Two kinds of prevailing wage in Washington
Federal (Davis-Bacon). Construction contracts over $2,000 paid for or assisted with federal money pay the rates in a federal wage determination for the county and construction type. Those rates are on this site, county by county, and the weekly certified payroll is usually the WH-347.
State (Washington law). State and local public works pay the state's rates under RCW 39.12 and WAC 296-127 [RCW 39.12]. The agency is the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Prevailing Wage.
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.
Washington prevailing wage law at a glance
Which projects are covered
- Covered work includes small projects with no minimum dollar amount, such as maintenance and repairs, funded by any public dollars, direct or indirect [L&I].
- On projects of $5,000 or less, a combined Intent and Affidavit can be used [L&I].
How state rates are set
L&I updates prevailing wage rates on the first business day in February and August; they take effect 30 days after publication [L&I].
The rates in effect on the date bids are due stay in effect for the duration of the contract; if the contract is not awarded within six months, the award date applies [WAC 296-127-011]. Subcontractors use the prime contract's effective date [L&I]. Rates are set by county; work done off site uses the county where it is performed.
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.
Contractor registration
All construction contractors must register with L&I (application fee $150.20, plus a bond and liability insurance) [L&I].
Davis-Bacon wage rates by county in Washington
Select a county for its federal wage determinations by construction type (building, residential, heavy, highway), with every classification's base and fringe rate.
- Adams County
- Asotin County
- Benton County
- Chelan County
- Clallam County
- Clark County
- Columbia County
- Cowlitz County
- Douglas County
- Ferry County
- Franklin County
- Garfield County
- Grant County
- Grays Harbor County
- Island County
- Jefferson County
- King County
- Kitsap County
- Kittitas County
- Klickitat County
- Lewis County
- Lincoln County
- Mason County
- Okanogan County
- Pacific County
- Pend Oreille County
- Pierce County
- San Juan County
- Skagit County
- Skamania County
- Snohomish County
- Spokane County
- Stevens County
- Thurston County
- Wahkiakum County
- Walla Walla County
- Whatcom County
- Whitman County
- Yakima County
Federal data: SAM.gov general wage determinations, fetched October 7, 2026. For state rates, use the agency link above.
Certified payroll in Washington
Certified payroll filed online with L&I at least once a month. At least once a month, for every public works project. System: L&I Contractor Portal (My L&I).
For Washington projects LevelWage prepares the WH-347 package with the federal checks. L&I's upload format is planned and not available yet, so today you file in the L&I Contractor Portal yourself.
Read the full Washington certified payroll guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Washington prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon?
Do I file certified payroll with L&I or with the agency?
Which rates apply to my Washington project?
Where do the county rates on this page come from?
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.