What is the Prevailing Wage, and how is it obtained?
The prevailing wage rate is defined as the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the requested occupation in the area of intended employment. This wage rate is usually obtained by submitting ETA Form 9141 to the Department of Labor (DOL). The Department of Labor generally relies on the most common wage survey which is also known as Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey. Prevailing Wage requests submitted to the DOL include the job title, job description, area of intended employment, and the requirements for the job (ie, education level, experience requirement, and any other special requirements). DOL responds with the wage and indicates the wage survey used to determine the wage. It also provides the wage level.
