What is the difference between a minimum wage and a prevailing wage?

Minimum wage and prevailing wage are two different things in Washington. A minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer can legally pay an employee. In Washington, the current minimum wage is $12.00 per hour. This wage must be given to all employees who perform hourly work, regardless of their position or job title. On the other hand, a prevailing wage is the average wage of a certain profession in a given area. In Washington, the Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors of public works projects to pay their employees the wage rate established by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This wage rate is based on the area in which the work is taking place, and on the type of labor being performed. For example, a construction worker in Seattle would likely be paid a higher prevailing wage than a construction worker in Spokane. In summary, a minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer can legally pay an employee, while a prevailing wage is the average wage of a certain profession in a given area. The state of Washington has established a minimum wage and a prevailing wage rate, both of which must be taken into consideration by employers in the state.

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What is the difference between a minimum wage and a prevailing wage?

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