immigrants and International Workers:
Immigrants and international workers are often employed in low-wage jobs, such as hospitality, agriculture, and food service. These workers are directly affected by minimum wage laws. Understanding the rules is important for protecting their rights and making sure they are paid fairly.
How Minimum Wage Laws Affect Different Groups
Young Workers and Students:
Young workers, especially those under 18, can be paid less than the standard minimum wage for their first 90 days on the job. Students working under the full-time student program may also earn less, but only if their employer has the right certification and follows work-hour limits.
Tipped Workers:
Tipped workers face special challenges. While the law says their total pay must reach $7.25 per hour, in practice, some workers may not always receive enough tips. Employers are supposed to make up the difference, but not all do. This makes it important for tipped workers to know their rights and keep track of their earnings.
Workers with Disabilities:
Some workers with physical or mental limitations may be paid less than the minimum wage if the employer has special permission. This rule is meant to help people with disabilities find jobs, but it also means they may earn less than other workers.
Immigrant Workers:
Immigrant workers, especially those with limited English skills or unfamiliarity with U.S. labor laws, are at risk of being underpaid. Employers must follow the same minimum wage rules for all workers, regardless of immigration status. Workers who believe they are not being paid fairly can contact the U.S. Department of Labor for help.
The Future of Minimum Wage in Louisiana
No Statewide Increase Yet:
As of mid-2025, there have been no new statewide increases to the minimum wage in Louisiana. The state continues to rely on the federal minimum wage, which has not changed since 2009.
Ongoing Advocacy:
Advocates continue to push for a higher minimum wage, with some proposals aiming for $15 per hour by 2026 or later. Supporters argue that raising the wage would help workers keep up with rising costs and reduce poverty.
Federal Changes Possible:
There is always the possibility that the federal government could raise the minimum wage. However, as of July 2025, no new federal increase has been passed.
Local Action:
Cities like New Orleans have shown that local governments can take action even when state or federal changes are slow. Other cities or parishes in Louisiana may consider similar steps in the future.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most up-to-date information on minimum wage laws, workers and employers should check official government sources:
- The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides detailed guidance on minimum wage rules, exemptions, and special programs. You can find more information on the DOL’s minimum wage page.
- The Louisiana Workforce Commission offers state-specific information and resources for both workers and employers.
- Local government websites, such as the City of New Orleans, provide details on local minimum wage ordinances.
If you have questions about your rights or believe you are not being paid fairly, you can contact the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for help.
Summary Table: Louisiana Minimum Wage 2025
| Category | Wage Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Minimum Wage | $7.25 per hour | Matches federal minimum wage |
| Tipped Employees | $2.13 per hour | Employer must ensure total (wage + tips) ≥ $7.25 |
| Learners & Under 18 | $4.25 per hour | For first 90 days of employment |
| Full-time Student Program | $6.16 per hour | 85% of federal wage, with DOL certification |
| New Orleans Minimum Wage | $10.00 per hour | Local ordinance, rising to $15.00 by 2022 |
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Louisiana’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage, and has not changed since 2009.
- Tipped workers and certain other groups can be paid less, but employers must follow strict rules to ensure total pay meets the minimum wage.
- New Orleans has a higher minimum wage, showing that local action is possible even when state or federal changes stall.
- Advocacy for higher wages continues, with many calling for a $15 per hour minimum wage to help workers keep up with rising costs.
- Employers and workers should check official government sources for the latest rules and updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing debate over the minimum wage in Louisiana highlights the challenges faced by low-wage workers and the importance of clear, fair wage laws. Whether you are an employee, employer, or policymaker, staying informed about minimum wage rules is key to making smart decisions and protecting your rights.
For more details on federal minimum wage laws and exemptions, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s official minimum wage page.
By understanding the current rules and keeping an eye on future changes, workers and employers in Louisiana can better plan for the future and make sure everyone gets a fair deal.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay employers can legally pay workers under federal or state law.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn part of their wages through tips, requiring special minimum wage rules.
Sub-minimum Wage → A wage rate allowed legally below $7.25 for certain groups, like learners or disabled workers.
Local Ordinance → A law enacted by a local government that can set wages different from state or federal laws.
Department of Labor → A U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing labor laws including minimum wage regulations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Louisiana’s minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour since 2009, affecting many low-wage workers. New Orleans leads with a higher local rate. Law exceptions protect tipped employees, students, and younger workers. Ongoing debates focus on raising wages to help families cope with rising living costs across the state.
— By VisaVerge.com
