| Project Type | PW Required? | Key Statute |
|---|---|---|
| State agency / public works | YES — always | RCW 39.12.020 |
| County / city / special district | YES — always | RCW 39.12.020 |
| Public school district | YES — always | RCW 39.12.020 |
| Port districts, fire districts | YES — always | RCW 39.12.020 |
| Federal contracts (Davis-Bacon) | YES — federal rates apply | 40 U.S.C. 3141 |
| Federally funded private project | YES — if federal funds used | Davis-Bacon & Related Acts |
| Private project with public subsidy | MAYBE — depends on subsidy type | RCW 39.12 + subsidy agreement |
| Tax increment financing (TIF) projects | POSSIBLY — review TIF agreement | Project-specific |
| Private project, no public funding | NO (unless contract requires) | — |
| Classification | Thurston Co. Base | King Co. Base | Fringe Benefits | Total Loaded (King Co.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Inside Wireman | $62.14/hr | $71.28/hr | ~$28–34/hr | ~$99–$105/hr |
| Apprentice — 1st period (0–700 hrs) | $24.86/hr | $28.51/hr | ~$14–18/hr | ~$43–$47/hr |
| Apprentice — 4th period (50%) | $31.07/hr | $35.64/hr | ~$18–22/hr | ~$54–$58/hr |
| Foreman (10% over JW) | $68.35/hr | $78.41/hr | ~$28–34/hr | ~$106–$112/hr |
| Rates change July 1 annually. Verify at lni.wa.gov/prevailing-wage before bidding. These figures are for estimating reference — use published L&I rates for compliance. | ||||
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Intent filing | File Statement of Intent to Pay PW before work begins ($40 fee per contractor) |
| Affidavit filing | File Affidavit of Wages Paid within 30 days of job completion ($40 fee) |
| Certified payroll | Keep for 3 years; must provide to L&I within 10 days of request |
| Apprentice ratio | Many public contracts require minimum ratio per RCW 39.04.320 |
| Posting | Post PW schedule on job site in plain sight |
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Underpaying wages | Back wages + 3x damages on repeat violation |
| Late intent/affidavit | $250/day late fee per L&I |
| False statement on affidavit | Criminal — misdemeanor RCW 39.12.050 |
| Contractor debarment | Ineligible for public contracts for 3 years |
| GC is liable for sub non-compliance — verify all subs file correctly | |
| Scenario | Labor Cost Impact | Bid Adjustment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Full prevailing wage, union shop | 0% — already at PW rates | No adjustment needed; verify fringe classification |
| Open shop, converting to PW project | +28–45% on direct labor cost | Reprice all labor at PW rates; add certified payroll admin (1–2% of labor) |
| Davis-Bacon federal project | Varies — compare DB rate to WA PW rate, use higher | Download current wage determination at sam.gov before bidding |