Louisiana · updated 2026-10
Louisiana Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
No state overtime law for private employers; federal FLSA applies.
Federal FLSA rule. source
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Louisiana; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Louisiana law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$7.25
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-24). No state minimum wage law; FLSA-covered employers pay federal $7.25 (tipped $2.13).
Louisiana time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Louisiana pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Louisiana?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. Louisiana has no separate state overtime law, so the federal FLSA rule applies. No state overtime law for private employers; federal FLSA applies.
Are lunch breaks required in Louisiana?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Louisiana; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Louisiana?
Louisiana law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Louisiana?
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-24). No state minimum wage law; FLSA-covered employers pay federal $7.25 (tipped $2.13).
Workers under 18 in Louisiana
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Louisiana teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission.