Find the covered occupations (classifications) for public works projects in the State of Oregon that apply to prevailing wage.
For a complete guide on how to determine prevailing wage rates, see which prevailing rate applies to this project?.
Terms
"Trade" or "occupation" is defined in accordance with the prevailing practices of the construction industry in Oregon. While it is not possible to list all typical duties associated with each occupation, this page is intended to be a convenient reference guide to be used to classify the duties performed on public works projects.
How to use this guide
The job classifications/trades normally used in the construction industry are represented by the job classifications. Find the definition that most closely matches the actual work being performed by the worker; this will determine the occupation title/classification to be used in determining the correct prevailing wage rate to pay the worker. It is important to note that it is the work performed by the employee, not the worker’s title or qualifications, which determines the applicable classification.
Occupation classification lookup
The below PDFs are searchable (Ctrl+F) to locate specific work processes or equipment. Choose the occupation that most closely matches the actual work being done by the worker.
Projects using Prevailing Wage Rate Books and amendments between July 1, 2018 and July 5, 2024 will use the July 1, 2018 Definitions of Covered Occupations book to determine a worker's occupation(s). Projects using the October 5, 2024 Amendment or later publications will use the October 5, 2024 Definitions of Covered Occupations book to to determine a worker's occupation(s). For projects using rate books and amendments prior to the July 1, 2018 publication, please contact BOLI to be provided earlier definitions books: PWR.email@boli.oregon.gov.
Proposed Revision(s) of Occupational Definitions
Any interested party may propose that the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) make revisions to its
Definitions of Covered Occupations for Public Works Contracts in Oregon. Requests for a revision to an
occupational definition must be submitted in writing to the PWR Coordinator and include both an
explanation of why the proposed revision is appropriate and a draft of the proposed changes. Written comments and responses received within 30 calendar days from the date the request was posted on
the website will be considered. Such comments and responses must be emailed to pwr.email@boli.oregon.gov and will be
made public by posting on BOLI’s website.
Issues and Reporting Errors
If you identify any error in this publication, have any questions regarding the application of the state prevailing wage rate laws, or questions about how to classify workers, please contact the Wage and Hour Division, Prevailing Wage Rate Unit at
971-245-3844.