Prevailing Wages California

California Labor Code requires that all workers employed on "public works" be paid not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages applicable to the trade or craft of their work. This is true whether a contractor or subcontractor employs the worker to perform the work required by a contract for public work.

The Labor Code defines "Public works" as all construction, alteration, demolition, installation, maintenance, or repair work done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds. This can also include pre- and post-construction activities related to a public works project.

These rates originate in the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) of the State, which makes the official announcements. These releases include a wide spectrum of prevailing wage rates, which vary according to the nature of work conducted and the geographical region of operation. These rates are subject to pre-determined and periodic increases.

These documents present the rates applicable to diverse worker classifications such as Laborers, Carpenters, Plumbers, and Operators.

Prevailing Wage Determinations

The California Labor Code (under section 1774) stipulates that the wages and fringe benefits dispensed to workers engaged in the execution of a contract must not be less than the "prescribed prevailing rates of wages." These specified rates are contained in the General Determinations and apply to the actual nature of work performed by individual workers.

Understanding the Basic Hourly Rate versus the Total Rate

General Determinations comprise both the Basic Hourly Rate and the Total Hourly Rate for each location and classification. California law mandates employers provide the Basic Hourly Rate as the minimum wage for every hour worked. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and eMars, the best payroll compliance software, can accommodate these exceptions.

The Total Hourly Rate encompasses the Basic Hourly Rate and the extra remuneration for "employer payments." These payments typically cover fringe benefits like health and welfare, vacation/holiday, apprentice training, and pension.

Employers are free to either directly pay these fringe benefits as part of wages or to acquire an offset for the "actual cost" of the benefit offered to the employee, which was funded into a bona fide health, pension, vacation, or fringe benefit plan. In either case, the total remuneration offered by the employer to the employee must align with the Total Hourly Wage stipulated by the Director in the General Determination.

View California's industry-specific wage rates on the official DIR site.

How to Determine Your Prevailing Wage Rate

The prevailing wage rates are determined by the State's Department of Industrial Relations.

The prevailing wage rates included in our published rates are determined by the geographic location and type of work being performed.

These rates are organized and published by the DIR in General Prevailing Wage Determinations. They cover various worker classifications such as Laborer, Carpenter, Plumber, Operating Engineer, Inside Wireman, Painter, Street Sweeper, Iron Worker, HVAC Repair, Cement Truck Operator, Dump Truck Operator, and more.

Please visit the DIR website to find the specific rates applicable to each craft, classification, or type of work and the geographic locality within the state.

In California, prevailing wages are typically mandated for most public works projects and their associated workers. However, there are specific exemptions to this rule. Here's a detailed breakdown of who or what qualifies for exemption:

1. Labor Compliance Program (LCP): Public projects managed by entities with their own Labor Compliance Program (LCP) are exempt from prevailing wage requirements unless construction costs exceed $25,000. The threshold for exemption for maintenance, demolition, or general assistance work is $15,000.

2. Federal Government Control: Projects that are entirely federally funded and managed are exempt from California's state prevailing wage laws. When federal funding is partial, prevailing wage requirements usually apply per state guidelines.

3. Volunteers and Non-Profits: Volunteers working for non-profits or on public projects are not required to be paid prevailing wages. Although not contracted by the awarding body, volunteers may receive reasonable accommodations without triggering prevailing wage requirements.

4. Professional Personnel: Prevailing wage laws primarily apply to trade and construction roles. Professionals outside these fields, such as architects, are generally exempt from these regulations.