North Dakota Prevailing Wage Calculator
Calculate total prevailing wage costs for North Dakota public works projects. Enter worker details, hours worked, and trade classification to estimate base wages, fringe benefits, and overtime premiums in compliance with North Dakota Century Code § 34-14.
Formulas Used
Prevailing Wage Rate:
Prevailing Wage Rate = Base Wage Rate + Fringe Benefit Rate
Regular Wage Cost (per worker, per week):
Regular Wage = Base Rate × Regular Hours
Overtime Wage Cost (per worker, per week):
Overtime Wage = Base Rate × 1.5 × Overtime Hours
(Fringe benefits are paid at straight time on all hours, including overtime, per USDOL Davis-Bacon guidance)
Fringe Benefit Cost (per worker, per week):
Fringe Cost = Fringe Rate × (Regular Hours + Overtime Hours)
Total Project Cost:
Grand Total = (Regular Wage + Overtime Wage + Fringe Cost) × Workers × Weeks
Effective All-In Hourly Rate:
Effective Rate = Grand Total ÷ Total Project Hours
Assumptions & References
- Prevailing wage rates are based on North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights published wage determinations (approximate 2024 figures; always verify current rates at nd.gov/labor).
- Overtime is calculated at 1.5× the base wage rate for all hours exceeding 40 per workweek, per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and North Dakota Century Code § 34-14.
- Fringe benefits are applied at the straight-time rate for all hours worked (regular + overtime), consistent with U.S. Department of Labor Davis-Bacon Act guidance.
- North Dakota's prevailing wage law (NDCC § 34-14) applies to public works contracts exceeding $2,000 for construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works.
- If fringe benefits are paid as "cash in lieu," the amount is included in the worker's taxable wages and subject to payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA, SUTA).
- If fringe benefits are paid to a bona fide benefit plan (health, pension, vacation fund), they are generally not subject to FICA/FUTA but must meet IRS and ERISA requirements.
- This calculator does not include employer payroll taxes (FICA ~7.65%, FUTA, ND SUTA), workers' compensation insurance, or general liability insurance — add 25–35% to labor costs for full burden estimates.
- Contractors must maintain certified payroll records and submit them to the contracting agency as required by NDCC § 34-14-06.
- Custom rate entries allow use of project-specific wage determinations issued by the contracting agency.
- This tool is for estimation purposes only. Consult the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or a licensed labor attorney for compliance guidance.