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Rhode Island's prevailing wage program, administered by the Department of Labor and Training (DLT), requires that workers on covered public works construction contracts be paid the prevailing wage for their trade classification; rates are published and enforced by the DLT at dlt.ri.gov. — Source: Rhode Island DLT — Prevailing Wage

Rhode Island public works

Rhode Island Prevailing Wage Guide

Rhode Island's prevailing wage program covers public works construction contracts funded by state or local government. The Department of Labor and Training publishes trade-specific wage rates. This guide explains how to confirm coverage, find the correct rate, and apply the overtime formula.

Trade rates not shown here: Prevailing wage rates are published per trade and project type by the RI Department of Labor and Training. Always obtain the current wage determination from the DLT before beginning work.

Is your project covered?

Rhode Island's prevailing wage requirement applies to public works construction contracts funded by state, county, or municipal money. Coverage depends on the funding source, project type, and contract value. Verify coverage for a specific project with the RI DLT prevailing wage unit.

How to find the correct rate

  1. Identify the trade classification for each worker.
  2. Identify the project type and location.
  3. Obtain the current wage determination from the RI DLT prevailing wage page.
  4. Confirm the determination's effective date matches the period of work.

Overtime calculation formula

Rhode Island prevailing wage overtime is calculated at 1.5 times the base trade rate plus the full fringe benefit amount at straight time. The specific overtime rate for each trade is stated in the DLT wage determination.

Prevailing wage overtime formula

OT pay = (base rate × 1.5) + fringe rate Example: base $40/hr, fringe $16/hr OT pay = ($40 × 1.5) + $16 = $60 + $16 = $76/hr

What this does not determine

Sources and verification

Rules are drawn from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training prevailing wage page. Actual rates must be obtained directly from the DLT. The DLT also handles prevailing wage complaints and enforcement.