Prevailing wage rates · Colorado · Wage determination
Prevailing wage rates: Denver and Douglas Counties, Colorado
Highway construction · CO20260009 modification 1, published May 18, 2026
The short answer
This sheet sets 81 classifications for highway work in Denver and Douglas Counties, Colorado. Each line is a basic hourly rate plus a fringe rate, and the sum is the minimum you must pay for that work, from $12.60 an hour (laborer: traffic control (flagger)) to $50.98 (power equipment operator). Your contract may lock an earlier modification.
What changed this year
First published January 2, 2026, this sheet is now on modification 1, and its rates have changed in 1 modification.
Latest change
May 18, 2026 · modification 1
Classification names reworded; 2 fringe formulas changed among the 79 lines we could match
- Traffic signalization: 2 fringe formulas changed
SAM.gov reworded this sheet’s classification names in this modification, so not every line can be matched to the one before. Only lines matched with certainty are compared here; nothing is guessed. If your trade is not listed, compare it against your contract’s copy.
Every line that changed (2)
| Classification | Was | Now | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION ZONE 2 TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLER ZONE… | $29.42 + 4.75%+8.68 | $29.42 + $10.08 | changed |
| TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION ZONE 1 TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLER ZONE… | $26.42 + 4.75%+8.68 | $26.42 + $9.93 | changed |
Compared line by line from each modification as published on SAM.gov. A line we could not pair with certainty is left out rather than guessed.
Rates by classification
These are the rates in modification 1 as published on SAM.gov. The determination and modification written into your contract are the ones that bind you; check that number before relying on this table. Total is the basic rate plus the fringe. Source is the agreement or survey the rate came from and its year; a survey year long past means the rate has not been surveyed since. A marker means the group changed in this modification. In the Since column, a dash means SAM.gov reworded the line during the year and it cannot be matched to the first publication with certainty. A dagger (†) means the fringe carries a footnote or percentage the total does not include; read the group’s notes.
| Classification | Basic rate | Fringe | Total | Since Jan 2 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARP9901-008 · Carpenters agreement, May 1, 2024 | |||||
| CARPENTER (FORM WORK ONLY) | $33.11 | $12.17 | $45.28 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| ELEC0068-016 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, March 1, 2011 | |||||
TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION…Full textTRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION ZONE 2 TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLER ZONE DEFINITIONS ZONE 1 SHALL BE A 35 MILE RADIUS, MEASURED FROM THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CITIES: COLORADO SPRINGS - NEVADA & BIJOU DENVER - ELLSWORTH AVENUE & BROADWAY FT. COLLINS - PROSPECT & COLLEGE GRAND JUNCTION - 12TH & NORTH AVENUE PUEBLO - I-25 & HIGHWAY 50 ALL WORK OUTSIDE OF THESE AREAS SHALL BE PAID ZONE 2 RATES | $29.42 | $10.08 | $39.50 | changed | Agreement, 2011 |
TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION…Full textTRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION ZONE 1 TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLER ZONE DEFINITIONS ZONE 1 SHALL BE A 35 MILE RADIUS, MEASURED FROM THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES IN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CITIES: COLORADO SPRINGS - NEVADA & BIJOU DENVER - ELLSWORTH AVENUE & BROADWAY FT. COLLINS - PROSPECT & COLLEGE GRAND JUNCTION - 12TH & NORTH AVENUE PUEBLO - I-25 & HIGHWAY 50 ALL WORK OUTSIDE OF THESE AREAS SHALL BE PAID ZONE 2 RATES | $26.42 | $9.93 | $36.35 | changed | Agreement, 2011 |
| ENGI0009-008 · Operating Engineers agreement, May 1, 2024 | |||||
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (6)-CRANE (91-140 TONS) | $35.28 | $15.20 | $50.48 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (5)-MOTOR GRADER (BLADE-FINISH) (DOUGLAS COUNTY) | $35.58 | $15.20 | $50.78 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (5)-DRILL RIG CAISSON (WATSON 2500 SIMILAR OR LARGER), CRANE (51-90 TONS), SCRAPER (40 CU.YD AND OVER),) | $35.41 | $15.20 | $50.61 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (4)-LOADER (OVER 6 CU. YD) (DENVER COUNTY) | $35.20 | $15.20 | $50.40 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (4)-CRANE (50 TONS AND UNDER), SCRAPER (SINGLE BOWL, UNDER 40 CU. YD) | $35.78 | $15.20 | $50.98 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (3)-MOTOR GRADER (BLADE-ROUGH) (DOUGLAS COUNTY) | $33.19 | $15.20 | $48.39 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (3)-LOADER (UNDER 6 CU. YD.) (DENVER COUNTY) | $35.03 | $15.20 | $50.23 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: (3)-HYDRAULIC BACKHOE (WHEEL MOUNTED, UNDER 3/4 YDS), HYDRAULIC BACKHOE (BACKHOE/LOADER COMBINATION), DRILL RIG CAISSON (SMALLER THAN WATSON 2500 AND SIMILAR), LOADER (UP TO AND INCLUDING 6 CU. YD.) | $35.03 | $15.20 | $50.23 | no change | Agreement, 2024 |
| SUCO2011-004 · Survey of contractors in CO, September 15, 2011 | |||||
| TRUCK DRIVER: WATER TRUCK (DOUGLAS) | $19.46 | $2.58 | $22.04 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: WATER TRUCK (DENVER) | $26.27 | $5.27 | $31.54 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: TRUCK MOUNTED ATTENUATOR | $12.43 | $3.22 | $15.65 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: SEMI/TRAILER TRUCK | $18.39 | $4.13 | $22.52 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: PICKUP AND PILOT CAR (DOUGLAS) | $16.43 | $3.68 | $20.11 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: PICKUP AND PILOT CAR (DENVER) | $14.24 | $3.77 | $18.01 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: MULTI-PURPOSE SPECIALTY & HOISTING TRUCK (DOUGLAS) | $20.05 | $2.88 | $22.93 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: MULTI-PURPOSE SPECIALTY & HOISTING TRUCK (DENVER) | $17.49 | $3.17 | $20.66 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: MECHANIC | $26.48 | $3.50 | $29.98 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: LOWBOY TRUCK | $17.25 | $5.27 | $22.52 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK (DOUGLAS) | $16.39 | $5.27 | $21.66 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK (DENVER) | $15.27 | $5.27 | $20.54 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: DISTRIBUTOR (DOUGLAS) | $16.98 | $5.27 | $22.25 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRUCK DRIVER: DISTRIBUTOR (DENVER) | $17.81 | $5.82 | $23.63 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: GROUNDSMAN, (DOUGLAS) | $18.67 | $7.17 | $25.84 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION: GROUNDSMAN (DENVER) | $17.90 | $3.41 | $21.31 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: TRACTOR | $13.13 | $2.95 | $16.08 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: SCREED (DOUGLAS) | $29.99 | $1.40 | $31.39 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: SCREED (DENVER) | $22.67 | $8.38 | $31.05 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ROTOMILL | $16.22 | $4.41 | $20.63 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ROLLER/COMPACTOR (DIRT AND GRADE COMPACTION) (DOUGLAS) | $22.78 | $4.86 | $27.64 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ROLLER/COMPACTOR (DIRT AND GRADE COMPACTION) (DENVER) | $20.30 | $5.51 | $25.81 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: OILER (DOUGLAS) | $24.90 | $7.67 | $32.57 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: OILER (DENVER) | $23.73 | $8.41 | $32.14 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: MECHANIC (DOUGLAS) | $23.88 | $8.22 | $32.10 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: MECHANIC (DENVER) | $22.89 | $8.72 | $31.61 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADER (FRONT END) (DOUGLAS) | $21.67 | $8.22 | $29.89 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GUARDRAIL/POST DRIVER | $16.07 | $4.41 | $20.48 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADE (DENVER) | $22.67 | $8.72 | $31.39 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFT | $15.91 | $4.68 | $20.59 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: DRILL (DOUGLAS) | $20.71 | $2.66 | $23.37 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: DRILL (DENVER) | $20.48 | $4.71 | $25.19 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CONCRETE PUMP | $21.60 | $5.21 | $26.81 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BULLDOZER | $26.90 | $5.59 | $32.49 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BROOM/SWEEPER (DOUGLAS) | $22.96 | $8.22 | $31.18 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BROOM/SWEEPER (DENVER) | $22.47 | $8.72 | $31.19 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BOOM | $22.67 | $8.72 | $31.39 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID LOADER | $15.37 | $4.28 | $19.65 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/TRACKHOE (DOUGLAS) | $23.82 | $6.00 | $29.82 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT SPREADER | $22.67 | $8.72 | $31.39 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT ROLLER (DOUGLAS) | $23.63 | $6.43 | $30.06 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT ROLLER (DENVER) | $23.13 | $7.55 | $30.68 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT PAVER (DOUGLAS) | $25.44 | $3.50 | $28.94 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT PAVER (DENVER) | $24.97 | $6.13 | $31.10 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT LAYDOWN (DOUGLAS) | $23.67 | $8.47 | $32.14 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ASPHALT LAYDOWN (DENVER) | $22.67 | $8.72 | $31.39 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| PAINTER (SPRAY ONLY) | $16.99 | $2.87 | $19.86 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
LABORER: TRAFFIC CONTROL…Full textLABORER: TRAFFIC CONTROL (SETS UP/MOVES BARRELS, CONES, INSTALL SIGNS, ARROW BOARDS AND PLACE STATIONARY FLAGS)(EXCLUDES FLAGGERS) | $12.43 | $3.22 | $15.65 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: TRAFFIC CONTROL (FLAGGER) | $9.55 | $3.05 | $12.60 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: PIPELAYER (DOUGLAS) | $16.30 | $2.18 | $18.48 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: PIPELAYER (DENVER) | $13.55 | $2.41 | $15.96 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER-CEMENT/CONCRETE (DOUGLAS) | $16.29 | $4.25 | $20.54 | — | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: MASON TENDER-CEMENT/CONCRETE (DENVER) | $16.96 | $4.04 | $21.00 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION | $12.26 | $3.16 | $15.42 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: CONCRETE SAW (HAND HELD) | $16.29 | $6.14 | $22.43 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: ASPHALT SPREADER | $18.58 | $4.65 | $23.23 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: ASPHALT SHOVELER | $21.21 | $4.25 | $25.46 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: ASPHALT RAKER | $16.29 | $4.25 | $20.54 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (DOUGLAS) | $16.29 | $4.25 | $20.54 | — | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER, COMMON OR GENERAL (DENVER) | $16.76 | $6.77 | $23.53 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
IRONWORKER: STRUCTURAL…Full textIRONWORKER: STRUCTURAL (INCLUDES LINK/CYCLONE FENCE ERECTION, EXCLUDES GUARDRAIL INSTALLATION) | $18.22 | $6.01 | $24.23 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| IRONWORKER: REINFORCING (EXCLUDES GUARDRAIL INSTALLATION) | $16.69 | $5.45 | $22.14 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| HIGHWAY/PARKING LOT STRIPING:PAINTER (DENVER) | $12.62 | $3.21 | $15.83 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| HIGHWAY/PARKING LOT STRIPING: PAINTER (DOUGLAS) | $13.89 | $3.21 | $17.10 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| GUARDRAIL INSTALLER | $12.89 | $3.20 | $16.09 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| FENCE ERECTOR (EXCLUDES LINK/CYCLONE FENCE ERECTION) | $13.02 | $3.20 | $16.22 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| ELECTRICIAN (EXCLUDES TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION) | $35.13 | $6.83 | $41.96 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER (DOUGLAS) | $18.75 | $3.00 | $21.75 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER (DENVER) | $20.18 | $5.75 | $25.93 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
| CARPENTER (EXCLUDES FORM WORK) | $19.27 | $5.08 | $24.35 | no change | Survey, 2011 |
Modification history
| Modification 0 | January 2, 2026 |
| Modification 1 | May 18, 2026 (current) |
Published by the Wage and Hour Division; read from sam.gov. The sheet is checked for a newer modification each day. Contracts awarded since January 1, 2017 also carry Executive Order 13706 paid sick leave (one hour per 30 worked, up to 56 a year).
Questions people ask
- Which rate do I pay on CO20260009?
- The line for the classification of work actually performed: the basic rate plus the fringe. You may pay the fringe into benefit plans, as cash on every hour, or a mix. Overtime after 40 hours is 1.5 times the basic rate; fringe is paid on every hour and never multiplied.
- My trade is not on this sheet. What do I do?
- Do not borrow the nearest name. Ask the contracting agency for a conformance on Standard Form 1444 before the first week of that work, and note it as pending on the payroll.
- Does modification 1 apply to my contract?
- Only if it was in force when your contract was awarded (generally at bid opening). An earlier modification locked into the contract keeps applying, except on option years, added scope and indefinite-quantity contracts. The number and modification are on the first page of the exhibit in your contract.
How to read a wage determination · Paying the fringe in cash or through plans · Overtime on these rates · Fringe credit calculator
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Start a payroll on this sheetOn this sheet
- 81 classifications in 4 rate groups
- 3 from agreements, 1 from surveys
- Counties: Denver, Douglas