Does My Work as a Technician Qualify Me to Earn Prevailing Wage in California?

If you’re a technician in California working on public works projects — whether in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, maintenance, or communications — you may be eligible for California’s prevailing wage rates. Understanding if and when your work qualifies is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation. 

What Is Prevailing Wage in California?

The prevailing wage in California is a minimum hourly wage, plus benefits, set by the state for work on public construction projects. It applies to roles, such as journey workers, apprentices, and general laborers, who perform tasks covered by prevailing wage law. 

Key Questions to Determine Eligibility

  • Are You Working on a Public Works Project?
    Public works include construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance paid for in whole or in part by public funds.
  • Does Your Job Match a Covered Classification?
    Your actual work performed, not your job title, determines the appropriate classification. 

How to Tell If Your Work Qualifies for Prevailing Wage

  1. Nature of the Project
    If you’re working on city/state-funded infrastructure, the prevailing wage almost always applies.
  2. Your Role and Actual Work Performed
    Multi-trade work is common. For example, as an HVAC technician, you may spend part of your day on electrical or plumbing work. Each activity should be compensated at the applicable (and sometimes higher) rate.
  3. Proper Classification Is Key
    Employers must break out work hours by trade, e.g.:

    • Running conduit or connecting controls = electrician’s rate
    • Installing gas lines or drains = plumber’s rate
    • Servicing/installation of HVAC units = HVAC/Sheet Metal rate
      Learn more about avoiding misclassification and multiple rates in a workday from this legal overview on misclassification.
  4. Documentation Matters
    Accurate timecards and task breakdowns help ensure you’re paid the highest qualifying rate for each activity. Employers must maintain and submit proper payroll records.

Common Scenarios for Technicians

HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Techs

  • If you install AC wiring, you should be paid the prevailing electrician rate for those hours.
  • Connecting water lines for condensate drains? Those hours may be paid at the plumber’s prevailing rate.
  • Time spent solely on HVAC installation/maintenance should be recorded under the relevant classification.

Maintenance Technicians

  • Facility Repairs on Public Property: Fixing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or even access/security equipment in public schools or municipal buildings usually qualifies for prevailing wage when the work is publicly funded.
  • Multi-Trade Service Calls: You might fix an electric blower and a water line on the same call. Each should be paid at the correct trade rate detailed on your timecard.

Field/Communications Technicians

  • Installing Public Infrastructure: Installing/upgrading phone/data cabling, fiber optics, or related equipment for schools, traffic systems, or other public entities typically qualifies for prevailing wage.
  • Mixed-Duty Assignments: Time spent troubleshooting both data wiring (communications rate) and power delivery (electrician’s rate) must be correctly divided.

Takeaways for Technicians

  • Technicians can (and often do) qualify for multiple prevailing wage rates on public works projects, depending on the specific tasks performed.
  • Your eligibility is based on the work performed, not just your job title.
  • Proper record-keeping and accurate trade classification are essential for correct pay.
  • If underpaid or misclassified, you’re entitled to claim the difference.

What If You’re Uncertain?

Once you’ve reviewed the DIR determinations and the employer documents defining your job, the most important step is to contact an experienced California prevailing wage attorney. At Pelton Graham, we offer free discovery consultations to help you assess if you have a case. And to help you prepare for that visit, we’ve created a Guide about how to Prepare for a Meeting with a Prevailing Wage Attorney.