Program at a glance
What to evaluate before you act
| Eligibility | Louisiana employers planning hiring, expansion, relocation, or remote Louisiana-resident roles should evaluate HIP before commitments are made. Wage thresholds depend on the parish where the project is located and current LED wage data. |
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| Timing and process | LED's process includes application submission with the applicable fee or EVR deposit, LED review, possible contract issuance, independent Louisiana CPA assignment, expenditure verification reporting, LED review, and grant issuance if approved. LED may enter… |
| Documentation and compliance | Maintain payroll, parish or residency support, benefits records, job-creation timing, application materials, contract records, and EVR-ready documentation. This page is general information, not legal, tax, accounting, financial, or LED approval advice. |
| Benefits and mechanics | LED states that grants may equal 18% of wages paid for qualifying new jobs at least 125% of parish average wage and 22% for qualifying new jobs at least 150%. In distressed areas, LED states an 8% path may apply to new jobs at least 110% of the parish or… |
Program rules depend on the applicable law, timing, facts, documentation, and agency review.
On this page
- What the high-impact jobs program is
- Who should evaluate HIP
- Benefit tiers and wage thresholds
- Job, business, and location requirements
- Ineligible sectors and limitations
- Application, contract, and EVR timing
- High-Impact jobs versus legacy quality jobs
- Documentation and compliance readiness
- How sumit supports HIP evaluation
- Official sources
What the high-impact jobs program is
Louisiana Economic Development describes High-Impact Jobs, or HIP, as a current program that may provide reimbursable grants for qualifying new jobs paying above parish-average wage thresholds. HIP is not automatic and is subject to LED application review, approval, contract terms, documentation, and expenditure verification.
Who should evaluate HIP
Louisiana employers planning hiring, expansion, relocation, or remote Louisiana-resident roles should evaluate HIP before commitments are made. Wage thresholds depend on the parish where the project is located and current LED wage data.
Benefit tiers and wage thresholds
LED states that grants may equal 18% of wages paid for qualifying new jobs at least 125% of parish average wage and 22% for qualifying new jobs at least 150%. In distressed areas, LED states an 8% path may apply to new jobs at least 110% of the parish or regional average wage, whichever is lower.
Job, business, and location requirements
LED states qualifying jobs must be new, full-time at-will positions, directly employed by the company or a named subsidiary, filled onsite or remotely by Louisiana residents, and include a basic health benefits plan. Distressed-area treatment depends on official LED, BLS, and NMTC definitions and project location.
Ineligible sectors and limitations
LED lists ineligible sectors including gaming, retail sales, professional sports teams, governmental enterprises, automotive rental or leasing, local utility systems, legal and accounting-services professional service organizations, telemarketing and other call centers, and solar farms. Some industries and sole proprietorships are ineligible; professional-services projects may face additional limitations.
Application, contract, and EVR timing
LED's process includes application submission with the applicable fee or EVR deposit, LED review, possible contract issuance, independent Louisiana CPA assignment, expenditure verification reporting, LED review, and grant issuance if approved. LED may enter an initial three-year contract with an option to renew for two additional years.
High-Impact jobs versus legacy quality jobs
HIP is a current reimbursable-grant program. Louisiana Economic Development lists Quality Jobs among sunset incentives, so employers should not treat the programs as interchangeable. Review legacy Louisiana Quality Jobs context alongside HIP only to understand which framework and timing apply to a specific project.
Documentation and compliance readiness
Maintain payroll, parish or residency support, benefits records, job-creation timing, application materials, contract records, and EVR-ready documentation. This page is general information, not legal, tax, accounting, financial, or LED approval advice.
How sumit supports HIP evaluation
SumIt can support eligibility evaluation, application readiness, documentation, and compliance tracking, but cannot guarantee LED approval or payment. A project review can help teams sequence HIP analysis with Louisiana incentive services, Enterprise Zone incentives, and Industrial Tax Exemption Program planning.
Official sources
- Louisiana Economic Development High-Impact Jobs: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/incentive/high-impact-jobs
- Louisiana Economic Development incentives: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/incentives
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Louisiana High-Impact Jobs Program
What is the Louisiana High-Impact Jobs Program?
It is an LED program that may provide reimbursable wage grants for qualifying new Louisiana jobs above applicable wage thresholds. HIP is not automatic and remains subject to LED review, approval, contract terms, documentation, and expenditure verification.
What wage thresholds apply under HIP?
LED states 18% and 22% tiers for qualifying new jobs meeting 125% and 150% of parish average wage, respectively. Current wage data and project facts control.
What is the distressed-area HIP tier?
LED states an 8% path may apply in distressed areas for qualifying new jobs at least 110% of the applicable parish or regional average wage. Definitions and location must be confirmed.
Do jobs have to be new Louisiana jobs?
LED states HIP qualifying jobs must be new and filled onsite or remotely by Louisiana residents, along with other requirements.
Can remote jobs qualify for HIP?
LED states qualifying roles may be filled remotely by Louisiana residents if the remaining program requirements are met.
Which industries are ineligible for HIP?
LED lists multiple ineligible sectors, and professional-services projects may face additional limitations. Confirm the current official program criteria for the project.
How is HIP different from Quality Jobs?
HIP is a current reimbursable-grant program, while LED lists Quality Jobs among sunset incentives. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Is HIP automatic if the wage threshold is met?
No. LED application review, approval, contract terms, documentation, and expenditure verification apply.
What documentation is needed before grant payment?
LED's process includes independent CPA expenditure verification reporting and LED review. Payroll, residency, benefits, timing, and contract records should be retained.
Can SumIt guarantee a HIP grant?
No. SumIt can support evaluation and readiness but cannot guarantee LED approval, award amount, or payment.