Do I need certified payroll for a federal job?

Yes. For Davis-Bacon covered contracts, you must submit weekly certified payroll (Form WH-347) with a signed Statement of Compliance. This applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors.

What is the difference between base rate and fringe?

The base rate is the hourly cash wage. The fringe is benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement). The total prevailing wage is base + fringe. You can pay it as all cash, all benefits, or a mix.

What does a * in the fringe column mean?

A '*' means the fringe rate is defined in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or other source—not zero. You must obtain the actual rate from the CBA; the WD alone doesn’t show it.

How often do wage determinations change?

Wage determinations (WDs) are updated periodically, sometimes annually. Always use the WD revision number specified in your contract—even if newer versions exist.

Which wage determination applies to my job?

Use the WD incorporated into your contract. It’s based on the project’s location (usually county) and construction type (e.g., building, highway). Check the contract or ask the awarding agency.

Do these federal rates replace my state's prevailing wage?

No. Federal Davis-Bacon rates apply only to federally funded projects. State prevailing wage laws may still apply to other work. Always check both requirements.

Texas Davis-Bacon prevailing wages

Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wages apply to contractors and subcontractors on federally funded construction projects in Texas, which often include highway and heavy-civil work. These rates vary by county and construction type, such as building, residential, heavy, or highway. For example, a project in Harris County will have different rates than one in Travis County, and highway work will differ from residential construction.

Texas also has its own prevailing-wage requirement for state and local public works projects, governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 2258. However, these rates are set locally by each governmental body and are not part of the federal Davis-Bacon system. PrevailMap focuses exclusively on federal wage determinations, so contractors working on federal projects in Texas should rely on these rates, not local schedules.

To find the correct federal wage determination, identify the county where the project is located and the type of construction. For instance, a highway project in Houston will use Harris County’s federal heavy or highway determination. Once you have the rates, ensure compliance by submitting weekly certified payrolls (Form WH-347) with a signed statement of compliance. Always verify the rates against the wage determination attached to your federal contract.

New to Davis-Bacon? How federal prevailing wage works →

Determinations: 290
Counties covered: 254
Construction types: 4
Rates last verified: August 13, 2026

Cached daily from SAM.gov: Building 172 · Residential 51 · Heavy 54 · Highway 13

290 current determinations, grouped by construction type. Each link is one wage determination and the counties it covers.

Building construction

Residential construction

Heavy construction

Highway construction

Davis-Bacon prevailing wage: common questions

Do I need certified payroll for a federal job?: Yes. For Davis-Bacon covered contracts, you must submit weekly certified payroll (Form WH-347) with a signed Statement of Compliance. This applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors.
What is the difference between base rate and fringe?: The base rate is the hourly cash wage. The fringe is benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement). The total prevailing wage is base + fringe. You can pay it as all cash, all benefits, or a mix.
What does a * in the fringe column mean?: A '*' means the fringe rate is defined in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or other source—not zero. You must obtain the actual rate from the CBA; the WD alone doesn’t show it.
How often do wage determinations change?: Wage determinations (WDs) are updated periodically, sometimes annually. Always use the WD revision number specified in your contract—even if newer versions exist.
Which wage determination applies to my job?: Use the WD incorporated into your contract. It’s based on the project’s location (usually county) and construction type (e.g., building, highway). Check the contract or ask the awarding agency.
Do these federal rates replace my state's prevailing wage?: No. Federal Davis-Bacon rates apply only to federally funded projects. State prevailing wage laws may still apply to other work. Always check both requirements.