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Tennessee Prevailing Wage

Tennessee's Prevailing Wage Act is limited in scope — it applies only to state-funded highway, road, and bridge construction projects. It does not cover building construction or other public works. The Prevailing Wage Commission determines rates annually.

Tennessee has an active prevailing wage law (Tennessee Prevailing Wage Act (TCA 12-4-401 to 12-4-415)). Administered by Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Prevailing Wage Commission. Certified payroll is required. Federal Davis-Bacon applies to all federal projects.

State Law Details

Law
Tennessee Prevailing Wage Act (TCA 12-4-401 to 12-4-415)
Agency
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Prevailing Wage Commission
Thresholds
State-funded highway, road, and bridge construction projects (no general building coverage)
Certified Payroll
Required

Federal Davis-Bacon Coverage

The federal Davis-Bacon Act applies to all federally funded or federally assisted construction contracts over $2,000 in Tennessee. This includes projects funded by federal agencies, FHWA highway projects, HUD housing, and projects receiving federal grants.

  • Threshold: $2,000 for federal contracts
  • Certified payroll (WH-347) required weekly
  • Wage determinations via SAM.gov
Search Federal Wage Determinations

Key Facts

  • Coverage limited to state-funded highway, road, and bridge construction only
  • Does not apply to building construction or other public works
  • Prevailing Wage Commission determines rates annually through wage surveys
  • One of the narrowest prevailing wage laws in the nation
  • Enacted in 1975; scope has remained limited to transportation projects

Penalties

Contractors who violate the Act may face debarment from state highway contracts and be required to pay back wages to affected workers.

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