Prevailing wage rates · New Jersey · Wage determination
Prevailing wage rates: Essex County, New Jersey
Heavy construction · NJ20260052 modification 2, published August 13, 2026
The short answer
This sheet sets 21 classifications for heavy work in Essex County, New Jersey. Each line is a basic hourly rate plus a fringe rate, and the sum is the minimum you must pay for that work, from $47.96 an hour (painter: brush and roller (repaint work, on projects on which no major alterations occur.)) to $107.14 (pipefitter). Your contract may lock an earlier modification.
What changed this year
First published January 2, 2026, this sheet is now on modification 2, but none of its modifications has changed a rate.
Latest change
August 13, 2026 · modification 2
Classification names reworded; no change among the 21 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.
Earlier modifications
May 18, 2026 · modification 1Classification names reworded; no change among the 15 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 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRNJ0004-001 · Bricklayers agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
| CEMENT MASON | $49.60 | $37.96 | $87.56 | Agreement, 2025 |
| CARP0006-009 · Carpenters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
Group definitions, zones and premiums for CARP0006-009CARPENTER: SCAFFOLD BUILDER (THE FIRST SIXTY FEET AT THE REGULAR RATE, 10% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL FOR EACH ADDITIONAL FIFTY FEET THEREAFTER.) $ 57.42 34.17 | ||||
| CARP0006-013 · Carpenters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
CARPENTER: INCLUDING FORM WORK…Full textCARPENTER: INCLUDING FORM WORK (THE FIRST SIXTY FEET AT THE REGULAR RATE, 10% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL FOR EACH ADDITIONAL FIFTY FEET THEREAFTER.) | $57.42 | $34.17 | $91.59 | Agreement, 2025 |
| CARP0715-007 · Carpenters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
MILLWRIGHT (WORK OF ERECTION AND DISMANTLING OF ELEVATORS AND TOWERS…Full textMILLWRIGHT (WORK OF ERECTION AND DISMANTLING OF ELEVATORS AND TOWERS, SUCH AS CONCRETE CONVEYORS AND TEMPORARY MATERIAL ELEVATORS, SCAFFOLDING OR OTHER STRUCTURES TO BE USED AS SCAFFOLDING INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS: THE FIRST SIXTY FEET AT THE REGULAR RATE, 10% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL FOR EACH ADDITIONAL FIFTY FEET THEREAFTER.) | $58.84 | $35.06 | $93.90 | Agreement, 2025 |
| ELEC0164-008 · Electrical Workers (IBEW) agreement, June 3, 2024 | ||||
ELECTRICIAN (WORK ON LINE VOLTAGE OF 440 OR 480 VOLTS…Full textELECTRICIAN (WORK ON LINE VOLTAGE OF 440 OR 480 VOLTS: 10% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK FROM TRUSSES, SCAFFOLDS, FRAMES, LADDERS AND POLES, 40 FT. OR MORE ABOVE THE GROUND OR FLOOR (DOES NOT INCLUDE WORK FROM A MANLIFT): 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK ON RADIO TOWERS, TRANSMISSION TOWERS AND SMOKESTACKS: 21% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) | $62.90 | $39.31 | $102.21 | Agreement, 2024 |
ELECTRICIAN: CABLE SPLICER…Full textELECTRICIAN: CABLE SPLICER (WORK ON LINE VOLTAGE OF 440 OR 480 VOLTS: 10% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK FROM TRUSSES, SCAFFOLDS, FRAMES, LADDERS AND POLES, 40 FT. OR MORE ABOVE THE GROUND OR FLOOR (DOES NOT INCLUDE WORK FROM A MANLIFT): 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK ON RADIO TOWERS, TRANSMISSION TOWERS AND SMOKESTACKS: 21% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) | $73.59 | $45.99 | $119.58 | Agreement, 2024 |
| ENGI0825-021 · Operating Engineers agreement, July 1, 2025 | ||||
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 5…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 5 OILER (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED 1) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE OF THE PRECEDING FIVE WORK DAYS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY; OR, THE WORK DAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY; AND, 2) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THE WORK DAY BEFORE AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY | $52.88 | $37.50 | $90.38 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 4…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 4 BROOM; COMPRESSOR (SINGLE); FARM TRACTOR; FRONT END LOADER (UNDER 1 CU. YD.); ROLLER, GRADE; PUMP (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED 1) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE OF THE PRECEDING FIVE WORK DAYS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY; OR, THE WORK DAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY; AND, 2) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THE WORK DAY BEFORE AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY | $56.59 | $37.50 | $94.09 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 3…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 3 ASPHALT SPREADER; BULLDOZER; COMPRESSOR(2 OR 3) (IN BATTERY) (WITHIN 100 FT.); CRUSHER; FORKLIFT; FRONT END LOADER (1 CU. YD. AND OVER BUT LESS THAN 2 CU. YD.); LULL; MECHANIC; PAVER, ASPHALT; ROLLER, BLACKTOP; TRACTOR (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED 1) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE OF THE PRECEDING FIVE WORK DAYS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY; OR, THE WORK DAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY; AND, 2) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THE WORK DAY BEFORE AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY | $58.22 | $37.50 | $95.72 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 2…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 2 BACKHOE LOADER COMBO; CONCRETE PUMPER; GRADER/BLADE (FINISH); HOIST; HYDRAULIC CRANE, 10 TONS AND UNDER; FRONT END LOADER (2 CU. YD. BUT LESS THAN 5 CU. YD.); SCRAPER; SIDE BOOM (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED 1) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE OF THE PRECEDING FIVE WORK DAYS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY; OR, THE WORK DAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY; AND, 2) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THE WORK DAY BEFORE AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY | $60.13 | $37.50 | $97.63 | Agreement, 2025 |
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1…Full textPOWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: GROUP 1 BACKHOE, INCLUDING BACKHOE TRACK; BOOM; CONCRETE PAVING MACHINE; CRANE (ALL TYPES, INCLUDING OVERHEAD AND STRADDLE TRAVELING TYPE); DRILL (DOWN-THE-HOLE DRILL, ROTARY DRILL, SELF-PROPELLED HYDRAULIC DRILL, SELF-POWERED DRILL); ELEVATING GRADER; EXCAVATOR; FRONT END LOADER (5 CU. YD. AND OVER); PILEDRIVER (LENGTH OF BOOM, INCLUDING LENGTH OF LEADS, SHALL DETERMINE PREMIUM RATE APPLICABLE) (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: 20% PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.)PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED 1) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE OF THE PRECEDING FIVE WORK DAYS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY; OR, THE WORK DAY BEFORE THE HOLIDAY AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY; AND, 2) THAT THE WORKER WORKS THE WORK DAY BEFORE AND THE WORK DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY | $61.72 | $37.50 | $99.22 | Agreement, 2025 |
| IRON0011-012 · Ironworkers agreement, July 1, 2025 | ||||
| IRONWORKER: STRUCTURAL AND ORNAMENTAL | $52.24 | $50.32 | $102.56 | Agreement, 2025 |
| IRONWORKER: REINFORCING | $49.94 | $50.32 | $100.26 | Agreement, 2025 |
| LABO0077-008 · Laborers agreement, July 1, 2012 | ||||
| LABORER: MASON TENDER: CEMENT/CONCRETE | $29.35 | $23.07 | $52.42 | Agreement, 2012 |
| LABO0172-009 · Laborers agreement, March 1, 2025 | ||||
LABORER: PIPELAYER…Full textLABORER: PIPELAYER (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS REQUIRED TO WEAR LEVEL A, B OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS NOT REQUIRED TO WEAR LEVEL A, B, OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $1.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. ) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, PRESIDENT'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE DAYS FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER WITHIN A PERIOD OF TEN WORKING DAYS CONSISTING OF FIVE WORKING DAYS BEFORE AND FIVE WORKING DAYS AFTER THE DAY UPON WHICH THE HOLIDAY FALLS OR IS OBSERVED | $51.65 | $38.53 | $90.18 | Agreement, 2025 |
LABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL LABORER…Full textLABORER: COMMON OR GENERAL LABORER; LANDSCAPE LABORER, POWER TOOL OPERATOR (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK: WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS REQUIRED TO WEAR LEVEL A, B OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. WORK ON A STATE OR FEDERALLY DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, WHERE THE WORKER IS NOT REQUIRED TO WEAR LEVEL A, B, OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $1.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, PRESIDENT'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED THAT THE WORKER WORKS THREE DAYS FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER WITHIN A PERIOD OF TEN WORKING DAYS CONSISTING OF FIVE WORKING DAYS BEFORE AND FIVE WORKING DAYS AFTER THE DAY UPON WHICH THE HOLIDAY FALLS OR IS OBSERVED | $50.95 | $38.53 | $89.48 | Agreement, 2025 |
| PAIN0711-023 · Painters and Allied Trades agreement, May 1, 2023 | ||||
| PAINTER: WORK ON BRIDGES (MAJOR BRIDGES DESIGNED FOR COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION) | $58.28 | $33.85 | $92.13 | Agreement, 2023 |
| PAIN0711-024 · Painters and Allied Trades agreement, May 1, 2017 | ||||
| PAINTER: BRUSH AND ROLLER (REPAINT WORK, ON PROJECTS ON WHICH NO MAJOR ALTERATIONS OCCUR.) | $29.05 | $18.91 | $47.96 | Agreement, 2017 |
| PAINTER: BRUSH AND ROLLER (NEW CONSTRUCTION) | $40.19 | $22.72 | $62.91 | Agreement, 2017 |
| PLUM0475-020 · Plumbers and Pipefitters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
| PIPEFITTER | $56.34 | $50.80 | $107.14 | Agreement, 2025 |
| TEAM0408-003 · Teamsters agreement, May 1, 2025 | ||||
TRUCK DRIVER: OFF THE ROAD TRUCK…Full textTRUCK DRIVER: OFF THE ROAD TRUCK, FLATBED TRUCK, PICKUP TRUCK, VACUUM TRUCK (A. EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTES $2026.49 PER MONTH PER WORKER FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.) (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS WORKING IN A HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, IN A ZONE REQUIRING LEVEL A PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR ANY OF THE WORKERS: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS NOT WORKING IN A ZONE REQUIRING LEVEL A, B OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $1.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, PRESIDENT'S DAY, DECORATION DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED THAT THE WORKER HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO WORK, OR, ""SHAPES"", ONE DAY OF THE CALENDAR WEEK DURING WHICH THE HOLIDAY OCCURS | $46.51 | $31.82 | $78.33 | Agreement, 2025 |
TRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK…Full textTRUCK DRIVER: DUMP TRUCK (A. EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTES $2026.49 PER MONTH PER WORKER FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.) (HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND WHEN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY, SKIN AND EYE PROTECTION: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS WORKING IN A HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE, IN A ZONE REQUIRING LEVEL A PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR ANY OF THE WORKERS: $3.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL. HAZARDOUS WASTE REMOVAL WORK, WHERE THE WORKER IS NOT WORKING IN A ZONE REQUIRING LEVEL A, B OR C PERSONAL PROTECTION: $1.00 PER HOUR ADDITIONAL.) PAID HOLIDAYS: NEW YEAR'S DAY, PRESIDENT'S DAY, DECORATION DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DAY, VETERAN'S DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY; PROVIDED THAT THE WORKER HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO WORK, OR, ""SHAPES"", ONE DAY OF THE CALENDAR WEEK DURING WHICH THE HOLIDAY OCCURS | $46.41 | $31.82 | $78.23 | Agreement, 2025 |
Modification history
| Modification 0 | January 2, 2026 |
| Modification 1 | May 18, 2026 |
| Modification 2 | August 13, 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 NJ20260052?
- 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 2 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
- 21 classifications in 13 rate groups
- 13 from agreements, 0 from surveys
- Counties: Essex