Oregon prevailing wage
Oregon prevailing wage vs Davis-Bacon
Oregon 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 Oregon have a prevailing wage law?
Yes. Oregon has a state prevailing wage law (a "Little Davis-Bacon" law) covering state and local public works, with no minimum dollar threshold.
Coverage threshold
Oregon has no general dollar threshold, but major renovations are only public works if over $50,000, and any project using $750,000 or more of public funds is a public work regardless of the contracting entity.
Which governs when Davis-Bacon and Oregon 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 Oregon have a prevailing wage law in 2026?
Yes. Oregon maintains a state prevailing wage law for public works, with no minimum dollar threshold.
What is the Oregon prevailing wage coverage threshold?
Oregon sets no minimum dollar threshold — the law applies to covered public works regardless of contract value. Oregon has no general dollar threshold, but major renovations are only public works if over $50,000, and any project using $750,000 or more of public funds is a public work regardless of the contracting entity.
Does Davis-Bacon or Oregon 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