Prevailing Wage
California and Federal Prevailing Wage Information
California
Public Works / Construction Projects
In California, prevailing wage laws and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) play an essential role in ensuring fair compensation for workers involved in public works projects. These rates are
determined based on various factors such as location, type of work, and job classification.
For some government contracts in CA, agencies require contractors to provide proof of CA DIR registration. Public works contractors can register or renew for one, two, or three fiscal years (July 1-June 30) for a fee of $400, $800 or $1,200
https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Contractor-Registration.html
Prevailing wage rates can differ across counties and can change periodically, so it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Here’s a brief explanation of each:
- Prevailing Wage: Prevailing wage is a term used to describe the hourly wage, benefits, and overtime paid to the majority of workers within a particular area, employed on projects funded by the government. In California, prevailing wage laws require that contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects pay their employees at least the prevailing wage rate. The intent behind these laws is to ensure that government-funded projects do not drive down local wages and to promote fair competition among contractors.
- Prevailing wage rates are determined by the Director of the DIR and are based on data collected from surveys of wages paid to workers in similar trades and geographic areas. The rates vary depending on the type of work being performed, the location of the project, and the specific trade or classification of the worker.
- Department of Industrial Relations (DIR): The DIR is a state agency in California that is responsible for enforcing labor laws, including prevailing wage requirements. The DIR’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) oversees the enforcement of prevailing wage laws on public works projects.
- Prevailing wage is the hourly wage, including benefits and overtime, paid to the majority of workers within a particular area for a specific type of work. In government contracting, prevailing wage laws ensure that contractors and subcontractors pay their employees at least the prevailing wage rate set by the government for public works projects.
To find the list of hourly rates for professional services in California, you can refer to the DIR’s website, specifically their Prevailing Wage Determinations page, which provides the prevailing wage rates for various job classifications:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/PWD
Here are the steps to access the prevailing wage rates for professional services:
- Go to the above-mentioned link.
- Click on the “Search for an Active Determination” button.
- Select the appropriate determination period (for instance, “2022-1” or “2022-2”).
- Choose the desired county from the dropdown list.
- Select the craft or type of worker classification for which you want to find the prevailing wage rate (e.g., architect, engineer, surveyor, etc.).
- Click “Search.”
You will then see the prevailing wage rate for the selected professional service in the specified county.
Keep in mind that this information is subject to change, so always refer to the latest determinations on the DIR website before entering into contracts or submitting bids for government projects. Additionally, be aware of any federal prevailing wage requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act if the project is federally funded or connected to federal funding.
Federal
Federal prevailing wages are the minimum hourly wages, including benefits and overtime, that contractors and subcontractors must pay to their employees working on certain federally-funded or federally-assisted construction projects. These wages are determined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and are based on the wages paid to workers in similar trades within a specific geographic area.
The primary federal law governing prevailing wages is the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to contracts for construction, alteration, or repair work in excess of $2,000, where the United States or the District of Columbia is a party. The act aims to ensure fair compensation for workers and prevent the exploitation of labor on government-funded projects.
Here is an overview of how federal prevailing wages work:
Wage Determinations: The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) establishes prevailing wage rates for various job classifications in the construction industry. These wage rates are called wage determinations and are based on surveys conducted by the DOL in specific geographic areas. Wage determinations are published on the DOL’s website and can be accessed through the Wage Determinations Online (WDOL) system: https://sam.gov/content/wage-determinations
IMPORTANT STEP – Choose one, then apply filters on the left side of the page.
- For Construction Contracts, select Construction DBA then select the State, County / City.
- For Service Contracts, select Service Contracts SCA then select the State, County / City.
Contract Requirements: Contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act must include a provision specifying the prevailing wage rates for the project. Contractors and subcontractors are required to pay their employees at least the prevailing wage rates established by the DOL for each job classification.
Compliance and Enforcement: Contractors and subcontractors must maintain payroll records for their employees, demonstrating compliance with prevailing wage requirements. The DOL is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and has the authority to investigate potential violations. Penalties for non-compliance can include contract termination, withholding of payments, and debarment from future federal contracts.
Related Acts: In addition to the Davis-Bacon Act, other federal laws also address prevailing wage requirements for different types of projects. For example, the Service Contract Act (SCA) establishes prevailing wage rates for employees working on federal service contracts, while the Davis-Bacon Related Acts (DBRA) extend prevailing wage requirements to certain federally-assisted construction projects.
It is important for contractors and subcontractors to familiarize themselves with the specific prevailing wage requirements that apply to their projects, as these requirements can vary depending on the nature of the project and the source of its funding.