New Jersey prevailing wage
New Jersey prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
New Jersey has a state prevailing wage law with a coverage threshold of $2,000 for public works contracts; a separate indexed threshold (about $16,263); and $50,000 aggregate cost for maintenance and repair. See how it interacts with federal Davis-Bacon and which rate governs when both apply.
Does New Jersey have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. New Jersey has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with a coverage threshold of $2,000 for public works contracts; a separate indexed threshold (about $16,263); and $50,000 aggregate cost for maintenance and repair.
Coverage threshold
Under New Jersey's prevailing wage law, coverage generally starts at $2,000 for public works contracts; a separate indexed threshold (about $16,263); and $50,000 aggregate cost for maintenance and repair (per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table).
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and New Jersey 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 New Jersey have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. New Jersey maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with a coverage threshold of $2,000 for public works contracts; a separate indexed threshold (about $16,263); and $50,000 aggregate cost for maintenance and repair.
What is the New Jersey prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Coverage generally begins at $2,000 for public works contracts; a separate indexed threshold (about $16,263); and $50,000 aggregate cost for maintenance and repair, per the U.S. Department of Labor's state threshold table.
Does Davis-Bacon or New Jersey 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