Maryland prevailing wage
Maryland prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
Maryland has a state prevailing wage law with a coverage threshold of $250,000, with state-funding criteria. See how it interacts with federal Davis-Bacon and which rate governs when both apply.
Does Maryland have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. Maryland has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with a coverage threshold of $250,000, with state-funding criteria.
Coverage threshold
Under Maryland's prevailing wage law, coverage generally starts at $250,000, with state-funding criteria (per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table). Applies at $250,000 when either (1) the contracting public body is a unit or instrumentality of the State and there is any State funding, or (2) the contracting public body is a political subdivision and the State funds 25% or more of the project.
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and Maryland 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 Maryland have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. Maryland maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with a coverage threshold of $250,000, with state-funding criteria.
What is the Maryland prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Coverage generally begins at $250,000, with state-funding criteria. Applies at $250,000 when either (1) the contracting public body is a unit or instrumentality of the State and there is any State funding, or (2) the contracting public body is a political subdivision and the State funds 25% or more of the project.
Does Davis-Bacon or Maryland 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