Prevailing wage rates in Fayette County, KY
Davis-Bacon rates as of May 18, 2026, in the Lexington-Fayette, KY BLS area
Electricians on federal building jobs in Fayette County must be paid at least $40.96 an hour plus $22.44 an hour in fringe benefits (KY20260090, modification 2, published May 18, 2026). Fayette County has 4 active determinations covering building, residential, highway and heavy construction; every rate is below.
Prevailing rate vs. market pay
The Davis-Bacon package (rate plus fringe) across the county's determinations, beside what the trade earns in the area according to the BLS (May 2025 median hourly wage for the metro).
| Trade | Davis-Bacon package | BLS median |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $15.70 – $70.50 | $27.56 an hour |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | $62.66 – $70.70 | $29.75 an hour |
| Carpenters | $14.56 – $57.95 | $25.01 an hour |
| Power equipment operators | $23.29 – $61.58 | $28.15 an hour |
| Ironworkers | $59.78 – $71.29 | $30.77 an hour |
| Roofers | $14.28 – $54.32 | $22.42 an hour |
Building construction
Determination KY20260090, modification 2, published May 18, 2026. 34 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $40.96 | $22.44 | $63.40 | Union |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER | $41.00 | $21.66 | $62.66 | Union |
| PIPEFITTER (INCLUDES HVAC PIPE AND UNIT INSTALLATION) | $41.00 | $21.66 | $62.66 | Union |
| SPRINKLER FITTER | $44.15 | $26.08 | $70.23 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER (ACOUSTICAL CEILING INSTALLATION, DRYWALL… | $32.25 | $18.09 | $50.34 | Union |
| CARPENTER, EXCLUDES ACOUSTICAL CEILING INSTALLATION, DRYWALL… | $20.34 | $8.58 | $28.92 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER (COMMON OR GENERAL) | $28.13 | $17.38 | $45.51 | Union |
| LABORER: POWER TOOL OPERATOR | $31.35 | $23.18 | $54.53 | Union |
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $20.36 | $9.90 | $30.26 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (DRILL) | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADER | $40.65 | $19.60 | $60.25 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFT | $41.98 | $19.60 | $61.58 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (OILER) | $34.99 | $19.60 | $54.59 | Union |
| OPERATOR: ROLLER | $23.60 | $12.65 | $36.25 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: PAVER(ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE) | $22.52 | $4.00 | $26.52 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $19.69 | $4.71 | $24.40 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $24.60 | $12.65 | $37.25 | Survey |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER: STRUCTURAL AND ORNAMENTAL | $36.17 | $25.80 | $61.97 | Union |
| Sheet metal workers | ||||
| SHEET METAL WORKER (INCLUDES HVAC DUCT INSTALLATION) | $33.53 | $26.71 | $60.24 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER: SPRAY | $22.81 | $11.87 | $34.68 | Survey |
| PAINTER (BRUSH AND ROLLER) | $25.14 | $11.29 | $36.43 | Survey |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER | $34.38 | $19.94 | $54.32 | Union |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER | $33.60 | $16.05 | $49.65 | Union |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $35.00 | $17.13 | $52.13 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK | $13.56 | $0.00 | $13.56 | Survey |
Every other classification (9)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST INSULATOR | $30.00 | $20.89 | $50.89 | Union |
| BOILERMAKER | $43.85 | $28.44 | $72.29 | Union |
| MILLWRIGHT | $35.54 | $29.13 | $64.67 | Union |
| ELEVATOR MECHANICPAID HOLIDAYS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, AND CHRISTMAS DAY. B. EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTES 8% OF REGULAR HOURLY RATE TO VACATIO… | $56.57 | $38.44 | $95.01 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANECRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $.75 ABOVE THE WAGE RATE. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE THE WAGE, REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTH | $41.98 | $19.60 | $61.58 | Union |
| GLAZIER | $31.95 | $16.65 | $48.60 | Union |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER - CEMENT/CONCRETE | $24.13 | $0.00 | $24.13 | Survey |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER - BRICK | $18.91 | $0.00 | $18.91 | Survey |
| IRONWORKER, REINFORCING | $28.38 | $16.89 | $45.27 | Survey |
Rate and fringe are per hour unless a row says per day. Total is the rate plus the fringe. Union rows come from a collective bargaining agreement; survey rows from a Department of Labor wage survey, which can be years old.
Residential construction
Determination KY20260008, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 17 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $15.70 | $0.00 | $15.70 | Survey |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER | $41.00 | $21.66 | $62.66 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER | $14.56 | $0.00 | $14.56 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: GRADE CHECKER | $15.16 | $4.63 | $19.79 | Survey |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $10.83 | $0.00 | $10.83 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| OPERATOR: ROLLER | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE | $21.50 | $1.79 | $23.29 | Survey |
| Sheet metal workers | ||||
| SHEET METAL WORKER | $40.32 | $25.66 | $65.98 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER: BRUSH AND ROLLER | $10.00 | $0.00 | $10.00 | Survey |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER: SHAKE & SHINGLE ROOF | $14.28 | $0.00 | $14.28 | Survey |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER | $13.89 | $0.00 | $13.89 | Survey |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $16.00 | $0.00 | $16.00 | Survey |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK | $14.00 | $1.63 | $15.63 | Survey |
Every other classification (3)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (ALL OTHER TYPES), TRUCK CRANE…CRANE WITH BOOM 150 FEET & OVER, INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE RATE ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $.50 ABOVE RATE REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTH | $34.60 | $17.85 | $52.45 | Union |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER - CEMENT/CONCRETE | $12.10 | $0.00 | $12.10 | Survey |
| DRYWALL FINISHER/TAPER | $16.00 | $0.00 | $16.00 | Survey |
Rate and fringe are per hour unless a row says per day. Total is the rate plus the fringe. Union rows come from a collective bargaining agreement; survey rows from a Department of Labor wage survey, which can be years old.
Highway construction
Determination KY20260038, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 56 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN (BRACKEN, GALLATIN AND GRANT COUNTIES) | $38.05 | $22.97 | $61.02 | Union |
| ELECTRICIAN: WIREMEN (BOYD, CARTER, ELLIOT & ROWAN COUNTIES) | $41.15 | $29.35 | $70.50 | Union |
| ELECTRICIAN (ANDERSON, BATH, BOURBON, BOYLE, BRECKINRIDGE… | $40.96 | $22.44 | $63.40 | Union |
| ELECTRICIAN (FLEMING, GREENUP, LEWIS & MASON COUNTIES) | $37.00 | $22.26 | $59.26 | Union |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER AND STEAMFITTER (BOYD, CARTER, ELLIOTT, GREENUP, LEWIS… | $42.75 | $25.76 | $68.51 | Union |
| PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS (BRACKEN, CARROLL (EASTERN HALF)… | $43.30 | $27.40 | $70.70 | Union |
| PLUMBER (BRECKINRIDGE, BULLITT, CARROLL (WESTERN HALF)… | $41.90 | $24.89 | $66.79 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER | $33.89 | $24.06 | $57.95 | Union |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORERS: GROUP 4 | $27.77 | $19.66 | $47.43 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 3 | $27.17 | $19.66 | $46.83 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 2 | $27.12 | $19.66 | $46.78 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 4 | $27.77 | $19.66 | $47.43 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 3 | $27.17 | $19.66 | $46.83 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 2 | $27.12 | $19.66 | $46.78 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 4 | $27.77 | $19.66 | $47.43 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 3 | $27.17 | $19.66 | $46.83 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 2 | $27.12 | $19.66 | $46.78 | Union |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER GROUP 1 RATE EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW… | $38.37 | $19.60 | $57.97 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 3CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER GROUP 1 RATE EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW… | $39.14 | $19.60 | $58.74 | Union |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER: STRUCTURAL (BRACKEN, GALLATIN, GRANT, HARRISON… | $37.77 | $23.90 | $61.67 | Union |
| IRONWORKER: FENCE ERECTOR (BRACKEN, GALLATIN, GRANT, HARRISON… | $35.88 | $23.90 | $59.78 | Union |
| IRONWORKER (ANDERSON, BOYLE, BRECKINRIDGE, BULLITT, FAYETTE… | $36.17 | $25.80 | $61.97 | Union |
| IRONWORKER ZONE 3 | $41.70 | $29.59 | $71.29 | Union |
| IRONWORKER ZONE 2 | $40.10 | $29.59 | $69.69 | Union |
| IRONWORKER ZONE 1 | $39.70 | $29.59 | $69.29 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER: SPRAY (BATH, BOURBON, BOYLE, CLARK, FAYETTE, FLEMING… | $21.80 | $5.90 | $27.70 | Union |
| PAINTER: SANDBLASTING & WATERBLASTING (BATH, BOURBON, BOYLE… | $22.05 | $5.90 | $27.95 | Union |
| PAINTER: ELEVATED TANKS; STEEPLEJACK WORK; BRIDGE & LEAD… | $22.30 | $5.90 | $28.20 | Union |
| PAINTER: BRUSH & ROLLER (BATH, BOURBON, BOYLE, CLARK, FAYETTE… | $21.30 | $5.90 | $27.20 | Union |
| PAINTER: BRIDGE/EQUIPMENT TENDER AND/OR CONTAINMENT BUILDER… | $18.90 | $5.90 | $24.80 | Union |
| PAINTER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY BRIDGES - GUARDRAILS - LIGHTPOLES… | $23.89 | $9.06 | $32.95 | Union |
| PAINTER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY BRIDGES - GUARDRAILS - LIGHTPOLES… | $24.14 | $9.06 | $33.20 | Union |
| PAINTER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY BRIDGES - GUARDRAILS - LIGHTPOLES… | $24.39 | $9.06 | $33.45 | Union |
| PAINTER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY BRIDGES - GUARDRAILS - LIGHTPOLES… | $23.39 | $9.06 | $32.45 | Union |
| PAINTER, HEAVY & HIGHWAY BRIDGES - GUARDRAILS - LIGHTPOLES… | $20.73 | $9.06 | $29.79 | Union |
| PAINTER: SPRAY, SANDBLAST, POWER TOOLS, WATERBLAST & STEAM… | $23.00 | $12.52 | $35.52 | Union |
| PAINTER: BRUSH & ROLLER (ANDERSON, BRECKINRIDGE, BULLITT… | $22.00 | $12.52 | $34.52 | Union |
| PAINTERS: POWER GENERATING FACILITIES (BOYD, CARTER, ELLIOTT… | $34.29 | $23.95 | $58.24 | Union |
| PAINTERS: BRIDGES; LOCKS; DAMS; TENSION TOWERS & ENERGIZED… | $37.53 | $23.95 | $61.48 | Union |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER (BRECKENRIDGE COUNTY) | $33.70 | $16.57 | $50.27 | Union |
| BRICKLAYER (BULLITT, CARROLL, GRAYSON, HARDIN, HENRY, JEFFERSON… | $35.00 | $17.13 | $52.13 | Union |
| BRICKLAYER (BRACKEN, GALLATIN, GRANT, MASON & ROBERTSON… | $35.00 | $17.13 | $52.13 | Union |
| BRICKLAYER (BOYD, CARTER, ELLIOT, FLEMING, GREENUP, LEWIS &… | $41.05 | $21.79 | $62.84 | Union |
| BRICKLAYER (ANDERSON, BATH, BOURBON, BOYLE, CLARK, FAYETTE… | $35.00 | $17.13 | $52.13 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVERS: GROUP 4Euclid & Other Heavy Earthmoving Equipment & Lowboy; Articulator Cat; 5-Axle Vehicle; Winch & A-Frame when used in transporting materials; Ross Carrier; Forklift when used to transport building materials; & Pavement Brea… | $16.96 | $7.34 | $24.30 | Survey |
| TRUCK DRIVERS: GROUP 3Single Axle Dump; Flatbed; Semi-trailer or Pole Trailer when used to pull building materials and equipment; Tandem Axle Dump; Distributor; Mixer; & Truck Mechanic | $16.86 | $7.34 | $24.20 | Survey |
| TRUCK DRIVERS: GROUP 2Greaser; Tire Changer; & Mechanic Tender | $16.68 | $7.34 | $24.02 | Survey |
| TRUCK DRIVERS: GROUP 1Mobile Batch Truck Tender | $16.57 | $7.34 | $23.91 | Survey |
Every other classification (8)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PILEDRIVERMAN | $34.39 | $24.06 | $58.45 | Union |
| DIVER | $51.21 | $24.06 | $75.27 | Union |
| SOUND & COMMUNICATION TECHNICIAN (BRACKEN, GALLATIN & GRANT… | $27.20 | $14.54 | $41.74 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER GROUP 1 RATE EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW… | $38.69 | $19.60 | $58.29 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1CRANES - WITH BOOMS 150 FT. & OVER (INCLUDING JIB), AND WHERE THE LENGTH OF THE BOOM IN COMBINATION WITH THE LENGTH OF THE PILING LEADS EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 150 FT. - $1.00 OVER GROUP 1 RATE EMPLOYEES ASSIGNED TO WORK BELOW… | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 1 | $26.87 | $19.66 | $46.53 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 1 | $26.87 | $19.66 | $46.53 | Union |
| LABORERS: GROUP 1 | $26.87 | $19.66 | $46.53 | Union |
Rate and fringe are per hour unless a row says per day. Total is the rate plus the fringe. Union rows come from a collective bargaining agreement; survey rows from a Department of Labor wage survey, which can be years old.
Heavy construction
Determination KY20260082, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 26 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $40.96 | $22.44 | $63.40 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER (FORM WORK ONLY) | $24.80 | $8.76 | $33.56 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: CONCRETE WORKER | $26.87 | $19.66 | $46.53 | Union |
| LABORER: FLAGGER | $35.52 | $14.45 | $49.97 | Union |
| LABORER: CONCRETE SAW (HAND HELD/WALK BEHIND) | $35.69 | $14.45 | $50.14 | Union |
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $19.66 | $10.85 | $30.51 | Survey |
| LABORER: CONCRETE FINISHING | $25.75 | $8.60 | $34.35 | Survey |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $22.17 | $9.64 | $31.81 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE OPERATORS OPERA… | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 4OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE OPERATORS OPERA… | $38.37 | $19.60 | $57.97 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 2ROLLER (ROCK) OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOMS 150 FEET AND OVER (INCLUDING JIB) SHALL RECEIVE $1.00 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE; 250 FEET AND OVER INCLUDING JIB SHALL RECEIVE $1.50 ABOVE CLASS 1 RATE. COMBINATION RATE: ALL CRANE O… | $38.69 | $19.60 | $58.29 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | Union |
| OPERATOR: TRENCHER | $26.27 | $12.37 | $38.64 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: OILER | $24.34 | $13.00 | $37.34 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: MECHANIC | $28.60 | $11.83 | $40.43 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: LOADER | $26.68 | $13.00 | $39.68 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $27.90 | $13.00 | $40.90 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $22.56 | $12.10 | $34.66 | Survey |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER: ORNAMENTAL | $36.17 | $25.80 | $61.97 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK | $17.82 | $3.26 | $21.08 | Survey |
Every other classification (6)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LINE CONSTRUCTION: LINEMAN | $43.84 | $18.80 | $62.64 | Union |
| LINE CONSTRUCTION: GROUNDMAN | $25.77 | $14.10 | $39.87 | Union |
| LINE CONSTRUCTION: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR | $39.15 | $17.58 | $56.73 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1 | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR GROUP 1FORKLIFT OPERATORS ON CRANES WITH BOOM 150 FEET AND OVER, INCLUDING JIB, SHALL RECEIVE $0.75 ABOVE GROUP 1. ALL CRANES WITH PILING LEADS WILL RECEIVE $0.50 ABOVE GROUP 1 RATE REGARDLESS OF BOOM LENGTH. COMBINATION RATE S… | $41.55 | $19.60 | $61.15 | Union |
| IRONWORKER (STRUCTURAL AND REINFORCING) | $37.77 | $23.90 | $61.67 | Union |
Rate and fringe are per hour unless a row says per day. Total is the rate plus the fringe. Union rows come from a collective bargaining agreement; survey rows from a Department of Labor wage survey, which can be years old.
Before you rely on a rate
These are federal Davis-Bacon rates for federal and federally assisted construction; state-funded work may follow Kentucky's own law. The contracting agency chooses which determination applies, and the one attached to the contract governs, even after a newer modification. Apprentices in registered programs may be paid a percentage of these rates. Nothing here is legal advice.
Source
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, general wage determinations KY20260090, KY20260008, KY20260038, KY20260082, as published on SAM.gov and refreshed here weekly. Rates are shown exactly as published; the construction types are building, residential, highway, heavy. TradeSalary is not affiliated with the Department of Labor.