Do not use a statewide average
Prevailing-wage requirements can depend on the funding source, contract, locality, construction type, labor classification, and effective wage determination. A correct estimate begins with the wage determination incorporated into or applicable to the solicitation—not a generic wage website.
Safe estimating workflow
- Confirm whether federal, state, or local prevailing-wage requirements apply.
- Identify the correct wage determination, modification, county, construction type, and classification.
- Read both the base wage and fringe-benefit requirement.
- Review footnotes, scope, overtime, and conformance requirements.
- Enter the verified components into the estimate and retain the source record.
A fringe amount is not automatically the contractor’s complete labor burden. Payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, paid nonworking time, administration, and other costs may still require analysis. How bona fide benefit plans and cash-in-lieu payments are credited requires project-specific compliance review.
Official starting point: SAM.gov Wage Determinations. SAM.gov explains that determinations contain prevailing wages, fringe benefits, and work rules for a labor category and locality.
Do not rely on MarginJob to decide coverage, classification, conformance, credit, or certified-payroll compliance. Confirm the contract and obtain qualified guidance.