Prevailing wage rates · Montana · Wage determination
Prevailing wage rates: Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus and 11 more counties, Montana
Heavy construction · MT20260077 modification 1, published May 18, 2026
The short answer
This sheet sets 25 classifications for heavy work in Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus and 11 more counties, Montana. Each line is a basic hourly rate plus a fringe rate, and the sum is the minimum you must pay for that work, from $16.44 an hour (laborer: landscape and irrigation) to $62.13 (ironworker: reinforcing and structural). Your contract may lock an earlier modification.
What changed this year
First published January 2, 2026, this sheet is now on modification 1, but none of its modifications has changed a rate.
Latest change
May 18, 2026 · modification 1
Classification names reworded; no change among the 22 lines we could match
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.
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 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELEC0044-002 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, June 1, 2021 | ||||
| LINE CONSTRUCTION: (1) LINEMAN | $48.65 | $9.40 | $58.05 | Agreement, 2021 |
| LINE CONSTRUCTION: (3) GROUNDMAN | $29.09 | $8.36 | $37.45 | Agreement, 2021 |
| ELEC0233-022 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, June 1, 2024 | ||||
ELECTRICIAN (BLAINE…Full textELECTRICIAN (BLAINE, CHOUTEAU, FERGUS, GLACIER, JUDITH BASIN, LIBERTY, PETROLEUM, PONDERA, WHEATLAND, HILL, AND TETON COUNTIES) | $38.51 | $17.09 | $55.60 | Agreement, 2024 |
| ELEC0532-014 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, June 1, 2025 | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN (GOLDEN VALLEY AND MUSSLESHELL COUNTIES) | $43.92 | $18.17 | $62.09 | Agreement, 2025 |
| ELEC0532-017 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, June 1, 2025 | ||||
| ELECTRICIAN (SWEET GRASS COUNTY) | $41.94 | $16.97 | $58.91 | Agreement, 2025 |
| ENGI0400-011 · Operating Engineers agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR:, ZONE 1: (7) CRANES, 150 TONS TO INCLUDING 250 TONS (ADD $1.00 FOR EVERY 100 TONS OVER 250 TONS); CRANE, STIFF-LEG OR DERRICK; HELICOPTER HOIST; CRANE, TOWER (ALL). ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $42.23 | $16.20 | $58.43 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ZONE 1: (6) CRANES 75 TO AND INCL. 149 TONS; CRANES, WHIRLEY (ALL). ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $41.15 | $16.20 | $57.35 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ZONE 1: (5) CRANES 45 TONS TO AND INCL. 74 TONS. ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $40.07 | $16.20 | $56.27 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ZONE 1: (4) CRANES 25-44 TONS. ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $38.98 | $16.20 | $55.18 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ZONE 1: (3) MECHANIC, SCRAPER. ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $24.34 | $10.40 | $34.74 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ZONE 1: (2) CRANE OILER, BULLDOZER, ROLLER (DIRT AND GRADE COMPACTION), EXCAVATOR. ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $23.94 | $10.40 | $34.34 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPEARTOR…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPEARTOR: ZONE 1: (1)A-FRAME TRUCK CRANE, OILER (EXCEPT CRANE). ZONE DEFINITIONS FOR POWER EQUPMENT OPERATORS: THE ZONE HOURLY RATES APPLICABLE TO EACH PROJECT SHALL BE DETERMINED BY MEASURING THE ROAD MILES OVER THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL MAINTAINED ROUTE FROM THE NEAREST COUNTY COURT HOUSE OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED TOWNS TO THE CENTER OF THE JOB: BILLINGS, BOZEMAN, BUTTE, GREAT FALLS, HELENA, KALISPELL, MISSOULA ZONE 1: 0 TO 30 MILES - BASE PAY ZONE 2: 30 TO 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $3.50 ZONE 3: OVER 60 MILES - BASE PAY + $5.50 | $23.47 | $10.40 | $33.87 | Agreement, 2025 |
| IRON0014-017 · Ironworkers agreement, January 1, 2024 | ||||
| IRONWORKER: REINFORCING AND STRUCTURAL (GLACIER COUNTY) | $32.08 | $29.06 | $61.14 | Agreement, 2024 |
| IRON0732-019 · Ironworkers agreement, June 1, 2024 | ||||
IRONWORKER: REINFORCING AND STRUCTURAL…Full textIRONWORKER: REINFORCING AND STRUCTURAL (BLAINE, CHOUTEAU, FERGUS, GOLDEN VALLEY, HILL, JUDITH BASIN, LIBERTY, MUSSELSHELL, PETROLEUM, PONDERA, SWEET GRASS, TETON, AND WHEATLAND COUNTIES) | $36.83 | $25.30 | $62.13 | Agreement, 2024 |
| SUMT2011-053 · Survey of contractors in MT, February 8, 2011 | ||||
| OPERATOR: LOADER (FRONT END) | $25.01 | $7.78 | $32.79 | Survey, 2011 |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADE | $25.44 | $8.45 | $33.89 | Survey, 2011 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADER | $23.53 | $8.05 | $31.58 | Survey, 2011 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE | $25.71 | $8.05 | $33.76 | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION | $15.14 | $1.30 | $16.44 | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: PIPELAYER | $18.13 | $5.90 | $24.03 | Survey, 2011 |
| LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL | $17.99 | $5.90 | $23.89 | Survey, 2011 |
| CARPENTER, EXCLUDES FORM WORK | $21.13 | $7.00 | $28.13 | Survey, 2011 |
| CARPENTER (FORM WORK ONLY) | $24.30 | $7.80 | $32.10 | Survey, 2011 |
| TEAM0190-002 · Teamsters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
TRUCK DRIVER (3) DUMP TRUCK ZONE A ZONE B…Full textTRUCK DRIVER (3) DUMP TRUCK ZONE A ZONE B (30-60 MILES FROM COUNTY COURTHOUSE OF LISTED CITIES*): ADD $3.05 PER HOUR TO ZONE A RATES ZONE C (OVER 60 MILES FROM COUNTY COURTHOUSE OF LISTED CITIES*): ADD $4.85 PER HOUR TO ZONE A RATES. *ZONE PAY WILL BE CALCULATED FROM THE CITY CENTER OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED CITIES: BILLINGS BOZEMAN BUTTE GREAT FALLS HELENA KALISPELL MISSOULA | $45.28 | $13.40 | $58.68 | Agreement, 2025 |
TRUCK DRIVER (2) DUMP TRUCK ZONE A ZONE B…Full textTRUCK DRIVER (2) DUMP TRUCK ZONE A ZONE B (30-60 MILES FROM COUNTY COURTHOUSE OF LISTED CITIES*): ADD $3.05 PER HOUR TO ZONE A RATES ZONE C (OVER 60 MILES FROM COUNTY COURTHOUSE OF LISTED CITIES*): ADD $4.85 PER HOUR TO ZONE A RATES. *ZONE PAY WILL BE CALCULATED FROM THE CITY CENTER OF THE FOLLOWING LISTED CITIES: BILLINGS BOZEMAN BUTTE GREAT FALLS HELENA KALISPELL MISSOULA | $45.28 | $13.40 | $58.68 | Agreement, 2025 |
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 MT20260077?
- 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
- 25 classifications in 9 rate groups
- 8 from agreements, 1 from surveys
- Counties: Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Golden Valley, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty, Musselshell, Petroleum, Pondera, Sweet Grass, Teton, Wheatland