Pennsylvania's Prevailing Wage Act applies to heavy highway and building construction projects that use public funds over $25,000. Projects may not be divided into components to fall below the threshold. The Department of Labor and Industry determines prevailing wage rates.
Pennsylvania has an active prevailing wage law (Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act (Act 442 of 1961, 43 P.S. Section 165-1 et seq.)). Administered by Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Certified payroll is required. Federal Davis-Bacon applies to all federal projects.
The federal Davis-Bacon Act applies to all federally funded or federally assisted construction contracts over $2,000 in Pennsylvania. This includes projects funded by federal agencies, FHWA highway projects, HUD housing, and projects receiving federal grants.
Unintentional violations: opportunity to pay back wages. Intentional violations: debarment from public contracts for 3 years and referral to Attorney General for liquidated damages.