How much is the fine for prevailing wage violations in California?

California can assess up to $200 per worker, per day for paying below the prevailing wage (Labor Code 1775), plus the back wages owed. Failing to produce certified payroll records within 10 days of a written request is a separate $100 per worker, per day penalty (Labor Code 1776).

How are certified payroll penalties calculated?

The calculation depends on the specific violation and statute. At California's maximum under Labor Code section 1775, five workers underpaid for 20 days could produce a $20,000 penalty before back wages; the Labor Commissioner determines the amount. Other laws use different daily, per-worker, or per-filing rules.

What are the penalties in New York and Illinois?

New York charges $100 per day for certified payroll filed more than 14 days late. Illinois charges up to $1,000 for a first late filing and $2,000 for a repeat within five years, with each missed month a separate violation and personal liability for the individual.

Prevailing Wage Fine Calculator

Penalty scenario

Number of workers affected

Days underpaid / days late

New York's clock starts after a 14-day grace period; enter days beyond that.

Estimated maximum penalty exposure

$20,000

5 workers × 20 days × $200

This is the penalty alone. In an underpayment case you also owe the back wages on top — and serious or repeat violations can mean debarment from public works.

// how the penalties actually work

Penalty rules by state

California

up to $200 / worker / day

For underpaying prevailing wage (Labor Code 1775), plus back wages. A separate $100/worker/day applies for not producing records within 10 days of a request.

CA guide →

New York

$100 / day

For certified payroll filed more than 14 days late. Willfully false records: up to $1,000 and a Class E felony.

NY guide →

Illinois

$1,000–$2,000 / filing

Up to $1,000 for a first late filing, $2,000 for a repeat within 5 years — each missed month counts separately, with personal liability.

IL guide →

Federal (Davis-Bacon)

remedies vary by violation

Federal Davis-Bacon remedies can include back wages, withheld contract payments, contract termination, and 3-year debarment. False or fraudulent records may trigger separate civil or criminal laws; there is no single generic Davis-Bacon fine per violation.

What happens →

// the cheaper option

$0 in fines beats any number above

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This calculator gives a rough maximum estimate for awareness only — not legal or financial advice. Real penalties depend on the statute, agency findings and discretion, the conduct involved, and back wages owed; amounts and procedures can change. Figures reflect California (Labor Code 1775/1776), New York, Illinois, and federal Davis-Bacon guidance reviewed in July 2026. Confirm current rules and project documents, and have qualified counsel review regulatory claims before relying on them for a specific matter.

Sources: CA DIR · CA Labor Code §1775 · CA Labor Code §1776 · NYS DOL · IL DOL · U.S. DOL (DBRA remedies)