Ohio Prevailing Wage Calculator
Calculate total prevailing wage costs for Ohio public improvement projects per Ohio Revised Code §4115. Enter the base wage rate, fringe benefits, hours worked, and overtime hours to determine gross wages owed.
The prevailing wage rate for the applicable trade/classification in the county.
Health insurance, pension, vacation, and other bona fide fringe benefits per hour.
Standard hours worked at straight-time rate (typically up to 40 hours/week).
Hours worked beyond 40 per week. Ohio prevailing wage overtime = 1.5× base wage rate.
Total number of workers in this trade classification.
Total project duration in weeks for this trade.
Formulas Used
Overtime Rate = Base Wage × 1.5
Weekly Regular Wages = Base Wage × Regular Hours
Weekly Overtime Wages = (Base Wage × 1.5) × Overtime Hours
Weekly Fringe Benefits = Fringe Rate × (Regular Hours + Overtime Hours)
Note: Fringe benefits are paid at the straight-time rate on all hours worked, including overtime hours.
Weekly Total per Worker = Regular Wages + Overtime Wages + Fringe Benefits
Project Grand Total = Weekly Total per Worker × Number of Weeks × Number of Workers
Effective Hourly Rate = Grand Total ÷ Total Hours Worked (all workers)
Assumptions & References
- Ohio Revised Code §4115.03–§4115.16 governs prevailing wage requirements on public improvement projects.
- Prevailing wage applies to public improvement contracts where the total project cost meets or exceeds the applicable threshold (currently $250,000 for new construction; $75,000 for reconstruction/renovation as of 2023).
- Overtime is calculated at 1.5× the base wage rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, per the Fair Labor Standards Act and ORC §4115.
- Fringe benefits (health insurance, pension, vacation pay, etc.) are paid at the straight-time rate on all hours, including overtime hours — only the base wage is multiplied by 1.5 for overtime.
- Prevailing wage rates are set by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage and Hour Bureau and vary by trade classification and county. Rates are updated periodically — always verify current rates at com.ohio.gov.
- This calculator does not account for apprentice wage rates, which may differ from journeyman rates.
- Contractors must maintain certified payroll records and submit them to the contracting public authority.
- Violations may result in back wages, penalties, and debarment from public contracts under ORC §4115.13.