Prevailing wage rates in Howard County, MD
Davis-Bacon rates as of September 28, 2026, in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD BLS area
Electricians on federal building jobs in Howard County must be paid at least $49.50 an hour plus $20.80 an hour in fringe benefits (MD20260118, modification 2, published June 4, 2026). Howard 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 | $24.30 – $70.30 | $31.54 an hour |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | $17.60 – $73.71 | $30.38 an hour |
| Carpenters | $23.02 – $50.49 | $29.99 an hour |
| Power equipment operators | $22.31 – $54.35 | $29.20 an hour |
| Ironworkers | $17.31 – $69.36 | $34.23 an hour |
| Roofers | $26.80 – $66.77 | $27.11 an hour |
Building construction
Determination MD20260118, modification 2, published June 4, 2026. 78 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $49.50 | $20.80 | $70.30 | Union |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER | $45.00 | $21.24 | $66.24 | Union |
| STEAMFITTER/PIPEFITTER | $47.78 | $25.93 | $73.71 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER | $35.89 | $14.60 | $50.49 | Union |
| CARPENTER - SHORING SCAFFOLD BUILDER | $35.89 | $14.60 | $50.49 | Union |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER - AIR TOOL OPERATOR | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - ASPHALT PAVER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - ASPHALT RAKER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - BLASTER - DYNAMITE | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - BURNER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - COMMON | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE PUDDLER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE SURFACER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE TENDER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE VIBRATOR | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - DENSITY GAUGE | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - FIREPROOFER - MIXER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - FLAGGER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - GRADE CHECKER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - HAND ROLLER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HANDLER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - JACKHAMMER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - LANDSCAPING | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - LAYOUT | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - LUTEMAN | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - MORTAR MIXER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - PIPELAYER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - PLASTERER - HANDLER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| LABORER - SCAFFOLD BUILDER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| LABORER - TAMPER | $23.32 | $4.24 | $27.56 | Union |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BACKHOE | $32.00 | $8.66 | $40.66 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BROOM / SWEEPER | $33.23 | $15.12 | $48.35 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BULLDOZER | $35.18 | $15.12 | $50.30 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CONCRETE PUMP | $35.18 | $15.12 | $50.30 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - DRILL - RIG | $35.18 | $15.12 | $50.30 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - EXCAVATOR | $35.18 | $15.12 | $50.30 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - FORKLIFT | $35.18 | $15.12 | $50.30 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - LOADER | $28.00 | $6.98 | $34.98 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - MECHANIC | $37.24 | $15.12 | $52.36 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - ROLLER - EARTH | $29.60 | $15.12 | $44.72 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - SKID STEER (Bobcat) | $33.23 | $15.12 | $48.35 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR-VACUUM TRUCK | $32.30 | $9.36 | $41.66 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - ROLLER - ASPHALT | $33.10 | $14.05 | $47.15 | Union |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER - FENCE ERECTOR | $48.25 | $21.11 | $69.36 | Union |
| IRONWORKER - ORNAMENTAL | $27.99 | $4.58 | $32.57 | Union |
| IRONWORKER - STRUCTURAL | $39.30 | $27.14 | $66.44 | Union |
| Sheet metal workers | ||||
| SHEETMETAL WORKER (including metal roofing) | $50.92 | $24.61 | $75.53 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER | $28.86 | $11.94 | $40.80 | Union |
| PAINTER-INDUSTRIAL | $36.37 | $16.21 | $52.58 | Union |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER/WATERPROOFER | $52.71 | $14.06 | $66.77 | Union |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $38.80 | $15.57 | $54.37 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER - DUMP | $26.25 | $7.60 | $33.85 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - FLATBED | $26.25 | $7.60 | $33.85 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - LOWBOY | $31.50 | $9.19 | $40.69 | Union |
Every other classification (24)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCING TECHNICIAN | $50.92 | $24.61 | $75.53 | Union |
| CARPET LAYER | $35.10 | $15.33 | $50.43 | Union |
| COMMUNICATION INSTALLER TECHNICIAN | $32.60 | $16.85 | $49.45 | Union |
| DRYWALL - SPACKLING, TAPING, & FINISHING | $35.89 | $14.60 | $50.49 | Union |
| ELEVATOR MECHANIC | $58.81 | $46.61 | $105.42 | Union |
| FIREPROOFER - BY HAND | $17.00 | $2.24 | $19.24 | Union |
| FIREPROOFER - SPRAYER | $27.00 | $5.22 | $32.22 | Union |
| FIRESTOPPER | $30.21 | $10.68 | $40.89 | Union |
| GLAZIER | $36.65 | $14.61 | $51.26 | Union |
| INSULATION WORKER | $40.77 | $20.42 | $61.19 | Union |
| IRONWORKER - REINFORCING | $30.18 | $24.09 | $54.27 | Union |
| LABORER - MASON TENDER | $31.01 | $9.35 | $40.36 | Union |
| Mechanical Systems Service Tech- HVAC Systems | $55.00 | $25.30 | $80.30 | Union |
| Mechanical Systems Service Tech- Refrigeration Systems | $55.00 | $25.30 | $80.30 | Union |
| MILLWRIGHT | $39.50 | $17.52 | $57.02 | Union |
| PILEDRIVER | $37.74 | $17.64 | $55.38 | Union |
| PLASTERER - MIXER | $20.00 | $2.24 | $22.24 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CRANE | $42.00 | $19.10 | $61.10 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CRANE - TOWER | $42.00 | $19.10 | $61.10 | Union |
| RESILIENT FLOOR | $35.10 | $15.33 | $50.43 | Union |
| STONE MASON | $45.65 | $21.51 | $67.16 | Union |
| TILE & TERRAZZO FINISHER | $28.85 | $12.85 | $41.70 | Union |
| TILE & TERRAZZO MECHANIC | $34.34 | $14.50 | $48.84 | Union |
| SPRINKLERFITTER | $45.22 | $26.64 | $71.86 | 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.
Residential construction
Determination MD20260064, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 18 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $23.49 | $0.81 | $24.30 | Survey |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| SPRINKLER FITTER (FIRE SPRINKLERS) | $26.06 | $6.52 | $32.58 | Survey |
| PLUMBER, EXCLUDES HVAC PIPE INSTALLATION | $20.48 | $0.00 | $20.48 | Survey |
| PLUMBER (HVAC PIPE INSTALLATION ONLY) | $17.60 | $0.00 | $17.60 | Survey |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER, EXCLUDES DRYWALL HANGING, AND METAL STUD INSTALLATION | $21.48 | $1.54 | $23.02 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $16.19 | $2.15 | $18.34 | Survey |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL, INCLUDING BRICK MASON TENDING AND… | $14.02 | $0.00 | $14.02 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| OPERATOR: LOADER | $20.25 | $2.06 | $22.31 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $18.40 | $4.42 | $22.82 | Survey |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER, ORNAMENTAL | $17.31 | $0.00 | $17.31 | Survey |
| Sheet metal workers | ||||
| SHEET METAL WORKER (HVAC DUCT INSTALLATION ONLY) | $20.09 | $1.96 | $22.05 | Survey |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER (BRUSH AND ROLLER), EXCLUDES DRYWALL FINISHING/TAPING | $15.12 | $0.88 | $16.00 | Survey |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER | $26.80 | $0.00 | $26.80 | Survey |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER | $20.29 | $0.00 | $20.29 | Survey |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $26.20 | $7.43 | $33.63 | Survey |
Every other classification (3)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLOOR LAYER: CARPET | $34.12 | $14.64 | $48.76 | Union |
| DRYWALL HANGER AND METAL STUD INSTALLER | $17.27 | $0.62 | $17.89 | Survey |
| DRYWALL FINISHER/TAPER | $19.09 | $5.00 | $24.09 | 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 and heavy construction
Determination MD20260041, modification 3, published September 28, 2026. 67 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $36.84 | $19.62 | $56.46 | Union |
| UNDERGROUND CABLE SPLICER | $34.00 | $15.00 | $49.00 | Union |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER | $47.85 | $25.64 | $73.49 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER | $35.89 | $14.60 | $50.49 | Union |
| CARPENTER - SHORING SCAFFOLD BUILDER | $35.89 | $14.60 | $50.49 | Union |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER - AIR TOOL OPERATOR | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - ASPHALT PAVER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - ASPHALT RAKER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - BLASTER - DYNAMITE | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - BURNER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - COMMON | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE PUDDLER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE SURFACER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE TENDER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - CONCRETE VIBRATOR | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - DENSITY GAUGE | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - FIREPROOFER - MIXER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - FLAGGER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - GRADE CHECKER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - HAND ROLLER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HANDLER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - JACKHAMMER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - LANDSCAPING | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - LAYOUT | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - LUTEMAN | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - MORTAR MIXER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - PIPELAYER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - PLASTERER - HANDLER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| LABORER - SCAFFOLD BUILDER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LABORER - TAMPER | $34.32 | $9.10 | $43.42 | Union |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BACKHOE | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BROOM / SWEEPER | $31.04 | $14.05 | $45.09 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - BULLDOZER | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CONCRETE PUMP | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - DRILL - RIG | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - EXCAVATOR | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - FORKLIFT | $31.04 | $14.05 | $45.09 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - GRADALL | $35.00 | $14.05 | $49.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - GRADER | $35.00 | $14.05 | $49.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - LOADER | $34.00 | $14.05 | $48.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - MECHANIC | $35.00 | $14.05 | $49.05 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - MILLING MACHINE | $28.26 | $2.15 | $30.41 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - PAVER | $21.00 | $1.46 | $22.46 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - ROLLER - ASPHALT | $29.63 | $5.82 | $35.45 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - ROLLER - EARTH | $31.04 | $14.05 | $45.09 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - SCREED | $29.23 | $16.48 | $45.71 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - SKID STEER (Bobcat) | $31.04 | $14.05 | $45.09 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR-VACUUM TRUCK | $38.60 | $15.75 | $54.35 | Union |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER - STRUCTURAL | $38.00 | $23.96 | $61.96 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER - BRIDGE | $45.00 | $17.01 | $62.01 | Union |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON | $24.00 | $0.00 | $24.00 | Union |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $38.80 | $15.57 | $54.37 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER - DUMP | $29.15 | $5.20 | $34.35 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - FLATBED | $21.00 | $0.00 | $21.00 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - LOWBOY | $24.75 | $2.00 | $26.75 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - TACK/TAR TRUCK | $32.64 | $13.91 | $46.55 | Union |
| TRUCK DRIVER - WATER | $25.00 | $0.00 | $25.00 | Union |
Every other classification (10)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LABORER - MASON TENDER | $28.92 | $7.30 | $36.22 | Union |
| LINEWORKER/UNDERGROUND MECHANIC | $29.81 | $5.22 | $35.03 | Union |
| MARINE-BOAT CAPTAIN | $49.22 | $15.95 | $65.17 | Union |
| MILLWRIGHT | $39.50 | $17.52 | $57.02 | Union |
| PILEDRIVER | $37.74 | $14.73 | $52.47 | Union |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CRANE | $42.00 | $19.10 | $61.10 | Union |
| STONE MASON | $45.65 | $21.51 | $67.16 | Union |
| TILE & TERRAZZO FINISHER | $28.85 | $12.85 | $41.70 | Union |
| TILE & TERRAZZO MECHANIC | $33.67 | $13.92 | $47.59 | Union |
| UNDERGROUND GAS MECHANIC | $28.79 | $6.62 | $35.41 | 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 MD20260005, modification 2, published May 18, 2026. 7 classifications.
All classifications (7)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DREDGING: CLASS DINCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $30.86 | $14.15 | $45.01 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS C2INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $37.15 | $14.57 | $51.72 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS C1INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $38.38 | $14.66 | $53.04 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS B2INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $39.46 | $14.73 | $54.19 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS B1INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $41.93 | $14.90 | $56.83 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS A2INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $43.20 | $14.99 | $58.19 | Union |
| DREDGING: CLASS A1INCENTIVE PAY: (ADD TO HOURLY RATE) OPERATOR (NCCCO LICENSE/CERTIFICATION) $1.80 LICENSED TUG OPERATOR OVER 1000 HP (ASSIGNED AS MASTER) (USCG LICENSED MASTER OF TOWING VESSELS (MOTV) $1.80; LICENSED BOAT OPERATOR (ASSIG… | $48.48 | $15.34 | $63.82 | 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 Maryland'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 MD20260118, MD20260064, MD20260041, MD20260005, 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.