Louisiana HR Consulting & Employment Law for Small Businesses
Louisiana is a right-to-work state with a minimum wage that follows the federal floor, limited state employment mandates, and a framework that largely tracks federal requirements for private employers.
Louisiana employers operate primarily under federal employment law. Louisiana has no state minimum wage, no statewide paid leave mandate, and its Employment Discrimination Law mirrors federal protections. Louisiana courts have historically enforced non-compete agreements with some unique requirements, including geographic specificity.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment laws change frequently. Consult a qualified employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Key Louisiana Employment Laws
Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law
Louisiana's Employment Discrimination Law applies to employers with 20 or more employees and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and disability. The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights enforces state discrimination claims.
Louisiana Non-Compete Law
Louisiana Revised Statute 23:921 governs non-competes. Agreements must specify geographic areas (parishes) where they apply and be limited to 2 years. Without the geographic specificity requirement, agreements are void. Louisiana's requirements are more precise than most states and strict technical compliance is essential.
Louisiana Wage Payment Act
Louisiana's Wage Payment Act requires employers to pay wages at least twice monthly on designated paydays. Upon termination, wages must be paid no later than the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is sooner. Late wage payments can result in penalty wages.
Louisiana Workers' Compensation
Most Louisiana employers with one or more employees are required to maintain workers' compensation coverage. The Louisiana Workforce Commission oversees workers' comp administration.
Compliance Thresholds for Louisiana Employers
1+ Employees: employees
- Federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr applies (Louisiana has no state minimum)
- At-will employment broadly recognized
- Louisiana is a right-to-work state
20+ Employees: employees
- Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law anti-discrimination protections
50+ Employees: employees
- Federal FMLA applies
- ACA employer mandate
- COBRA obligations
Common Questions About Louisiana Employment Law
Does Louisiana have a state minimum wage?
No. Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies. Louisiana has preempted local governments from setting their own minimum wages.
Does Louisiana require paid sick leave or paid family leave?
No statewide mandate exists for private employers. Federal FMLA provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible employees at covered employers with 50+ employees.
What makes Louisiana non-competes different?
Louisiana requires non-competes to specifically list the parishes (counties) where they apply. Without this geographic specificity, agreements are void under Louisiana law. Duration is capped at 2 years. This technical requirement is strictly enforced.
What does Louisiana's Employment Discrimination Law cover?
Louisiana's law applies to employers with 20 or more employees (a higher threshold than federal Title VII's 15) and covers race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and disability.
Is Louisiana an at-will state?
Yes. Louisiana broadly recognizes at-will employment. The Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law and federal anti-discrimination laws create exceptions for protected characteristics. Document business reasons for all terminations.
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