Prevailing Wage for Public Work Projects

 Definition of Public Work 

"Public work" includes the following: 

  • Construction 
  • Reconstruction 
  • Demolition 
  • Alteration and/or repair work other than maintenance work 

Public work is done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of the funds of a public body where the estimated cost of the total contract is more than $25,000. This does not include work performed under a rehabilitation or manpower training program.

Obligations of Contractors/Subcontractors  

Every contractor and subcontractor shall post for the entire period of construction 

  • The name of the public works project 
  • The name, address and telephone number of the City Controller 
    • City Controller Rachael Heisler 
    • 414 Grant St, First Floor 
    • Pittsburgh, PA 15219 
    • 412-255-2055 
  • The applicable prevailing minimum wages for each craft or classification of workers performing the public work contract 
  • A statement advising workers that if they have been paid less than the prevailing wage rate for their work classification they may notify the City Controller and request an investigation.

If you believe that the prevailing wage obligations have not been met for a public work project within the City of Pittsburgh, please contact the City Controller’s Office at city_controller@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2055.

Service Worker Prevailing Wage  

The City Controller helps set service worker prevailing wage rates and enforce compliance for the service worker prevailing wage act. 

The Office of Equal Protection provides guidelines, provides intake, and offers investigation services related to the Service Worker Prevailing Wage Act. Please visit the Office of Equal Protection’s page to learn more. 

 

last updated: 07/30/2026

Back to top