What is prevailing wage?

Prevailing wage is a pay level set by the government that is usually equivalent to union wages.  Employers must pay the prevailing wage for work done on a project that is supported by government funding.  For example, highway construction and school building work would generally qualify for prevailing wage because the government is paying for the projects. 

The federal government and Illinois both have prevailing wage requirements.   Iowa doesn’t but the federal prevailing wage law applies when federal money funds a project in Iowa.  For example, the federally set prevailing wage for a brick layer doing work on a government funded project in Iowa would be $24.67 plus $11.45 for fringe benefits.   Carpenters must be paid $24.97 per hour plus fringe benefit allowance of $12.90 when the federal government is paying for the project.  

The law also requires paid holidays.  

Illinois has its own prevailing wage law so that applies when the state contributed financing to a public works project.   Federal law applies in Illinois to when federal money is involved.  

Here are prevailing wage rates for Rock Island County. Iowa doesn't have specific prevailing wage rates but Iowa workers are entitled to federal prevailing wage rates.   

If you think you should be paid prevailing wage and are not, give us a call.  

Contact us with your questions about prevailing wage.

O'Brien & Marquard, P.L.C. will assert your rights against your employer. Call our Davenport, Iowa office at 563-265-2392 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.