Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Calculator

On covered federal and federally assisted construction contracts, the Davis-Bacon Act requires laborers and mechanics to be paid at least the locally prevailing wage, which is a basic hourly rate plus a fringe benefit amount, as set in the applicable wage determination for the work classification and location.

The fringe benefit portion can be paid as bona fide benefits, as cash added to the basic rate, or a combination. Total prevailing compensation equals the basic hourly rate plus the fringe rate. This calculator adds both and lets you see the combined hourly package.

Overtime is generally computed at 1.5 times the basic hourly rate (not the fringe rate) for hours over 40 in a workweek under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. The fringe rate is typically paid on all hours worked, including overtime hours, without the 1.5 multiplier.

Wage determinations are published by the U.S. Department of Labor and available through the System for Award Management. Enter the basic rate and fringe rate from the determination for your classification and county as user-editable inputs.

The federal overtime trigger for covered contracts is generally 40 hours per workweek. Some contracts or state little-Davis-Bacon laws may impose different rules. Confirm the rules in your contract and wage determination.