Prevailing wage rates in Berkeley County, SC
Davis-Bacon rates as of May 18, 2026, in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC BLS area
Electricians on federal building jobs in Berkeley County must be paid at least $32.80 an hour plus $13.99 an hour in fringe benefits (SC20260022, modification 1, published May 18, 2026). Berkeley County has 5 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 | $16.55 – $46.79 | $28.37 an hour |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | $16.81 – $50.19 | $27.58 an hour |
| Carpenters | $13.07 – $17.82 | $24.22 an hour |
| Power equipment operators | $11.00 – $23.16 | $24.35 an hour |
| Ironworkers | $47.75 | $27.78 an hour |
| Roofers | $12.11 – $15.00 | $23.09 an hour |
Building construction
Determination SC20260022, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 22 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIANWORK MORE THAN 40 FT. ABOVE THE GROUND ON OR FROM SWINGING SCAFFOLDS, BOSON CHAIRS, OR RAW STRUCTURAL STEEL: $1.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL | $32.80 | $13.99 | $46.79 | Union |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PIPEFITTER | $36.00 | $14.19 | $50.19 | Union |
| PLUMBER | $18.95 | $5.35 | $24.30 | Survey |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER, EXCLUDES DRYWALL HANGING, AND FORM WORK | $16.25 | $1.36 | $17.61 | Survey |
| CARPENTER (FORM WORK ONLY) | $14.09 | $2.22 | $16.31 | Survey |
| CARPENTER (DRYWALL HANGING ONLY) | $16.32 | $1.50 | $17.82 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $14.69 | $2.08 | $16.77 | Survey |
| LABORER: LANDSCAPE | $9.45 | $0.49 | $9.94 | Survey |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $11.10 | $1.72 | $12.82 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| OPERATOR: LOADER | $14.18 | $1.99 | $16.17 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADE | $17.59 | $1.56 | $19.15 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $17.07 | $2.65 | $19.72 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $19.62 | $3.54 | $23.16 | Survey |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER, STRUCTURAL | $29.75 | $18.00 | $47.75 | Union |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER: BRUSH, ROLLER AND SPRAY | $12.74 | $0.00 | $12.74 | Survey |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER | $12.11 | $0.00 | $12.11 | Survey |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER | $14.77 | $0.00 | $14.77 | Survey |
| Bricklayers | ||||
| BRICKLAYER | $18.00 | $0.00 | $18.00 | Survey |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER | $14.21 | $3.24 | $17.45 | Survey |
Every other classification (3)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPERATOR: CRANE | $19.39 | $2.02 | $21.41 | Survey |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER-BRICK/CONCRETE/CEMENT/STONE | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 | Survey |
| HVAC MECHANIC (HVAC DUCT INSTALLATION ONLY) | $19.24 | $2.69 | $21.93 | 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 SC20260064, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 9 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN | $16.55 | $0.00 | $16.55 | Survey |
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PLUMBER | $16.81 | $0.00 | $16.81 | Survey |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER | $16.02 | $0.91 | $16.93 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $12.89 | $0.00 | $12.89 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $18.85 | $0.00 | $18.85 | Survey |
| Painters | ||||
| PAINTER (BRUSH AND ROLLER) | $13.49 | $0.00 | $13.49 | Survey |
| Roofers | ||||
| ROOFER | $15.00 | $0.00 | $15.00 | Survey |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER | $14.69 | $0.00 | $14.69 | Survey |
Every other classification (1)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLOOR LAYER: SOFT FLOORS | $14.73 | $0.00 | $14.73 | 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 SC20260034, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 42 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER, FORM WORK ONLY (HORRY) | $14.29 | $0.00 | $14.29 | Survey |
| CARPENTER, FORM WORK ONLY (CHARLESTON) | $13.07 | $0.00 | $13.07 | Survey |
| CARPENTER, FORM WORK ONLY (BERKELEY, DORCHESTER) | $13.50 | $0.00 | $13.50 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $13.98 | $0.00 | $13.98 | Survey |
| LABORER, TRAFFIC CONTROL-CONE SETTER (HORRY) | $12.63 | $0.00 | $12.63 | Survey |
| LABORER, TRAFFIC CONTROL-CONE SETTER (BERKELEY, CHARLESTON… | $13.19 | $0.00 | $13.19 | Survey |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (HORRY) | $9.72 | $0.00 | $9.72 | Survey |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (DORCHESTER) | $11.69 | $0.00 | $11.69 | Survey |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (CHARLESTON) | $10.16 | $0.00 | $10.16 | Survey |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (BERKELEY) | $10.06 | $0.00 | $10.06 | Survey |
| LABORER, ASPHALT, INCLUDES ASPHALT DISTRIBUTOR, SHOVELER AND… | $11.54 | $0.00 | $11.54 | Survey |
| LABORER, ASPHALT, INCLUDES ASPHALT DISTRIBUTOR, RAKER, SHOVELER… | $11.62 | $0.00 | $11.62 | Survey |
| LABORER (TRAFFIC CONTROL-FLAGGER) | $11.07 | $0.00 | $11.07 | Survey |
| LABORER (LUTEMAN) | $11.61 | $0.00 | $11.61 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: TRACTOR | $13.28 | $0.00 | $13.28 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: SCREED | $13.56 | $0.00 | $13.56 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: SCRAPER | $12.71 | $0.00 | $12.71 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: PAVER (HORRY) | $13.29 | $0.00 | $13.29 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: PAVER (BERKELEY, CHARLESTON… | $18.85 | $0.00 | $18.85 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: MECHANIC (HORRY) | $19.48 | $0.00 | $19.48 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: MECHANIC (CHARLESTON) | $19.21 | $0.00 | $19.21 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: MECHANIC (BERKELEY, DORCHESTER) | $19.07 | $0.00 | $19.07 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADE | $14.61 | $0.00 | $14.61 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $14.81 | $0.00 | $14.81 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE (HORRY) | $15.04 | $0.00 | $15.04 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE… | $16.06 | $0.00 | $16.06 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE… | $16.09 | $0.00 | $16.09 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE (BERKELEY) | $15.68 | $0.00 | $15.68 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (ROLLER) | $15.17 | $0.00 | $15.17 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (MILLING MACHINE) | $11.84 | $0.00 | $11.84 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (LOADER (FRONT END/TRACK)) | $16.80 | $0.00 | $16.80 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (HYDROSEEDER) | $11.00 | $0.00 | $11.00 | Survey |
| Cement masons | ||||
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER (HORRY) | $14.62 | $0.00 | $14.62 | Survey |
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER (CHARLESTON) | $14.33 | $0.00 | $14.33 | Survey |
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER (BERKELEY, DORCHESTER) | $14.79 | $0.00 | $14.79 | Survey |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER: LOWBOY TRUCK | $15.55 | $0.00 | $15.55 | Survey |
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK | $10.67 | $0.00 | $10.67 | Survey |
Every other classification (5)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (HORRY) | $20.58 | $0.00 | $20.58 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (CHARLESTON) | $20.08 | $0.00 | $20.08 | Survey |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE (BERKELEY, DORCHESTER) | $20.00 | $4.73 | $24.73 | Survey |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER-CEMENT/CONCRETE | $10.40 | $0.00 | $10.40 | Survey |
| IRONWORKER, REINFORCING | $15.35 | $0.00 | $15.35 | 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.
Heavy construction (SC20260004)
Determination SC20260004, modification 2, published May 18, 2026. 40 classifications.
All classifications (40)
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WELDER (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $9.79 | $1.73 | $11.52 | Union |
| SPILL BARGE OPERATOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $8.68 | $1.73 | $10.41 | Union |
| SPIDER BARGE OPERATOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20"").PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $8.68 | $1.73 | $10.41 | Union |
| SHOREMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.82 | $1.73 | $9.55 | Union |
| OILER & FIREMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20"") | $8.11 | $1.73 | $9.84 | Union |
| MESSMAN & JANITOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $7.53 | $1.73 | $9.26 | Union |
| MESS COOK (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.71 | $1.73 | $9.44 | Union |
| MATE (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.82 | $1.73 | $10.55 | Union |
| LEVERMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $10.03 | $1.73 | $11.76 | Union |
| LAUNCHMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.19 | $1.73 | $9.92 | Union |
| ENGINEER (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $9.59 | $1.73 | $11.32 | Union |
| DECKHAND (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.77 | $1.73 | $9.50 | Union |
| COOK (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.11 | $1.73 | $9.84 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"":CLASS A1CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $48.48 | $15.34 | $63.82 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS DFOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $30.86 | $14.15 | $45.01 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS C2FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $37.15 | $14.57 | $51.72 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS C1 | $38.38 | $14.66 | $53.04 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS B2FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $39.46 | $14.73 | $54.19 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS A2. PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20% FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORK FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBU… | $43.20 | $14.99 | $58.19 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS B1PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20% FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORK FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTI… | $41.93 | $14.90 | $56.83 | Union |
| WELDER (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $9.79 | $1.73 | $11.52 | Union |
| SPILL BARGE OPERATOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $8.68 | $1.73 | $10.41 | Union |
| SPIDER BARGE OPERATOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20"").PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $8.68 | $1.73 | $10.41 | Union |
| SHOREMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.82 | $1.73 | $9.55 | Union |
| OILER & FIREMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20"") | $8.11 | $1.73 | $9.84 | Union |
| MESSMAN & JANITOR (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS…FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $7.53 | $1.73 | $9.26 | Union |
| MESS COOK (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.71 | $1.73 | $9.44 | Union |
| MATE (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.82 | $1.73 | $10.55 | Union |
| LEVERMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $10.03 | $1.73 | $11.76 | Union |
| LAUNCHMAN (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.19 | $1.73 | $9.92 | Union |
| ENGINEER (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $9.59 | $1.73 | $11.32 | Union |
| DECKHAND (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $7.77 | $1.73 | $9.50 | Union |
| COOK (HYDRAULIC DREDGES UNDER 20""). PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20%…CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $8.11 | $1.73 | $9.84 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"":CLASS A1CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTAL HOURS WORKED. B. NEW YEAR'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY. PLUS VACATION CONTRIBU… | $48.48 | $15.34 | $63.82 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS DFOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $30.86 | $14.15 | $45.01 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS C2FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $37.15 | $14.57 | $51.72 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS C1 | $38.38 | $14.66 | $53.04 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS B2FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTION OF 8% OF STRAIGHT TIME RATE MULTIPLIED BY THE TOTA… | $39.46 | $14.73 | $54.19 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS A2. PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20% FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORK FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBU… | $43.20 | $14.99 | $58.19 | Union |
| DREDGING :, HYDRAULIC DREDGES OVER 20"": CLASS B1PREMIUMS: ADDITIONAL 20% FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORK FOOTNOTE APPLICABLE TO ABOVE CRAFTS: A. NEW YEAR'S DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY. VACATION CONTRIBUTI… | $41.93 | $14.90 | $56.83 | 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 (SC20260049)
Determination SC20260049, modification 1, published May 18, 2026. 9 classifications.
| Classification | Rate | Fringe | Total | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers and pipefitters | ||||
| PIPEFITTER | $36.00 | $14.19 | $50.19 | Union |
| Carpenters | ||||
| CARPENTER, INCLUDES FORM WORK | $14.85 | $0.00 | $14.85 | Survey |
| Laborers | ||||
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $12.55 | $1.82 | $14.37 | Survey |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $11.64 | $2.53 | $14.17 | Survey |
| Power equipment operators | ||||
| OPERATOR: LOADER | $10.50 | $1.98 | $12.48 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADE | $20.11 | $1.39 | $21.50 | Survey |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOE | $15.54 | $2.20 | $17.74 | Survey |
| Ironworkers | ||||
| IRONWORKER, STRUCTURAL | $29.75 | $18.00 | $47.75 | Union |
| Truck drivers | ||||
| TRUCK DRIVER | $15.65 | $2.79 | $18.44 | 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.
Before you rely on a rate
These are federal Davis-Bacon rates for federal and federally assisted construction; state-funded work may follow South Carolina'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 SC20260022, SC20260064, SC20260034, SC20260004, SC20260049, 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.