California prevailing wage
California prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
California has a state prevailing wage law with a coverage threshold of $1,000. See how it interacts with federal Davis-Bacon and which rate governs when both apply.
Does California have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. California has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with a coverage threshold of $1,000.
Coverage threshold
Under California's prevailing wage law, coverage generally starts at $1,000 (per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table).
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and California prevailing wage both apply
Neither law cancels the other. On a project covered by both federal Davis-Bacon (through federal funding or a Davis-Bacon Related Act) and the state prevailing wage law, the contractor must pay, for each labor classification, the higher of the federal Davis-Bacon rate and the state prevailing wage rate. Track both schedules and price the higher total hourly obligation.
Guardrail
This page is an estimator aid, not an official determination. Confirm the wage determination incorporated into the contract and any state schedule named by the owner before submitting a bid.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does California have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. California maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with a coverage threshold of $1,000.
What is the California prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Coverage generally begins at $1,000, per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table.
Does Davis-Bacon or California prevailing wage govern when both apply?
Neither law cancels the other. On a project covered by both federal Davis-Bacon (through federal funding or a Davis-Bacon Related Act) and the state prevailing wage law, the contractor must pay, for each labor classification, the higher of the federal Davis-Bacon rate and the state prevailing wage rate. Track both schedules and price the higher total hourly obligation.
Official sources