State of California Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) as of July 31st, 2008

General Information
California’s State Workforce Agency (SWA) processes Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) in a way similar to many other states. The majority of their PWDs are done via facsimile using a special form that they provide. Although the form has a limited amount of space for a job description, you can continue the description on an attachment. The job description must include education and experience requirements, though alternative education and experience are not required to be listed. This policy appears to be consistent with the Department of Labor’s (DOL) published FAQs, which can be found at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/faqs.cfm, or by going to the Links section at www.usadweb.com and clicking DOL FAQs.

Jurisdiction Specific Information
What is interesting to note is that CA has published a list of many sources for acceptable alternate wage survey information. In the event that your client’s employer has a different opinion about the prevailing wage, acceptable vetted alternative surveys are available for consideration.

Processing Times
The standard processing time is within 2 weeks. They request that you contact them at 916-262-2321 if you do not receive a determination by that time. The current processing time is about 5-7 business days.