Washington has no minimum dollar threshold for prevailing wage. All public works and maintenance contracts awarded by local governments, regardless of dollar value, must pay prevailing wages. L&I updates rates twice per year (February and August), effective 30 days after publication.
Washington has an active prevailing wage law (Washington Prevailing Wage Law (RCW 39.12)). Administered by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). 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 Washington. This includes projects funded by federal agencies, FHWA highway projects, HUD housing, and projects receiving federal grants.
Contractors face payment of back wages, civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, and debarment from public contracts. Workers may also file private lawsuits.