Davis-Bacon Act: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you are entitled to higher prevailing wages on federal construction projects and how to ensure you are paid fairly.
The Davis-Bacon Act is a law designed to ensure that workers on specific construction projects receive fair pay based on local standards.
Who it's for
This applies to workers employed on federal construction contracts that are valued at more than $2,000.
What you get
You are entitled to receive the prevailing wage for your specific occupation in the local area where the work is being performed. A prevailing wage is a standard pay rate determined by the local labor market for a specific type of work.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you to benefit from these protections. You only need to verify that the construction project you are working on is federally funded.
The catch to know
Many workers are unaware that they are entitled to these specific higher wages when working on government-funded jobs, which may be different from standard private-sector pay.
How to apply
- Confirm that your construction project is a federal contract worth more than $2,000.
- Check the local wage rates for your specific job type in the area where the site is located.
- Ensure your employer is paying you the correct rate for your role.
- Visit the official portal for more details: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts