Colorado prevailing wage
Colorado prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
Colorado has a state prevailing wage law with a coverage threshold of $500,000 for state-funded public projects. See how it interacts with federal Davis-Bacon and which rate governs when both apply.
Does Colorado have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. Colorado has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with a coverage threshold of $500,000 for state-funded public projects.
Coverage threshold
Under Colorado's prevailing wage law, coverage generally starts at $500,000 for state-funded public projects (per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table). Colorado enacted its prevailing wage law in 2019 (effective 2021). The $500,000 threshold does not apply to Colorado Department of Transportation projects; CDOT must pay Davis-Bacon Act rates on any public project regardless of amount or funding source.
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and Colorado 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 Colorado have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. Colorado maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with a coverage threshold of $500,000 for state-funded public projects.
What is the Colorado prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Coverage generally begins at $500,000 for state-funded public projects. Colorado enacted its prevailing wage law in 2019 (effective 2021). The $500,000 threshold does not apply to Colorado Department of Transportation projects; CDOT must pay Davis-Bacon Act rates on any public project regardless of amount or funding source.
Does Davis-Bacon or Colorado 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