Prevailing Wage Lookup

What Are Prevailing Wages?

Prevailing wages are minimum hourly wages (plus fringe benefits) that must be paid to workers on publicly funded construction projects. Federal projects are governed by the Davis-Bacon Act, while many states have their own prevailing wage laws (sometimes called "little Davis-Bacon" acts) that apply to state- and locally-funded work.

Who Must Pay Prevailing Wages?

Any contractor or subcontractor working on a covered public works project must pay the applicable prevailing wage rates. This applies to all tiers — prime contractors, subcontractors, and sub-subcontractors. The general contractor is ultimately responsible for ensuring all lower-tier contractors comply.

Davis-Bacon Act Key Requirements

• Applies to federally funded or assisted contracts over $2,000
• Workers must be paid no less than the locally prevailing wage for their craft classification
• Certified payroll (WH-347 form) must be submitted weekly
• Fringe benefits can be paid in cash or through bona fide benefit plans
• Apprentices must be registered in an approved program

GC Compliance Responsibilities

General contractors bear responsibility for prevailing wage compliance across the entire project team. This includes collecting and reviewing certified payroll reports from every subcontractor, verifying worker classifications match the wage determination, and ensuring fringe benefit calculations are correct. Non-compliance can result in back-pay liability, contract termination, and debarment from future public projects.