What is the minimum wage in California for 2026?

The 2026 statutory minimum wage in California is $16.00 per hour under CA Labor Code § 510.

Does California require daily overtime pay?

California requires 1.5x daily overtime for shift hours exceeding 8 hours in a workday under CA Labor Code § 510.

Are employers in California allowed to take a tip credit?

No, California prohibits tip credits. Employers must pay tipped employees the full statutory minimum wage of $16.00/hr in direct cash pay before tips.

What is the prevailing wage in Orange County, CA?

In Orange County, CA, prevailing wage rates under General Decision CA20260033 range up to $79.70/hr total package (base pay + fringe benefits) depending on the construction trade classification.

Are fringe benefits mandatory on public works projects in Orange County?

Yes. Under the Davis-Bacon Act and state prevailing wage laws, contractors must either pay the required fringe benefit rate directly into bona fide benefit plans (health insurance, pension, apprenticeship training) or pay the cash equivalent on worker paychecks.

How do contractors submit certified payroll in Orange County, CA?

Contractors working on public projects in Orange County must submit weekly Certified Payroll Reports (Form WH-347 or state electronic portal equivalent) certifying compliance with statutory trade rates and fringe benefit contributions.

Davis-Bacon General Decision • CA20260033 2026 Statutory Rate Audit

Orange County, CA Prevailing Wage Rates 2026

Official public works wage determination for Orange County. Audits hourly base rates, mandatory fringe benefit contributions, and certified payroll requirements for commercial construction contractors.

Official Determination Active

CA Public Works

Enforced by US Department of Labor & California DOL

Max Trade Package $79.70 / hr

Avg Fringe Benefit $23.48 / hr

State Min Floor $16.00 / hr

Apprentice Rate Floor 60% - 90% Base

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Orange County Certified Trade Pay Calculator

Audit base hourly pay, fringe benefit packages, and certified payroll totals

Select Construction Trade

Hours Worked (Weekly)

Base Pay Earnings $0.00 $0.00/hr base

Fringe Benefit Escrow $0.00 $0.00/hr fringe

Total Gross Package $0.00 $0.00/hr package

ℹ️ Certified Payroll Rule: Fringe benefits must be paid into approved benefit plans (health, pension, apprenticeship) or added directly to cash paychecks as gross wages.

Official Orange County Trade Rate Schedule (2026)

Verified Rates

Construction Trade	Base Hourly	Fringe Benefits	Total Hourly Package	Apprentice Rate (60%)
Electrician (Inside)	$55.80/hr	$23.90/hr	$79.70/hr	$33.48/hr
Carpenter	$47.90/hr	$21.50/hr	$69.40/hr	$28.74/hr
Plumber / Pipefitter	$53.80/hr	$25.10/hr	$78.90/hr	$32.28/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator	$51.20/hr	$27.80/hr	$79.00/hr	$30.72/hr
Construction Laborer	$39.20/hr	$19.10/hr	$58.30/hr	$23.52/hr

Form WH-347 & Certified Payroll Rules in Orange County

Under the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) and state prevailing wage statutes, contractors and subcontractors performing work on federally funded or state public works contracts exceeding $2,000 in Orange County must pay mechanics and laborers no less than the prevailing wage package set forth under General Decision CA20260033.

Weekly Certified Payroll Submission

Contractors must submit weekly Statement of Compliance forms (Form WH-347) documenting employee work classifications, total hours worked, exact hourly rates, and fringe benefit contributions.

Apprentice Ratios & Registration

Apprentices may be paid below full journeyman rate only if individually registered in a bona fide apprenticeship program approved by the US Department of Labor or state apprenticeship agency.

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Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages

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Audit Orange County Certified Payroll Compliance

Verify 2026 Davis-Bacon trade schedules, mandatory fringe benefit contributions, and Form WH-347 compliance for public works contracts.

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