---
title: "What Is Certified Payroll? | Public Works Pay"
description: "Certified payroll is the weekly payroll report and signed statement of compliance filed on prevailing wage public works jobs. Who files and what's on it."
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last_updated: "2026-10-19"
---

# What is certified payroll?

Certified payroll is the weekly payroll report a contractor or subcontractor on a prevailing wage public works job submits, with a signed statement of compliance saying every worker was paid at least the required rate. On federal and federally assisted construction contracts over $2,000, the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts require it every week, on the DOL's optional WH-347 or any format with the same information. States with prevailing wage laws set their own rules.

By [the Public Works Pay team](https://publicworkspay.com/editorial) · Updated October 19, 2026

## Which jobs need certified payroll?

Construction jobs covered by a prevailing wage law. On the federal side, that's the Davis-Bacon Act and its Related Acts:

- **Davis-Bacon Act:** federal contracts over $2,000 for construction, alteration or repair, including painting and decorating, of public buildings and public works (40 U.S.C. 3142(a)).
- **Related Acts:** construction that a federal agency assists through grants, loans, loan guarantees or insurance, according to the DOL. The job's contract carries the Davis-Bacon clauses and a wage determination.

The weekly certified payroll requirement doesn't apply to contracts of $2,000 or less (29 CFR 3.3(c)).

States with their own prevailing wage laws set their own rules and coverage thresholds for state and local public works. Our state pages cover [California](https://publicworkspay.com/california), [New York](https://publicworkspay.com/new-york), [New Jersey](https://publicworkspay.com/new-jersey), [Illinois](https://publicworkspay.com/illinois), [Washington](https://publicworkspay.com/washington), [Massachusetts](https://publicworkspay.com/massachusetts), [Pennsylvania](https://publicworkspay.com/pennsylvania), [Ohio](https://publicworkspay.com/ohio), [Maryland](https://publicworkspay.com/maryland) and [Oregon](https://publicworkspay.com/oregon).

## What goes on a certified payroll?

For each laborer and mechanic on the job that week, the regulation calls for (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(i)(B) and (a)(3)(ii)(B)):

- Name and an individually identifying number, such as the last four digits of the Social Security number
- Each classification of work actually performed, from the job's wage determination
- Hourly rates paid, including fringe benefit contributions or cash in lieu of fringes
- Daily and weekly hours worked, in total and on each covered contract
- Deductions made
- Actual wages paid

Full Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses stay off the weekly report. The contractor keeps them in its own records and provides them on request.

On the federal form, the WH-347 (Rev. January 2025, OMB No. 1235-0008, expires 01/31/2028), these become numbered columns, from the worker entry number in column 1A to net pay in column 9. The form is optional. The regulation lets contractors submit the same information in any format (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(B)), and our [WH-347 page](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347) goes through it line by line.

## What makes a payroll "certified"?

The signed statement of compliance that goes with it. The signer is the contractor or subcontractor, or the agent who pays or supervises pay, and the signature is an original handwritten signature or a legally valid electronic signature. The statement certifies three things (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(C)):

1. The payroll is correct and complete, and the required records are being kept.
2. Each worker was paid the full weekly wages earned, with no rebates and only permitted deductions.
3. Each worker was paid at least the wage and fringe rates on the wage determination for the classification of work actually performed.

Page 2 of the WH-347 is a statement of compliance, and any form with identical wording works too (29 CFR 3.3(b)). Our [statement of compliance page](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/statement-of-compliance) covers each box, and the [wage determination page](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/wage-determination) covers where the rates come from.

## Who gets the certified payroll, and when is it due?

The agency, and the prime answers for every sub's report. On federal jobs, certified payrolls go to the federal agency if it's a party to the contract. If it isn't, they go to the applicant, sponsor or owner that keeps the records, for transmission to the agency (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(A)). The prime contractor is responsible for the submission of every subcontractor's certified payroll. An agency or prime may permit or require submission through an electronic system, as long as it takes a legally valid electronic signature and allows other methods for contractors who can't use it.

The report is due weekly, for each week any covered work is performed, within 7 days after the regular payment date for the payroll period (29 CFR 3.4(a)). The WH-347 has a box to mark the submission for the final week of work on the project.

## How long do you keep certified payroll records?

At least 3 years after all the work on the prime contract is completed. That applies to regular payrolls and other basic records, to the certified payrolls, and to the contract or subcontract and related documents such as bids, proposals and modifications (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(i)(A), (a)(3)(ii)(G) and (a)(3)(iii)). Contractors make those records available to the agency and the DOL for inspection and copying, and let them interview workers on the job during working hours (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(iv)(A)).

## What happens if certified payroll is late, missing or wrong?

The agency can withhold or suspend payments, the contractor owes back wages with interest for any underpayment, and a contractor that disregards its obligations can be debarred. Falsifying the statement of compliance can bring civil or criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 31 U.S.C. 3729 (29 CFR 5.5(a)(3)(ii)(F)). Our [penalties page](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/penalties) covers each one with its citation.

## Are apprentices reported differently?

Yes. A worker can be paid at an apprentice rate only if registered in an apprenticeship program registered with the DOL's Office of Apprenticeship or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency, and the WH-347 marks each worker "J" or "RA" and lists the program on page 2. Our [apprentices page](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/apprentices) covers ratios and pay.

## Sources

- [40 U.S.C. 3142, Rate of wages for laborers and mechanics](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title40/html/USCODE-2024-title40-subtitleII-partA-chap31-subchapIV-sec3142.htm), U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo). Davis-Bacon applies to federal contracts in excess of $2,000 for construction, alteration or repair, including painting and decorating, of public buildings and public works; minimum wages based on DOL's prevailing wage determinations; weekly pay.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [40 U.S.C. 3145, Regulations governing contractors and subcontractors (Copeland Act)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title40/html/USCODE-2024-title40-subtitleII-partA-chap31-subchapIV-sec3145.htm), U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo). Each contractor and subcontractor furnishes a weekly statement of wages paid each employee during the prior week.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [Davis-Bacon and Related Acts](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. The acts apply to contractors and subcontractors on federally funded or assisted contracts over $2,000 for construction, alteration or repair of public buildings or works; the Related Acts cover construction assisted through grants, loans, loan guarantees and insurance; laborers and mechanics get no less than locally prevailing wages.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [Dollar Threshold Amount for Contract Coverage Under State Prevailing Wage Laws (revised January 1, 2023)](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/prevailing-wages), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. States have their own prevailing wage laws with their own coverage thresholds, and DOL points readers to the state labor office for official information.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [29 CFR 5.5, Contract provisions and related matters](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-5/subpart-A/section-5.5), eCFR, Office of the Federal Register. Weekly submission for each week of covered work, to the agency or the applicant, sponsor or owner; the prime's responsibility for all subs' payrolls; electronic systems (a)(3)(ii)(A); what's on the payroll and what's left off (a)(3)(i)(B), (a)(3)(ii)(B); WH-347 optional; the three certifications (a)(3)(ii)(C); signature (a)(3)(ii)(E); falsification (a)(3)(ii)(F); 3-year retention (a)(3)(i)(A), (a)(3)(ii)(G), (a)(3)(iii); inspection and worker interviews (a)(3)(iv)(A); suspension for missing records (a)(3)(iv)(B); interest on underpayments (a)(1)(vi); withholding (a)(2)(i); termination and debarment (a)(7); apprentice registration with OA or a recognized SAA (a)(4)(i)(A).. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [29 CFR 3.3, Certified payrolls](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-3/section-3.3), eCFR, Office of the Federal Register. Weekly payroll with a statement of compliance on the back of the WH-347 or any form with identical wording; who may sign; not required on contracts of $2,000 or less.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [29 CFR 3.4, Submission of certified payroll and the preservation and inspection of weekly payroll records](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-A/part-3/section-3.4), eCFR, Office of the Federal Register. Due within 7 days after the regular payment date of the payroll period; the agency keeps certified payrolls 3 years; the contractor keeps regular payroll records 3 years after all work on the prime contract is completed.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Weekly Certified Payroll Form (WH-347), Rev. January 2025](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/wh347.pdf), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Form revision January 2025, OMB No. 1235-0008, expires 01/31/2028; for the contractor's optional use; header boxes; the Submission of Final DBRA Certified Payroll Form box; page 2 statement of compliance; falsification warning.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- [Instructions For Completing Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Weekly Certified Payroll Form, WH-347](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/forms/wh347), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. Use of the WH-347 is optional but weekly payroll information is required; the numbered columns from 1A to 9; column 2 J or RA; classifications come from the wage determination; the final-week box; apprenticeship programs listed on page 2.. Checked October 19, 2026.

## Related pages

- [How to fill out the WH-347, line by line](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347): Every field on the current WH-347 (Rev. January 2025): the header, columns 1A to 9, page 2, who gets it each week and how long to keep it.
- [California certified payroll (DIR eCPR)](https://publicworkspay.com/california): California certified payroll: eCPR filing with DIR, who submits, the 30-day deadline, project and contractor registration, Labor Code 1776 and penalties.
- [New York certified payroll (NYS DOL Certified Payroll portal)](https://publicworkspay.com/new-york): How New York certified payroll works on Article 8 jobs. The NYS DOL Certified Payroll portal, the 30-day cycle, the PRC number, records and late fines.
- [New Jersey certified payroll (MW-562 and the NJ Wage Hub)](https://publicworkspay.com/new-jersey): How New Jersey certified payroll works: the MW-562, the NJ Wage Hub, the 10-day deadline, the public body copy, PWCR registration and penalties.
- [Illinois certified payroll (IDOL Certified Transcript of Payroll)](https://publicworkspay.com/illinois): How Illinois certified payroll works under the Prevailing Wage Act. IDOL's portal, the 15th-of-the-month deadline, what it asks for, records and penalties.
- [Washington certified payroll (L&I prevailing wage)](https://publicworkspay.com/washington): How Washington prevailing wage paperwork works: the intent, weekly certified payroll filed monthly with L&I, the affidavit, fees and penalties.
- [Massachusetts certified payroll (weekly payroll report and Statement of Compliance)](https://publicworkspay.com/massachusetts): How Massachusetts certified payroll works under c.149 §27B: the weekly payroll report, the Statement of Compliance, records and penalties.
- [Pennsylvania certified payroll (L&I form LLC-25)](https://publicworkspay.com/pennsylvania): How Pennsylvania certified payroll works: L&I's LLC-25 form, weekly filing with the public body, records, notarization and penalties.
- [Ohio certified payroll (prevailing wage, ORC 4115)](https://publicworkspay.com/ohio): How Ohio certified payroll works: reports to the prevailing wage coordinator, two weeks after the first pay date then monthly, thresholds and penalties.
- [Maryland certified payroll (Prevailing Wage Unit online submission)](https://publicworkspay.com/maryland): How Maryland certified payroll works under State Finance and Procurement Title 17: online filing within 14 days, the WH-347 option and penalties.
- [Oregon certified payroll (BOLI WH-38)](https://publicworkspay.com/oregon): How Oregon certified payroll works: the BOLI WH-38, weekly statements filed with the public agency by the fifth business day, records and penalties.
- [What does the WH-347 statement of compliance certify?](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/statement-of-compliance): The six boxes on page 2 of the WH-347 (Rev. January 2025), how fringes paid to plans and in cash are reported, who signs, and the false-statement warning.
- [How do you read a Davis-Bacon wage determination?](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/wage-determination): Finding the WD on SAM.gov, which modification applies, rate identifiers, base rate and fringe columns, footnotes, EO notes and conformance.
- [What are the apprentice rules on a Davis-Bacon job?](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/apprentices): Davis-Bacon apprentices: OA or SAA registration, whose ratio applies since 2023, pay as a percent of the journeyworker rate, fringes and the WH-347.
- [What are the penalties for late, missing or false certified payroll?](https://publicworkspay.com/wh-347/penalties): Withheld payments, back wages with interest, 3-year debarment, cross-withholding, prime liability and false-statement penalties on Davis-Bacon jobs.

## About this document

This is the Markdown version of a page on Public Works Pay (https://publicworkspay.com). Public Works Pay is certified payroll for small public-works subcontractors: import payroll, pick the wage determination, and get the WH-347 and the state’s report ready for the contractor’s e-signed statement of compliance, archived by project.

- Site index for AI assistants: https://publicworkspay.com/llms.txt
- About Public Works Pay: https://publicworkspay.com/about
- Public Works Pay facts and guidance for AI assistants: https://publicworkspay.com/facts
- All states: https://publicworkspay.com/#products
- Every page has a Markdown version at its URL plus .md (the home page is https://publicworkspay.com/index.md).

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