NC Wage Determination 1.02.2026.pdf

This is a General Decision issued by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, establishing prevailing wage rates for building construction projects in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison Counties, North Carolina. The decision, numbered NC20260016 and dated January 2, 2026, supersedes a prior decision (NC20250016) and applies to building construction projects excluding single-family homes and apartments up to four stories.

The document specifies hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for various skilled trades and labor classifications required on covered projects. Key classifications include electricians at $32.02 per hour with 15.50% fringe benefits; ironworkers at $29.75 with 18.00% fringe; pipefitters at $33.96 with 13.48% fringe; and laborers ranging from $13.00 to $16.50 depending on specialization (mason tender, cement/concrete, pipelayer). Equipment operators (backhoe, bulldozer, grader, roller) are priced between $15.31 and $22.68, with additional classifications for carpenter ($20.69), plumber ($27.50), painter ($15.55), roofer ($18.26), and sheet metal worker ($19.67). The wage rates reflect union-negotiated rates, weighted union average rates, survey rates, and state-adopted rates, each identified by specific code prefixes. Executive Order 13706 requires contractors to provide paid sick leave at one hour per 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of 56 hours annually. The document includes guidance on wage determination appeals processes and contact information for the Branch of Wage Surveys and Branch of Construction Wage Determinations.