The legally mandated minimum wage rate for specific trades on publicly funded projects, set by federal Davis-Bacon Act or state law.
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In the Field
Prevailing wage rates are published by the Department of Labor by county and trade. GCs must post rates on-site and submit certified payrolls weekly. Non-compliance can result in debarment from public work.
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Rule of Thumb
Prevailing wage labor is typically 20–40% more expensive than open-shop labor — factor this into public project bids from day one.