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Training Camp: How to Read a California DIR Wage Determination
By Adrianna Lopez, Director of Labor Relations
Understanding a California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) general wage determination is essential for compliance on public works projects. These documents contain critical details about wage rates, benefits, and conditions for specific crafts and classifications. Here’s what you need to know:
Issue Date vs. Effective Date
Issue Date: The date the determination is published (February 22 or August 22).
Effective Date: The date the rates actually take effect, 10 days after the issue date. This matters because the applicable determination is tied to the bid advertisement date, not the start of work.
Example: Bid advertisement date: 8/27/25 = 2025-1 as the new determination (2025-2) had been issued on 8/22/25, but was not in effect until 9/1/25
Symbols and Their Meanings
# (Pound Sign): This means the craft is apprenticeable, and subject to the mandates found in CA Labor Code 1777.5 and CCR 230.1
No # Sign: In the absence of a pound sign, a craft is not apprenticeable.
##: This also means that the craft is not apprenticeable.
Pro Tip: Always check the applicable wage determination page to confirm this, as apprenticeship programs and applicability may vary by location, and determination.
Footnote Link or lowercase Letter: Indicates a footnote reference. Always check footnotes; they often contain special conditions, like when overtime applies, ratios, additional required amounts, area limitations or premiums, and when fringes are subject to the overtime multiplier.
* (Single Asterisk after expiration date): The rate remains in effect for the life of the project, even after the expiration date.
** (Double Asterisk): Indicates predetermined increases in wages, overtime, holiday pay, and/or employer contributions which are already scheduled and must be applied if work continues past that date. Keep in mind that multiple pre-determined increases may apply to the determination for up to several years, and should be considered should work continues past the date of the next published increase.
Expiration Dates and Predetermined Increases
Expiration dates signal when rates may change. If double asterisks are present, new rates are already defined and should be incorporated into contracts now.
Note: You are only required to pay increases when applicable to the wage determination in effect for your project. You are not required to increase the rate paid to workers each time a new wage determination is published.
Overtime Rules
Overtime typically applies after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, and usually on Saturdays. Double time, and in some cases triple time rates may apply, but check the determination for craft-specific rules and holiday pay details.
Where to Find Increases and Notices
Predetermined increases are listed under the expiration date with double asterisks, or on the DIR wage determination published as a link.
Important Notices (corrections, clarifications) are posted on the DIR website under the ‘Important Notices’ section for prevailing wage determinations.
Remember… Always check the important notices for wage determination updates which may or may not have been updated on the DIR website!
Key Takeaways
- Always confirm the correct determination based on bid advertisement date.
- Pay attention to symbols - they tell you if rates will change or if special conditions (like apprenticeship requirements) apply.
- Review footnotes, holiday, shift, and travel provisions carefully
- Monitor DIR’s ‘Important Notices’ for updates, or sign up to be electronically notified of changes HERE.
Want to learn more? Join me on December 11 for an in-person prevailing wage master class, hosted at our AGC Lakeside facility. Sign up here.
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