Louisiana Proposes Gradual Minimum Wage Hikes

New bill outlines plan to raise state's minimum wage to $14 per hour by 2031.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new bill prefiled in the Louisiana Legislature would gradually increase the state's minimum wage over the next several years. House Bill 209, filed by State Rep. Delisha Boyd, would raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour to $10 in 2027, $12 in 2029, and $14 in 2031. The bill also includes provisions for matching any future federal minimum wage increases.

Why it matters

Louisiana currently has one of the lowest minimum wages in the country, matching the federal standard of $7.25 per hour. This proposal aims to provide a path for Louisiana workers to earn a higher minimum wage and keep pace with the rising cost of living, though it may face opposition from business groups concerned about increased labor costs.

The details

House Bill 209 would set up a scheduled increase to Louisiana's minimum wage every two years, starting in 2027. The bill outlines specific wage targets: $10 per hour in 2027, $12 per hour in 2029, and $14 per hour in 2031. The proposal also states that if the federal minimum wage rises above Louisiana's rate at any point, the state would be required to match the higher federal standard.

  • House Bill 209 was prefiled ahead of the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session.
  • The minimum wage would rise to $10 an hour in 2027.
  • The minimum wage would increase to $12 an hour in 2029.
  • The minimum wage would reach $14 an hour in 2031.

The players

Delisha Boyd

State Representative for District 102 in New Orleans, who filed House Bill 209.

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What’s next

The proposed bill will now move through the Louisiana Legislature, where it will need to be debated and voted on before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This legislation represents an effort by Louisiana lawmakers to gradually increase the state's minimum wage, which has remained at the federal level of $7.25 per hour for years. If passed, it could provide a significant boost in earnings for low-wage workers, though the impact on businesses and the broader economy remains to be seen.