(650) 332-8623Prevailing Wage in Missouri: a Guide to Rules, Requirements, Rates, and More for 2025
Need to know prevailing wage rates for Missouri projects? This guide will help you find everything you need to stay compliant in 2025!
Labor laws are constantly changing. It’s the same with Missouri labor laws. It is therefore essential for business owners and leaders in the construction industry to stay informed and on top of prevailing wage requirements.
In the Show Me state, Missouri’s prevailing wage laws are essential in safeguarding fair wages for workers and establishing a level playing field for construction employers. Understanding these laws fosters a fair work environment and maintains your company’s reputation.
Whether you’re a seasoned business veteran or new to the industry, we’re here to help you understand Missouri’s prevailing wage regulations.
This in-depth and comprehensive guide explores Missouri’s prevailing wage regulations to ensure your business’s compliance and success. It covers the fundamentals of prevailing wage laws, explains their importance and calculation, and highlights the roles of enforcement agencies.
But that’s not all. You’ll also find practical advice to keep your business in line with these laws, effective time-tracking and payment strategies, and information to help you understand and apply prevailing wage requirements in your business operations.
Let’s dive right in…
Understanding Missouri Prevailing Wage Laws
RSMo Ch. 290, §§ 290.210–290.340
Missouri's Primary Prevailing Wage Law
Determining prevailing wages in Missouri is governed by RSMo Ch. 290, §§ 290.210–290.340, which establishes a clear framework for ensuring fair wages on public works construction projects.
The prevailing wage law mandates a minimum wage rate for workers on public works construction projects exceeding $75,000 in value, including infrastructure like bridges, roads, and government buildings. These rates vary by county and the type of work being performed, reflecting the diversity in living costs and labor standards across the state.
These wages are determined by data collected from Contractor’s Wage Surveys. Contractors are encouraged to voluntarily submit information about their projects, including the wages paid for different occupational titles or classifications and the number of actual hours worked.
This information enables the Division of Labor Standards to calculate prevailing wage rates accurately. These rates are then compiled into an Annual Wage Order published by July 1 each year, offering a detailed guide on prevailing wages for the forthcoming year.
This system ensures that the prevailing wage rates reflect the actual wages paid within each county, thereby maintaining fair labor practices and wage standards.
For contractors, understanding and implementing these rates is key to ensuring compliance and protecting fair competition and the local workforce.
1957
When Did Missouri's Prevailing Wage Law Take Effect?
Missouri’s Prevailing Wage Law was enacted in 1957 to establish fair compensation for workers on public works projects. The law mandates that workers employed on construction projects funded by public money be paid wages that reflect the local standards for similar work.
It was modeled after the federal Davis-Bacon Act of 1931, which sets wage standards for federally funded construction projects.
Division of Labor Standards
Division of Labor Standards is Responsible for Enforcing Prevailing Wage in Missouri
The Missouri Division of Labor Standards is responsible for enforcing the state’s prevailing wage law.
This branch of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations determines prevailing wages, ensures compliance, investigates complaints, and provides resources and guidance to workers, contractors, and public bodies to ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements.
The agency is also responsible for enforcing penalties for prevailing wage violations.
$75,000
What's the Minimum Value of Projects Covered by Prevailing Wage Laws in Missouri?
In Missouri, the Prevailing Wage Law applies to public works construction projects valued over $75,000. Any public construction project exceeding this amount must adhere to Missouri’s prevailing wage requirements.
Introduced in 2018, the threshold was part of legislative amendments to modernize the law and reduce costs for smaller public works projects.
Missouri Prevailing Wages for Common Roles
In Missouri, prevailing wage rates are determined on a per-county basis, reflecting local labor market conditions. There is no single statewide prevailing wage rate. Instead, each county has its own rates for various occupational titles.
To find the current prevailing wage rates for a specific county, refer to the Annual Wage Order issued by the Missouri Division of Labor Standards, which lists the prevailing wage rates for each county.
The following prevailing hourly rates include applicable fringe benefit amounts associated with each occupational title. However, they do not provide a detailed breakdown of the fringe benefit components.
$70.89ASBESTOS WORKER PREVAILING HOURLY RATE (PLATTE COUNTY)
This prevailing rate applies to asbestos workers working on construction, reconstruction, or major repair of public buildings, roads, and infrastructure projects in Platte County exceeding $75,000 in value.
$70.89ASBESTOS WORKER FRINGE BENEFITS (PLATTE COUNTY)
The amount of $70.89 includes both the base wage and the fringe benefits. The Annual Wage Order does not provide a detailed breakdown of these components.
$44.26BOILERMAKER PREVAILING HOURLY RATE (ST. LOUIS CITY)
The boilermaker’s prevailing hourly rate of $44.26 in St. Louis City, Missouri, represents the minimum compensation required for boilermakers working on public works projects in the city. Boilermakers are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining, and repairing boilers, tanks, and other large vessels used to store liquids or gases.
$44.26BOILERMAKER FRINGE BENEFITS (ST. LOUIS CITY)
$65.94CARPENTER PREVAILING HOURLY RATE (ST. LOUIS CITY)
The $65.94 prevailing hourly rate for a carpenter in St. Louis City, Missouri, reflects the mandated minimum compensation for public works projects. The rate specifically applies to carpenters, including specialized roles such as millwrights (who install machinery) and pile drivers (who construct foundations using heavy materials like steel and concrete).
$65.94CARPENTER FRINGE BENEFITS (ST. LOUIS CITY)
This rate includes both the base wage and fringe benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement, and other benefits). However, the specific breakdown of benefits are not provided.
$75.53ELECTRICIAN (INSIDE WIREMAN) PREVAILING HOURLY RATE (ST. LOUIS CITY)
In St. Louis City, the prevailing hourly rate for an electrician (inside wireman) is $75.53. Their primary tasks are installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems within commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
$75.53ELECTRICIAN (INSIDE WIREMAN) FRINGE BENEFITS (ST. LOUIS CITY)
This rate represents the minimum compensation mandated for this occupation on public works projects within the city. It includes the base wage and any applicable fringe benefits, ensuring workers receive fair compensation in line with local standards.
Missouri Prevailing Wage Resources
Don’t see the role you’re looking for on our list?
For more information on prevailing wage rates in Missouri, your primary source is the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR), specifically the Division of Labor Standards, which oversees Missouri’s prevailing wage laws.
Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR), Division of Labor Standards
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Typical Fringe Benefits and Calculations
Health insurance is a significant component of fringe benefits in Missouri. Employer contributions to health-related fringe benefits, such as medical insurance and hospitalization plans, ensure workers and their families get access to essential healthcare services.
Dental insurance qualifies as a fringe benefit in the state. Employers are not mandated to offer dental insurance but may include it in the total fringe benefits package to fulfill the prevailing wage requirements.
Vision insurance falls under the medical or hospital care category, which is included in the typical fringe benefits outlined in Missouri’s prevailing wage laws.
Paid Time Off is a fringe benefit under Missouri’s prevailing wage law, encompassing various employer-provided compensations beyond the base hourly wage.
The value of PTO is typically calculated based on the employee’s hourly rate, the number of PTO hours granted annually, and the total annual hours worked.
Employers in Missouri can offer paid vacation days as fringe benefits to employees, ensuring they are compensated for time off and providing financial stability even when they are not actively working.
While prevailing wage laws do not mandate employers to offer tuition reimbursement, it is a common employee benefit provided by some employers to support workers’ education and skill development.
In Missouri, bonuses are generally not considered fringe benefits under prevailing wage laws since they are discretionary and often performance-based.
Employers in Missouri can count contributions to pension or retirement plans as part of the total employee fringe benefit package. Pension contributions must be part of a recognized plan or trust and should be made regularly as part of payroll or at intervals established by the plan.
Employer contributions to a 401(k) plan qualify as a fringe benefit because they directly support the employee’s financial security after retirement. To meet the prevailing wage requirements, the value of these contributions must be consistent with the amounts outlined in the Annual Wage Order.
Employer Responsibilities in Missouri
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Adhere to prevailing wage rates in Missouri. Pay workers at least the prevailing hourly rate for their respective trade and location.
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Post a copy of the prevailing wage rates and applicable Annual Wage Order at the job site where it is accessible to all workers.
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Include prevailing wage rates in all bid specifications and contracts for public works projects.
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Maintain accurate payroll records, including names, job classifications, hours worked, and wages paid.
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After project completion, submit a certified affidavit of compliance with the public body overseeing the project to affirm that all workers were paid the prevailing wage.
Penalties for Prevailing Wage Noncompliance
Civil ActionPREVAILING WAGE LAW VIOLATION
If an employer or contractor fails to comply with prevailing wage laws, the Missouri Division of Labor Standards or affected parties may initiate a civil action.
This action can include injunctions to halt work or recover the full amount of wages owed. Employers may also be required to pay court fees and attorney costs.
Up to $500 /dayPREVAILING WAGE LAW VIOLATION
Missouri employers or contractors found guilty of willful violations of the Prevailing Wage Law face criminal fines of up to $500 per day of noncompliance.
Employers may also face up to six months of imprisonment for each day the violation continues.
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Certified Payroll and Prevailing Wages in MO
Certified payroll is critical to prevailing wage compliance in Missouri. Employers must maintain detailed payroll records confirming workers receive the prevailing hourly rate mandated by Missouri’s Annual Wage Order, which includes base wages and fringe benefits, to ensure transparency and accountability.
To comply, employers must submit certified payroll reports to the contracting public body every week. These reports include employee names, job classifications, hours worked, and wage rates and affirm that the information provided is accurate and workers have been compensated following prevailing wage requirements. This helps verify that public funds are used responsibly and contractors adhere to labor laws.
Certified payroll also plays a crucial role in identifying and preventing violations. By regularly submitting accurate reports, employers reduce the risk of penalties for noncompliance.
In addition, the transparency provided by certified payroll helps public bodies and the Missouri Division of Labor Standards monitor contractor performance and effectively enforce prevailing wage laws.
Certified payroll ensures fair compensation for workers and supports a level playing field for contractors bidding on public projects. It protects employees from wage theft, misclassification, and other exploitative practices by holding employers accountable for accurate wage payments.
Navigating Prevailing Wage Requirements in MO
Know Your Rights as a Worker
Missouri’s prevailing wage laws ensure that workers on public works projects are fairly compensated for their labor.
First, know that you have the right to be paid no less than the prevailing hourly rate for your job classification in the county where the work is performed. This prevailing hourly rate includes both a base wage and any applicable fringe benefits.
Your employer must also post the prevailing wage rates for your trade at the job site so you can easily verify the wages you are entitled to.
They must accurately classify your work to ensure you receive the correct prevailing wage rate for your job title and duties.
You can access certified payroll and request verification that you are paid the appropriate prevailing wage.
If you believe your rights under the prevailing wage law have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Division of Labor Standards. The division investigates claims and enforces compliance.
Know What to Do as an Employer
Understand the law. Familiarize yourself with Missouri’s prevailing wage laws and ensure that your projects comply to avoid penalties.
Classify your workers correctly based on their trades and the work they perform. Misclassification can lead to fines and back wages.
Submit accurate certified payroll reports: Certified payroll is required for all prevailing wage projects, and these reports must accurately reflect the wages paid to workers. Regular submission of these reports is crucial for compliance.
Attend training. The DOLIR offers training and resources to help employers understand and comply with prevailing wage laws. Taking advantage of these resources can prevent costly mistakes.
Common Prevailing Wage Challenges for Employers in Missouri
- Complexity of Laws: Prevailing wage laws can be complex and vary significantly between jurisdictions, making compliance challenging.
- Classification Errors: Misclassifying workers can lead to underpayment or overpayment, resulting in penalties or financial losses.
- Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate and detailed payroll records for compliance requires significant administrative effort.
- Ensuring Compliance Across Subcontractors: Employers are often responsible for ensuring their subcontractors comply with prevailing wage laws, adding another layer of complexity.
Prevailing Wage Solutions for Employers in Missouri
- Leverage Technology: Make sure you utilize payroll and compliance software designed for prevailing wage projects to simplify classification and record-keeping.
- Education and Training: Take the time to invest in training for staff responsible for payroll and compliance to ensure they understand prevailing wage laws and how to apply them correctly.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular internal audits of payroll practices to identify and correct any discrepancies before they become issues.
- Maintain Clear Communication with Subcontractors: Establish contracts with subcontractors that outline prevailing wage requirements and conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance.
General Best Practices for Missouri Prevailing Wages
Create a detailed checklist for prevailing wage requirements as a routine guide to maintain compliance throughout the project.
Consider hiring a prevailing wage expert or consultant to provide specialized guidance for complex projects, particularly for nuanced compliance issues like fringe benefit allocations and wage classifications.
Implement GPS and time-tracking software to monitor hours worked accurately and ensure compliance with prevailing wage requirements while minimizing errors in payroll reporting.
Keep accurate records of communications, payroll adjustments, wage determinations, and subcontractor agreements to protect against disputes or enforcement actions.
Monitor updates to the Annual Wage Order or project-specific wage determinations and adjust payroll practices immediately to reflect new rates, avoiding compliance gaps.
Offer employees clear, written summaries of how their wages, including fringe benefits, align with prevailing wage requirements. This transparency builds trust and reduces misunderstandings.
Establish a formal process for addressing and resolving wage disputes quickly and efficiently, involving workers, payroll administrators, and legal counsel if necessary.
Periodically review Missouri labor laws and attend industry webinars or training sessions to stay informed about changes in prevailing wage regulations or enforcement practices.
These practices help ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of transparency and fairness on prevailing wage projects.
Looking for other prevailing wage and state-specific labor law guides? Check out these articles:
Final Thoughts
Understanding and complying with Missouri’s prevailing wage laws are key to maintaining a fair and competitive construction industry.
These laws ensure workers on public works projects are paid wages that accurately reflect local trade standards. Adhering to these standards helps guarantee fair wages, enhancing job satisfaction while promoting a safer working environment. Compliance often includes regulations beyond wage standards, encompassing safety and working conditions.
For employers, adherence to these laws mitigates the risk of legal and financial penalties and supports a stable labor market by preventing underbidding based on lower labor costs. Compliance reduces the risk of costly legal issues associated with wage disputes and fosters a more skilled and motivated workforce – fair wages tend to contribute to higher morale and dedication among employees.
For readers interested in exploring this topic further, additional reading and exploring supplemental resources are essential. The Missouri Department of Labor’s website offers a wealth of information, including detailed guidance on compliance, FAQs, and resources for workers and employers.
You can also check out our helpful resources for employers and employees, including detailed guides on labor laws in Missouri and other states in the U.S.
Missouri’s construction industry can continue to thrive by prioritizing compliance with prevailing wage laws, all supported by a solid foundation of fair labor practices and equitable competition throughout the Show-Me state.
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Missouri’s Prevailing Wage Law mandates a minimum wage rate for workers engaged in public works projects valued at over $75,000. This law applies to a variety of construction projects, including but not limited to bridges, roads, and government buildings.
The law is designed to ensure that workers are compensated fairly according to local labor market conditions and is enforced by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR).
In Missouri, prevailing wage rates are established through a systematic process overseen by the Division of Labor Standards (DLS) within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR).
Contractor Wage Surveys: The DLS collects data from contractors through voluntary wage surveys. These surveys report the actual wages paid for various occupational titles on public works projects. Contractors must submit information about hours worked and wages paid for different labor classifications.
Historical Data Review: If no recent wage data is available for a specific occupational title, the DLS reviews data from the previous six years to establish a prevailing wage based on historical trends.
Occupational Titles: The prevailing wage is calculated for specific occupational titles based on the number of hours worked at each wage rate reported. The most frequently reported wage becomes the prevailing wage for that title in each county.
Fringe Benefits: The prevailing wage rate includes not just the base hourly wage but also fringe benefits, which encompass contributions to health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. This ensures that workers receive comprehensive compensation that reflects their total remuneration.
The DLS publishes an Annual Wage Order each year by July 1, which lists the prevailing wage rates for public construction projects across all counties. This order serves as a guideline for contractors and public bodies to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws.
Missouri’s prevailing wage laws impose strict penalties on contractors and public bodies that fail to comply with wage requirements.
Monetary Penalties
Daily Fines: Contractors found to be in violation of the prevailing wage law face fines of $100 per day per worker for each instance of underpayment. This penalty increases for subsequent offenses, reaching $150 per day for a second offense and $200 per day for third and subsequent offenses.
Legal Consequences
Criminal Charges: Willful violations can lead to criminal charges against contractors, which may result in fines of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense, potentially leading to multiple charges.
Debarment
Contractors convicted of violating the prevailing wage laws may be placed on a debarment list, which prohibits them from contracting with any public body for public works projects. Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, the duration of debarment can be up to three years.
Remedies for Workers
Workers who are underpaid can sue their employers. If successful, they may recover double the amount owed, plus attorney’s fees and interest on the unpaid wages.
Enforcement Actions
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) is authorized to investigate complaints of violations. Upon finding a violation, DOLIR notifies the employer, who has 45 days to dispute the findings before penalties are enforced.
Non-compliance with Missouri’s prevailing wage laws can result in significant financial penalties, legal repercussions, and restrictions on future contracting opportunities. Contractors must adhere strictly to these regulations to avoid such consequences and ensure fair compensation for workers on public projects.
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) offers various resources to assist employers in understanding and complying with prevailing wage laws. These resources are designed to ensure that contractors adhere to legal requirements and maintain fair labor practices. Here are the key resources available:
Annual Wage Order
DOLIR publishes an Annual Wage Order that lists the prevailing wage rates for different occupational classifications across various counties in Missouri. This document is crucial for contractors to determine the correct wage rates applicable to their projects.
Guidelines and Regulations
Detailed guidelines outlining the prevailing wage laws, including how wages are calculated and reported, are available on the DOLIR website. This information helps employers understand their obligations and the processes involved in compliance.
Wage Surveys
DOLIR provides instructions on how to conduct and submit Contractor’s Wage Surveys. These surveys allow employers to report wages paid, which contribute to determining prevailing wage rates for future projects.
Certified Payroll Reporting
Employers can access resources related to Certified Payroll Reporting, which is mandatory for contractors on public works projects. This includes templates and instructions on how to properly complete and submit payroll records.
Complaint Filing Procedures
DOLIR offers a process for filing complaints regarding potential violations of prevailing wage laws. Employers can learn how to report underpayment or other compliance issues, ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
Training and Workshops
The department occasionally conducts training sessions and workshops to educate employers about prevailing wage laws, compliance requirements, and best practices for record-keeping.
Online Resources
DOLIR maintains a comprehensive website that includes FAQs, contact information for assistance, and downloadable forms related to prevailing wage compliance, making it easier for employers to find necessary information quickly.
These resources provided by DOLIR play a crucial role in helping employers navigate the complexities of Missouri’s prevailing wage laws, ensuring compliance while promoting fair labor standards in public works projects. Regular consultation of these resources is recommended for ongoing compliance and understanding of any updates or changes in legislation.
Employers can access the Annual Wage Order directory on the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) website by following these steps:
- Go to the official DOLIR website, specifically the section dedicated to prevailing wage information.
- Look for the Prevailing Wage tab or section on the homepage. This area contains resources related to prevailing wage laws, including wage rates and guidelines.
- Within the prevailing wage section, locate the link or reference to the Annual Wage Order. This document lists the prevailing wage rates for various occupational classifications across different counties in Missouri.
- The Annual Wage Order is typically available as a downloadable PDF or an online document that can be viewed directly on the website. Employers can download this document for their records or reference.
- If assistance is needed, employers can reach out to DOLIR directly for any questions regarding accessing the Annual Wage Order or other compliance-related inquiries.
By following these steps, employers can easily access and utilize the Annual Wage Order directory to ensure compliance with Missouri’s prevailing wage laws. This helps them maintain fair labor practices on public works projects. Regular consultation of this resource is recommended to stay updated on any changes in wage rates or regulations.
