Massachusetts prevailing wage
Massachusetts prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
Massachusetts has a state prevailing wage law with no minimum dollar threshold. See how it interacts with federal Davis-Bacon and which rate governs when both apply.
Does Massachusetts have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. Massachusetts has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with no minimum dollar threshold.
Coverage threshold
Massachusetts has no minimum dollar threshold — its prevailing wage law applies to covered public construction regardless of contract value.
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. Massachusetts maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with no minimum dollar threshold.
What is the Massachusetts prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Massachusetts sets no minimum dollar threshold — the law applies to covered public works regardless of contract value. Massachusetts has no minimum dollar threshold — its prevailing wage law applies to covered public construction regardless of contract value.
Does Davis-Bacon or Massachusetts 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