PREVAILING WAGE LAW



If you are a public authority and wish this division to issue to you a determination as to the prevailing rates of wages called for by the public improvement in the locality where the work is to be performed, you may fill-out a request form on line here: Prevailing Wage Request Form.

Remember: Filling out and submitting the Prevailing Wage Request Form informs us of your project information. Print this document out for your files prior to clicking the "Submit" button on the on-line form. The current date is automatically generated by the form and is in the upper right hand corner. If you mark the "Internet" choice in the "Method of delivery" box, no mailing will be sent to you as this indicates that you have or will download the wage rates from the web site.

To gain free access to our Prevailing Wage Rate Database, click here. You must enter information requested prior to gaining access. This database is primarily for Public Authorities, Unions, Contractors, and others who are in the process of complying with Ohio's prevailing wage laws on public projects.

Access Registration for Prevailing Wage Rates.

The following information regarding Ohio's prevailing wage is supplied only as a guide. We suggest that for in-depth questions that you consult Ohio’s prevailing wage law, codified in ORC Chapter 4115: Wages And Hours On Public Works (Prevailing Wage).

Ohio’s prevailing wage law applies to construction projects undertaken by public authorities and requires that the public authorities pay the locally prevailing rate of wages to workers on the project.

Ohio’s prevailing wage rate is determined by the Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce (DOC) and is the sum of the following:

  • The basic hourly rate of pay.
  • The rate of contribution irrevocably made by a contractor or subcontractor to a trustee or third person pursuant to a fund, plan, or program.
  • The rate of costs to the contractor or subcontractor which may be reasonably anticipated in providing fringe benefits.

These rates vary from locality to locality, and are based on collective bargaining agreements.

Public authorities are required to pay the prevailing rate of wages for the locality where a construction project is being constructed. These rates apply to any new construction of any public improvement, the total overall project cost of which is fairly estimated to be more than $78,258.00. Public authorities must also pay the prevailing rate of wages on any reconstruction, enlargement, alteration, repair, remodeling, renovation, or painting of any public improvement, the total overall project cost of which is fairly estimated to be more than $23,447.00. (These so-called Prevailing Wage Threshold Levels are adjusted effective the first day of January of every even-numbered year.

Every public authority authorized to contract for or construct with its own forces a public improvement, before advertising for bids or undertaking such construction with its own forces, shall have the Department of Commerce determine the prevailing rates of wages for the classes of work called for by the public improvement in the locality where such work is to be performed. This schedule of wages is to be attached to and made a part of the specifications for the work and shall be printed on the bidding blanks when the work is done by contract. Click on this link for more information regarding the duties of Public Authorities and Prevailing Wage Coordinators.

Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. The State of Ohio disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions.