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Maryland's prevailing wage law applies to public works construction contracts of $250,000 or more where at least 25% of the funding comes from state sources; rates are published by the Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) per trade and county. — Source: Maryland DLLR — Prevailing Wage

Maryland public works

Maryland Prevailing Wage Guide

Maryland's prevailing wage law covers public works construction contracts worth $250,000 or more that receive at least 25% state funding. Trade-specific rates are published by the Maryland Department of Labor. This guide explains the coverage thresholds, how to find the correct rate, and how overtime is calculated.

Trade rates not shown here: Prevailing wage rates are published per trade, classification, and county by the Maryland Department of Labor. Always obtain the current wage determination from the Maryland DLLR before beginning work.

Coverage decision guide

Maryland's prevailing wage law (Labor and Employment Article, Title 17) applies when ALL of the following are true:

If any of these conditions is not met, state prevailing wage does not apply (though Davis-Bacon federal prevailing wage may apply if federal funds are involved). Verify coverage for each specific project at labor.maryland.gov/labor/prevwage/.

How to find the correct rate

  1. Identify the county where work will be performed.
  2. Identify the trade classification (carpenter, electrician, ironworker, laborer, etc.).
  3. Access the current wage determination from the Maryland DLLR prevailing wage page.
  4. Confirm the determination's effective dates match the period of work.

Overtime calculation formula

Maryland prevailing wage overtime is calculated at 1.5 times the base trade rate plus the full fringe benefit amount at straight time. Fringes cover health insurance, pension contributions, vacation, and other benefits as specified in the wage determination.

Prevailing wage overtime formula

OT pay = (base rate × 1.5) + fringe rate Example: base $42/hr, fringe $18/hr OT pay = ($42 × 1.5) + $18 = $63 + $18 = $81/hr

What this does not determine

Sources and verification

Rules are drawn from Maryland Labor and Employment Article, Title 17, and the Maryland DLLR prevailing wage page. Actual rates must be obtained directly from the Maryland Department of Labor.