Illinois sets new hourly wage rates for construction workers on public projects

Illinois construction workers on public projects will see updated wage rates take effect starting July 15. The state's Department of Labor has published the prevailing wage schedules for each county, establishing the minimum pay for laborers, mechanics, and workers employed by contractors and subcontractors on public works subject to the Prevailing Wage Act.

The annual update ensures that workers on state-funded projects receive wages comparable to those in similar private sector roles within their locality. The department determines these rates each June, using information from wage surveys and collective bargaining agreements. The schedules are then published by July 15 for the upcoming year.

It is important to note that the published rates represent the base hourly wage only. Additional hourly contributions for health and welfare, pensions, vacation, training, and other insurance benefits are detailed separately in official documentation and are not included in the base figures. The specific wage applicable can vary not only by county but also by trade, region, specialty, worker classification, and project type, such as building construction or roadwork.