Connecticut

General Statutes Sections 31-53 and 31-53a contain the State of Connecticut’s prevailing wage laws. Each contract between the State, its representatives, or any political subdivision of the State for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of any public works project is subject to this legislation.

Connecticut’s prevailing wage regulations must be followed when new public works projects are constructed and the combined cost of all work to be done by contractors and subcontractors exceeds $1,000,000. In addition, where the entire cost of labor to be done by contractors or subcontractors in connection with any remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of any public works project exceeds $100,000, Connecticut prevailing wage regulations shall apply. Prevailing wage rates in Connecticut are updated annually, on or before the 1st of July. The new and updated rates are posted in the Department of Labor website.

Compliance Tips:

  • Public works include the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair or demolition of any public building or any other public works by the state of Connecticut, and any agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the State of Connecticut.
  • All workers performing work on the site shall be compensated at the prevailing rate for the corresponding mechanic, laborer, or worker classification.
  • Failure to pay the prevailing wage rates is considered a felony depending on the amount of unpaid wages. Filing a false certified payroll knowingly or failure to submit a certified payroll is Class D felony and you can be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for a maximum of 5 years, or both.