Prevailing Wage Overview

The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts require all contractors and subcontractors performing work on federally-funded construction projects in excess of $2,000 to pay their laborers and mechanics not less than the prevailing wage rate (as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor) for corresponding classes of laborers and mechanics employed on similar projects in the area.

The City Ordinance requires all contractors and subcontractors performing work on city-funded (or state funded) construction projects in excess of $25,000 to pay their laborers and mechanics not less than the prevailing wage rate (as determined by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry) for corresponding classes of laborers and mechanics employed on similar projects in the area.

City of Saint Paul construction projects using State of Minnesota funds (ex., DEED, MHFA, Met Council), may also require complying with state prevailing wage laws and requirements.  

Pursuant to Chapter 185 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Section 82.07 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code, Section 5200 of the Minnesota Administrative Rules, Minnesota Statutes Section 175.171, and the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts the City of Saint Paul has the authority to monitor contractor’s compliance with local, state, and/or federal prevailing wage laws on publicly-funded construction projects in Saint Paul. 

Prevailing Wage Complaints

Prevailing wage complaints related to labor standards are processed through the Prevailing Wage Unit. If you worked on a City of Saint Paul construction project and do not believe you were paid the prevailing wage rate, please call 651-266-8966 and ask to speak with a Prevailing Wage team member. 

Salarios Prevalecientes:  Derecho de los Empleados para Saber video en Espanol. 

If prevailing wage requirements apply, contractors must:

  • Certify and electronically submit weekly payroll via LCPTracker showing payment of prevailing wages;
  • Ensure all subcontractors submit certified payroll;
  • Ensure required prevailing wage contract language is incorporated into all contracts with subcontractors and any lower-tier subcontractors.
  • Post the applicable prevailing wage decision and Notice to All Employees poster(s) in a highly visible and protected location at the project site.
  • Submit and keep current the identification of the prime contractor and any subcontractors working on the project.
  • Submit a Contractor Profile form for all contractors that are performing on-site construction.
  • Provide proof that apprentice(s) are registered in approved programs. See Apprenticeship Guidelines.
  • Permit City of Saint Paul compliance officers access to employees when conducting on-site employee interviews.
  • Payroll records must be kept for a period of 3 years.

Prevailing Wage Documents

Prevailing wage Resources 

U.S. Department of Labor 

State of Minnesota

Living Wage

Recipients of contracts of $100,000 or more may be required to pay employees Living Wages - (Saint Paul Administrative Code, Title IV, Chapter 98)

Last Edited: October 3, 2024