Use our Louisiana Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Louisiana Paycheck is Calculated
Your take-home pay is what’s left after taxes and other deductions are subtracted from your gross income. The basic formula looks like this:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each term means:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before taxes and deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: A percentage of your income paid to the federal government, based on tax brackets and filing status.
- FICA: Includes Social Security and Medicare taxes that fund federal programs.
- State Income Tax: Taxes withheld by Louisiana to fund state programs and services.
- Local Taxes: Additional taxes that may be levied by certain parishes or municipalities.
A Guide to Louisiana State Payroll Taxes
Louisiana State Income Tax
Louisiana uses a progressive income tax system with three tax brackets. The rates for 2025 are as follows:
| Taxable Income (Single Filers) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $12,500 | 1.85% |
| $12,501 – $50,000 | 3.50% |
| Over $50,000 | 4.25% |
For married couples filing jointly, these income thresholds are doubled. Louisiana also provides standard deductions and personal exemptions, which help reduce taxable income.
State-Specific Programs and Withholdings
Louisiana does not have a state disability insurance (SDI) tax or paid family leave program like some other states. However, employees and employers contribute to state unemployment insurance (SUI) through payroll taxes. SUI rates vary by employer, but employees are generally not required to contribute directly.
Understanding Federal and FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes are consistent across the United States. These taxes are automatically withheld from your paycheck and fund national programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
For 2025:
- Social Security tax: 6.2% of wages, up to $168,600.
- Medicare tax: 1.45% of all wages, with an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000 for single filers.
Employers match these contributions, meaning the total FICA rate equals 15.3% of wages when employer contributions are included.
Local Taxes in Louisiana
Most areas in Louisiana do not impose local income taxes, but some parishes may have specific levies or occupational taxes. For example, the city of New Orleans charges an occupational license tax on certain professions. Employees in smaller parishes or rural areas generally won’t see additional local income tax withholdings on their pay stubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Louisiana Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not have its own state minimum wage. Employers follow the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour.
How often are paydays in Louisiana?
Louisiana employers typically pay employees either bi-weekly or semi-monthly. The exact frequency depends on company policy, but employers must maintain a consistent schedule.
What is the Louisiana state tax rate for 2025?
Louisiana’s state income tax rates range from 1.85% to 4.25% depending on your taxable income. The more you earn, the higher the percentage of your income that goes toward state taxes.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Louisiana taxes?
Yes, independent contractors must pay Louisiana state income tax on earnings from self-employment. They are responsible for making quarterly estimated tax payments, including both state and federal taxes.
What are the overtime laws in Louisiana?
Louisiana follows federal overtime rules. Non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Disclaimer
This Louisiana Paycheck Calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual results may vary based on changes in tax laws, benefit contributions, or specific employer withholdings. Always consult a tax professional or review official Louisiana Department of Revenue guidance for the most accurate calculations.
Other State Calculators