Louisiana Overtime Laws
Louisiana follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Louisiana has no state minimum wage or overtime law.
State Labor Department
Louisiana Economy and Workforce
Louisiana's economy is heavily influenced by its energy sector, with the state handling 61% of U.S. liquefied natural gas exports and hosting about one-sixth of the nation's refining capacity. While oil, gas, and petrochemicals remain significant, their share of state GDP has declined from 33% at the turn of the century to 14% today, with growing diversification into timber, seafood, and military sectors.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Louisiana industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals
Refinery operators, pipeline workers, and petrochemical plant employees frequently work overtime during turnarounds, maintenance shutdowns, and to maintain 24/7 production operations.
Maritime and Port Operations
With the Port of South Louisiana among the nation's busiest, longshoremen, ship workers, and port logistics employees commonly work overtime during peak shipping seasons.
Healthcare
Nurses and healthcare workers often work overtime due to staffing needs, particularly in rural areas and following natural disasters common to the Gulf Coast region.
Construction
Industrial construction workers, particularly on petrochemical and LNG facility projects, frequently work extended overtime hours to meet project deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Louisiana has not enacted state laws regarding overtime pay or minimum wage. Workers in Louisiana are protected only by federal FLSA regulations, which require overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
Following federal guidelines, employees must earn at least $844 per week ($43,888 annually) and meet specific job duty requirements for executive, administrative, or professional exemptions. Job titles alone do not determine exemption status; actual job duties must be evaluated.
Under federal law, you can recover all unpaid overtime wages for two or three years prior to filing, plus liquidated damages equal to the unpaid amount (effectively doubling your recovery), plus attorney's fees and court costs.
How to File a Wage Claim in Louisiana
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
First, contact your employer directly to see if the unpaid wages resulted from a payroll error that can be resolved internally.
If unresolved, file a complaint with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) online or by calling 1-800-201-3362.
You may also file with the federal Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Consider consulting an employment attorney, as Louisiana follows federal law only and civil litigation may be necessary for complex cases.
Important Louisiana Consideration
Louisiana is one of only five states with no state minimum wage or overtime laws, relying entirely on federal FLSA protections. This means workers must meet federal thresholds and requirements, and wage claims are primarily handled through federal channels. The state has no additional worker protections beyond what federal law provides.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.