Funding trigger
Does Federal-aid highway funding trigger Davis-Bacon prevailing wage?
Yes. Construction on the federal-aid highway system is covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages by statute.
Short answer
Yes. Construction on the federal-aid highway system is covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages by statute.
How the requirement attaches
Title 23 of the U.S. Code requires that contractors and subcontractors on federal-aid highway projects pay laborers and mechanics no less than the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates for the locality.
Bid-file implication
Price to the highway wage determination incorporated into the state DOT contract and file certified payroll.
Guardrail
This page is an estimator aid, not an official determination. Confirm the wage determination incorporated into the specific contract, and any state schedule named by the owner, before submitting a bid.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Federal-aid highway funding require Davis-Bacon prevailing wages?
Yes. Construction on the federal-aid highway system is covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages by statute.
What happens when both federal and state prevailing wage apply?
When a project is covered by both the federal Davis-Bacon wage determination and a state prevailing wage schedule, the contractor generally must pay the higher of the two total hourly obligations for each classification.
Do I still need certified payroll?
Yes. Covered contractors and subcontractors must submit weekly certified payroll showing the classifications and rates paid.
Official sources