π Download Prevailing Wage Determinations (PDF)
Prevailing wage determinations are the official documents that define required classifications, base rates, fringe amounts, and effective dates for a project. Downloading the correct determination is the starting point for estimating, payroll setup, and certified payroll reporting.
This page focuses on selecting and downloading the correct wage determination, not how to store it for audit.
Identify the Correct Wage Determination
Before downloading, confirm:
- Job location (state, county, city if applicable)
- Construction type (e.g., building, heavy, highway, residential)
- Funding source (federal, state, or local)
- Effective date tied to the bid or contract award
Using the wrong determination – or the wrong version – is one of the most common prevailing wage mistakes.
Download the Official PDF
Download the wage determination directly from the authoritative source (such as SAM.gov or a state agency website).
Always use the original PDF issued by the agency so the rates, classifications, and effective date are clearly documented.
Avoid copying rates into spreadsheets or summaries without keeping the original determination as the source of truth.
Use the Determination as Your Reference
The downloaded wage determination should be the reference used when:
- Building estimates
- Configuring payroll rates
- Completing certified payroll reports
All downstream work should tie back to the same determination to avoid inconsistencies.
Key Takeaway
Downloading the correct prevailing wage determination is about accuracy at the source.
Choose the right document, download the official PDF, and use it consistently throughout the job.
