Eligibility
Eligibility is largely defined by wages paid above the parish average, based on the parish where the project is located, except in cases where industries are explicitly ineligible.
Grants are awarded as a percentage of wages paid:
- 18% grant for new jobs paying at least 125% of the parish average wage
- 22% grant for new jobs paying at least 150% of the parish average wage
Prevailing parish average wages: HIP Parish Wages
Distressed Areas
Companies creating jobs in distressed areas are eligible for the program at a lower wage threshold:
- 8% grant for new jobs paying at least 110% of the parish average wage or the regional average wage, whichever is lower
Distressed areas are defined as:
- 25% of parishes with the lowest annual average wages, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics
OR
- Areas defined as “deeply distressed” by the Federal New Markets Tax Credit Program
Parish and regional average wage figures are reflected in the Louisiana High Impact Jobs Program Map.
Companies primarily engaged in the following sectors are ineligible:
- Gaming
- Retail sales
- Professional sports teams
- State and political subdivision enterprises
- Automotive rental and leasing
- Local solid waste disposal
- Local sewage systems
- Local water systems
- Professional service organizations primarily engaged in providing legal services
- Professional service organizations primarily engaged in providing accounting services
- Telemarketing and other call centers
- Solar farms
Certain industry sectors, such as professional services, may be subject to additional limitations or exclusions.
- High Impact Jobs Program Professional Services Eligibility Guidance
- High Impact Jobs Program Professional Services Emergency Rules
Sole proprietorships are ineligible.
Job Requirements for Eligibility
Qualifying jobs must not have existed in the state for an employer prior to the effective date of the program contract. Jobs must also meet the following requirements:
- Full-time, at-will employees (does not include seasonal or temporary positions)
- Directly employed by the company or a named subsidiary
- Filled onsite or remotely by Louisiana residents
- Include a basic health benefits plan
Contract Terms
If a company is approved, LED may enter into a contract with an initial term of three years, setting forth terms and conditions for program participation, with the option to renew for an additional two years.
Program Statutes & Rules
Program rules are in the Louisiana Administrative Code, maintained by the Office of State Register.
FAQs
When can I start my contract?
A contract can start no earlier than the date LED receives an application and applicable fees, but no later than 180 days after the application date.
Is there a required job creation threshold to apply for the High Impact Jobs Program?
The program is designed to benefit high-wage job-creators of all sizes – eligible companies creating at least one new job that meets the program requirements can apply. Sole proprietorships are ineligible.
Can my company enter into a High Impact Jobs Program contract if we have an active Quality Jobs contract?
Both the High Impact Jobs Program and the Quality Jobs Program (“QJ”) incentivize the creation of new jobs in Louisiana and require administrative tracking and reporting on the existing or “baseline” jobs. As such, a company cannot have active contracts for both programs, covering the same time periods. Please contact your company advisor or LED staff for additional information or clarification if you are an active QJ program participant.
Once my company has entered into a High Impact Jobs Program contract, will we need to adjust employee wages annually to conform with annual parish (county) average wage updates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
No. The initial three-year contract term will be subject to the prevailing average wage at the time a company enters into the contract. Two-year renewal contracts will also be based on the annual average wage associated with the initial contract term.
If Louisiana Company ABC purchased Louisiana Company XYZ and absorbed XYZ’s employees, are the XYZ jobs considered new jobs at Company ABC?
No. The grant is for jobs that are new to the state.
Louisiana Company ABC purchased out-of-state Company LMN and relocated its employees to Louisiana. Could Company LMN’s positions be considered new to Company ABC?
Yes, since LMN’s positions would be new to the state, those jobs may qualify if they meet all eligibility requirements.
Is there a cap on salaries that are eligible?
There is currently not a salary cap per company. However, there is a cap on benefits for individual jobs. Any portion of a job’s annual wages exceeding $200,000 will not be eligible for program benefits. The benefit will only apply up to the first $200,000 of a job’s annual salary wages.
When can a company file a claim for reimbursement under the High Impact Jobs Program?
The soonest a company will be able to file a claim for a High Impact Jobs Program reimbursement grant will be July 1, 2026, or after paying 12 months of payroll, whichever is later.
How does the High Impact Jobs Program compare to job creation programs in other states?
The High Impact Jobs Program is very competitive with other states’ programs. The benefit is realized as a reimbursable grant rather than a tax credit. The grant maximizes the return to the project with a shorter contract period and offers a generous benefit for jobs that pay above the parish (county) average wage. The program supports job creation at the speed of business by administering benefits directly through Louisiana Economic Development.