Prevailing wage in New Jersey

Who and what this applies to

Public works covered by the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act, N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.25 et seq., funded wholly or partly by a public body.

Thresholds and scope

The Department of Labor states the current coverage threshold is $19,375 or more for contracts awarded directly by municipal government and $2,000 for other public entities, including municipal utility authorities and boards of education.

The rules

• Covered laborers, craftsmen, and apprentices must receive the appropriate craft prevailing wage rate determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. Source
• The state’s rates are based on collective bargaining agreements for the craft or trade in the locality and vary by county and type of work. Select the applicable public-work wage determination. Source

Primary sources

• New Jersey Department of Labor: construction-related public works, overview and thresholds

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

Back to New Jersey contractor law · Prevailing Wage topic guide.