How does DOL determine prevailing wage?

The Department of Labor (DOL) determines prevailing wage by looking at job requirements and comparing them to what's typical for that job. They use a specific job classification system to find out what workers usually earn based on their skills and experience. This process results in four pay levels: entry-level, qualified, experienced, and fully competent.

Fringe pay in construction refers to additional benefits that workers receive on top of their hourly wage. This includes things like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For federally funded projects, fringe benefits are part of the total pay that contractors must provide to their workers.

Certified payroll is a weekly report that electrical contractors must submit for government-funded projects in Texas. It ensures compliance with prevailing wage laws and demonstrates fair payment for workers on public projects.

Texas electrical contractors must include in their certified payroll reports:

• Employee names and partial Social Security numbers
• Job classifications and hourly pay rates
• Daily and weekly hours worked
• Gross wages, deductions, and net wages
• Fringe benefits provided

As of 2026, the average electrician salary in Texas is about $27.46 per hour. However, rates vary by city, with Houston at $28.33, Austin at $27.96, and Dallas at $27.38 per hour.