Louisiana Paycheck Calculator
Estimate Louisiana take-home pay including federal, state, parish taxes and FICA, with pre-tax deductions and varied pay schedules for workers.
Louisiana income tax rate
Louisiana uses progressive state income tax brackets. Recent reforms reduced rates and simplified withholding for employees. Today, most filers see three brackets with a comparatively lower top rate than in the past decade. Employers calculate state withholding each paycheck after accounting for pre-tax benefits (401(k), HSA/FSA, insurance) and your L-4 elections, then apply the proportional state tables for your pay frequency. The local layer is generally sales and occupational licensing, not a wage income tax. The table below shows the top individual rate by year so you can track how changes may have affected historical take-home pay.
| Year | Top Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6.00% |
| 2017 | 6.00% |
| 2018 | 6.00% |
| 2019 | 6.00% |
| 2020 | 6.00% |
| 2021 | 6.00% |
| 2022 | 4.25% |
| 2023 | 4.25% |
| 2024 | 4.25% |
| 2025 | 4.25% |
Louisiana median household income
Louisiana’s median household income reflects a diverse economy—energy, ports/logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and services. The past decade shows gradual gains with temporary pandemic-era softness and later improvement as labor markets tightened. Remember: nominal medians do not reflect inflation; “real” purchasing power can differ. Income varies widely across parishes and metros (e.g., Baton Rouge, New Orleans–Metairie, Lafayette, Shreveport–Bossier). Use the figures below as directional benchmarks when negotiating offers, budgeting, or comparing locations. For precise, current estimates, consult the latest American Community Survey releases for your specific parish or metropolitan area and consider household size.
| Year | Income |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $46,100 |
| 2017 | $47,800 |
| 2018 | $49,600 |
| 2019 | $51,000 |
| 2020 | $50,700 |
| 2021 | $52,100 |
| 2022 | $53,400 |
| 2023 | $55,200 |
| 2024 | $56,600 |
| 2025 | $57,400 (prelim.) |
Louisiana Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and appears on every Louisiana paycheck. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual wage base (employers match), and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match this surtax. FICA is separate from state income tax: pre-tax benefits may reduce income tax withholding but generally do not reduce FICA (HSA via payroll and Section 125 health premiums are typical exceptions for FICA treatment). Always review your pay stub to confirm accurate FICA withholding.
Louisiana number of cities that have local income taxes
Louisiana does not impose city or parish wage income taxes. Local revenue primarily comes from sales/use and occupational license taxes rather than payroll income taxes.
| Locality | Resident Rate | Nonresident Rate |
|---|---|---|
| All Louisiana parishes/cities | None | None |
How Your Louisiana Paycheck Works
Each pay period begins with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax elections—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance—to reach taxable wages. Withholding includes federal income tax (W-4), FICA (Social Security/Medicare), and Louisiana state income tax using your L-4. Because there are no local wage income taxes, withholding layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable gifts) occur after taxes and do not lower taxable wages. Pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly) changes the per-check amounts but not annual liability. Check stubs after life events to ensure correct status and benefits.
Louisiana Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency
Louisiana follows the federal FLSA overtime rule: most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek (white-collar exemptions apply when duties and salary thresholds are met). Louisiana does not set a higher statewide minimum wage; the federal $7.25 rate applies unless an employer pays more. Employers must establish regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly are common. Final wages are generally due by the next regular payday or within a short statutory window after separation—confirm timing in employer policy and state law.
FAQs
How do I use the Louisiana Paycheck Calculator?
Enter gross pay, filing status, L-4 elections, pay schedule, and pre-/post-tax deductions; it estimates state tax, FICA, and net pay.
What are Louisiana’s current state income tax brackets?
Louisiana uses three progressive brackets with a top rate lower than the pre-2022 structure; see the historical table for context.
Does any Louisiana city have a wage income tax?
No. Cities and parishes rely on sales/use and occupational license taxes, not a payroll income tax on wages.
How do pre-tax benefits affect my Louisiana withholding?
Pre-tax benefits reduce taxable wages for state and federal income taxes, increasing take-home pay; most do not reduce FICA.
Are bonuses taxed differently in Louisiana?
State tax applies under the same brackets; employers may use federal percentage or aggregate methods for federal withholding on bonuses.
How often must I be paid in Louisiana?
Employers must set regular paydays and pay consistently (commonly biweekly or semimonthly); final pay is due promptly after separation.
Why is my coworker’s withholding different from mine?
Differences in L-4 elections, pre-tax benefits, supplemental pay, and year-to-date earnings can change per-check withholding and net pay.