Definition of “Public Works”: “Public works” means construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid in whole or in part out of public funds. This can include preconstruction and post-construction activities related to a public works project.
Private residential projects built on private property may be considered public works if the projects are built pursuant to an agreement with a state agency, a redevelopment agency, a successor agency to a redevelopment agency when acting in that capacity, or a local public housing authority.
Categories of Construction Covered: Building; Highway; Residential; Heavy
Source of Funds: Prevailing wages must be paid to all workers employed on a public works project when the public works project is over $1,000. Workers employed by contractors or subcontractors in the execution of any contract for public work are deemed to be employed upon public work.
State prevailing wage rates apply to all public works contracts. Specifically, such public works projects subject to California state prevailing wage laws are (b) federally funded or assisted projects, (c) field surveying projects, (d) residential projects, (e) commercial projects, and (f) maintenance, all of which are paid for in whole or in part out of public funds.
State or Federal Wage Determination: California’s current General Prevailing Wage Determinations may be found here. The prevailing rate will be uniform throughout an area, but may differ by county.
Prevailing wage rate determinations by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations become effective ten (10) days after the determination date. All determinations will remain in effect until this expiration date, or until modified, corrected, rescinded, or superseded by the Director.
Disclaimer: This information was published on August 1, 2021. Please contact Josh Levy, Eric Meier, Samantha Schacht or Michael Schrier for modifications made by California since that date. Visit our 50-State Construction Law Map for information on other states.