The short version
Certified payroll filed online with L&I at least once a month
- Law: RCW 39.12 and WAC 296-127 [RCW 39.12]
- Agency: Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Prevailing Wage
- Where: L&I Contractor Portal (My L&I)
- How often: At least once a month, for every public works project
How to file certified payroll in Washington
- File a Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wages online after the contract is awarded and before work begins ($40 filing fee) [WAC 296-127-040]. The agency cannot pay you until it is approved [L&I].
- File certified payroll "using the department of labor and industries' online system at least once per month" [RCW 39.12.120]. L&I has required this for all public works since January 1, 2020 [L&I].
- Include the state affirmation page with your payroll filings [L&I].
- After your work is complete, file an Affidavit of Wages Paid ($40 filing fee) [WAC 296-127-045].
What goes on it
Washington's certified payroll record includes each worker's full name, address, Social Security number, classification, rates, usual benefits, daily and weekly hours, gross wages, deductions and net wages [RCW 39.12.120].
Filings are online only; L&I no longer accepts paper copies of the combined forms [L&I].
Overtime
Hours over 8 in a calendar day and over 40 in a week require overtime pay; with a valid 4/10 agreement, daily overtime starts after 10 hours [L&I]. Holiday and Sunday rules are on each trade's rate sheet.
Apprentices
Only apprentices registered with the state may be paid apprentice rates; anyone else gets the journey-level rate [RCW 39.12.021].
Larger public works must use apprentices for 15 percent of labor hours. For municipalities, the threshold is $1,500,000 for projects advertised on or after July 1, 2026 [RCW 39.04.320].
Penalties for late or wrong payrolls
- False filings, or failure to file or post: $500 for each [RCW 39.12.050]. Not filing certified payroll counts as a violation [RCW 39.12.120].
- Underpayment: a penalty of at least $5,000 or 50 percent of the violation, whichever is greater, plus interest [RCW 39.12.065].
Contractor registration
All construction contractors must register with L&I (application fee $150.20, plus a bond and liability insurance) [L&I].
What changed recently
- Municipal apprenticeship utilization threshold drops to $1,500,000 for projects advertised on or after July 1, 2026 [RCW 39.04.320].
Federal projects in Washington
Washington projects with federal money can be covered by Davis-Bacon and RCW 39.12 at the same time. Then you meet both: the weekly federal certified payroll to your prime or agency, and the monthly L&I filing plus the Intent and Affidavit.
For the federal side, see how to fill out the WH-347 and the Washington Davis-Bacon rates by county.
Forms and official links
Frequently asked questions
Do I file certified payroll with L&I or with the agency?
Which rates apply to my Washington project?
Can LevelWage file my Washington payroll for me?
Sources
- RCW 39.12 (prevailing wages on public works)
- WAC 296-127
- RCW 39.04.320 (apprenticeship utilization)
- L&I: Public works, contractors and employers
- L&I: Public works, awarding agencies
- L&I: How prevailing wage rates are developed
- L&I: Register as a contractor
LevelWage prepares reports for your review. This page explains the rules in plain words; it is not legal advice. When a rule matters to a decision, read the source and your contract.