Prevailing Wage for Workers

Missouri's Prevailing Wage Law establishes a minimum wage rate that must be paid to workers on public works construction projects valued at more than $75,000, such as bridges, roads, and government buildings. The prevailing wage rate differs by county and for different types of work.

Guidelines for Workers:

The Missouri Prevailing Wage Law requires that all workers working on public works projects by or on-behalf of state and local public bodies be paid the proper prevailing wage rate. Prevailing wage rates are determined by actual hours worked, for a particular occupational title (classification/trade) in each individual county throughout the state.

  1. You must be paid at least the correct prevailing wage rate for the type of work performed, regardless of your skill level.
  2. Prevailing wage rates must be posted on the project for you to see.
  3. You must be paid the total prevailing wage for all hours worked on the project site. 
  4. Pay for travel, mileage, meals or other expenses are not fringe benefits. They cannot be considered part of the prevailing wage rate. The exception occurs if there is compliance with Section 290.315 RSMo.
  5. Your employer cannot deduct for loss, theft, debts, damage, etc. without your permission.
  6. Contractors may employ one "apprentice" or "entry-level" worker for each journeyman hired and pay them 50% of the pay (including fringe benefits) of a journeyman in their same occupational title. 
  7. Make sure you receive the proper prevailing wage rate for the work you perform. Fill out your time cards daily. The time cards should include the number of hours worked in each occupational classification, the type of duties performed or equipment operated, and the time you started and ended work. Keep a personal time record, also.
  8. If you have not been paid the correct wages, you have the right to sue for double the amount owed you plus your attorney's fees.