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Fairfax County, VA · Operating Engineer
Operating Engineer prevailing wage in Fairfax County, Virginia
$35.16an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum) · CRANE
$32.52 base wage + $2.64 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE · SUVA2013-034
$58.04an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$39.99 base wage + $18.05 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (CRANES UNDER 90 TONS) · ENGI0147-012
$20.64an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$20.64 base wage + $0.00 fringe benefits
OPERATOR: BULLDOZER, INCLUDING UTILITY · SUVA2016-052
$58.04an hour, base wage + fringe benefits (our sum)
$39.99 base wage + $18.05 fringe benefits
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE · ENGI0147-026
Fairfax County uses the same operating engineer rates as 2 other localities. See all of them on one page.
On federally funded or assisted building construction in Fairfax County, an operating engineer working as crane must be paid at least $35.16 an hour: a $32.52 base wage plus $2.64 in fringe benefits, under wage determination VA20260178 (modification 4). DOL prints no total, so $35.16 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination VA20260178, modification 4, published October 15, 2026, for building construction; rate identifier SUVA2013-034 (January 11, 2016). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted residential construction in Fairfax County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $58.04 an hour: a $39.99 base wage plus $18.05 in fringe benefits, under wage determination VA20260137 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $58.04 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination VA20260137, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for residential construction; rate identifier ENGI0147-012 (June 1, 2025). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted highway construction in Fairfax County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $20.64 an hour: a $20.64 base wage plus $0.00 in fringe benefits, under wage determination VA20260116 (modification 1). DOL prints no total, so $20.64 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination VA20260116, modification 1, published May 18, 2026, for highway construction; rate identifier SUVA2016-052 (July 2, 2018). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
On federally funded or assisted heavy construction in Fairfax County, an operating engineer must be paid at least $58.04 an hour: a $39.99 base wage plus $18.05 in fringe benefits, under wage determination VA20260197 (modification 4). DOL prints no total, so $58.04 is our sum of the two.
Wage determination VA20260197, modification 4, published October 15, 2026, for heavy construction; rate identifier ENGI0147-026 (June 1, 2025). Checked against sam.gov on October 25, 2026.
Virginia's prevailing wage for state-funded public works over $250,000, and for localities that adopt it by ordinance, uses these same rates: DOLI's wage determinations "are based on" the Davis-Bacon ones, with no project-specific determinations (Va. Code 2.2-4321.3; DOLI). Only DOLI's official copy sent to the contracting agency counts for official purposes.
DOL lists 37 operating engineer rates for Fairfax County, from $16.06 to $59.04 an hour. See all of them.
Base wage and fringe benefits: $32.52 + $2.64
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $32.52 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $2.64 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $35.16 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $39.99 + $18.05
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $39.99 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $18.05 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $58.04 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $20.64 + $0.00
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $20.64 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $20.64 |
Base wage and fringe benefits: $39.99 + $18.05
The base wage is the taxable hourly wage. DOL prints the fringe benefits as one hourly figure, not itemized; it can go to health, pension, vacation and training plans, or be paid as cash where the state allows.
| Base wage (taxable) | $39.99 |
| Fringe benefits (one figure, not itemized) | $18.05 |
| Base + fringe benefits (our sum; DOL prints no total) | $58.04 |
When does this rate change?
- A contract keeps the wage determination in its bid documents. Modifications published before bid opening apply to it, though one published less than 10 days before can be left out if the agency finds there isn't time to tell bidders (29 CFR 1.6(c)).
- DOL changes a WD by publishing a numbered modification on SAM.gov. This page reads the modification named in the Source line; the Virginia change log lists what each one changed.
Every operating engineer rate in Fairfax County
As DOL lists them. The highlighted row is the one this page leads with.
| Classification | Base wage | Fringe benefits | Total rate | WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $21.81 | $0.00 | $21.81 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $18.95 | $4.03 | $22.98 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BULLDOZERBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $21.99 | $4.98 | $26.97 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANEBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $32.52 | $2.64 | $35.16 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: FORKLIFTBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $21.56 | $7.57 | $29.13 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADERBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $22.26 | $3.57 | $25.83 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: ROLLERBuildingSUVA2013-034 | $16.25 | $4.88 | $21.13 | VA20260178 Mod 4 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZER, INCLUDING UTILITYHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $20.64 | $0.00 | $20.64 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ASPHALT SPREADER AND DISTRIBUTORHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $20.50 | $2.16 | $22.66 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: SCREEDHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $22.13 | $4.89 | $27.02 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLER (FINISHING)HighwaySUVA2016-052 | $18.73 | $3.23 | $21.96 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: ROLLERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $18.92 | $0.00 | $18.92 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVER (ASPHALT, AGGREGATE, AND CONCRETE)HighwaySUVA2016-052 | $21.39 | $2.98 | $24.37 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVEMENT PLANER GROUNDSMENHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $19.75 | $0.00 | $19.75 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: PAVEMENT PLANERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $21.14 | $0.00 | $21.14 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MILLING MACHINEHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $23.19 | $2.94 | $26.13 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: MECHANICHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $22.84 | $0.00 | $22.84 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $18.92 | $0.00 | $18.92 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: HYDROSEEDERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $16.64 | $0.00 | $16.64 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: GRADER/BLADEHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $23.21 | $0.00 | $23.21 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: GRADALLHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $19.26 | $0.00 | $19.26 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: DRILLHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $24.89 | $0.00 | $24.89 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: CRANEHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $29.46 | $0.00 | $29.46 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BROOM/SWEEPERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $17.40 | $2.01 | $19.41 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $19.00 | $3.49 | $22.49 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHighwaySUVA2016-052 | $23.93 | $0.00 | $23.93 | VA20260116 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: LOADERHeavyENGI0077-007 | $36.31 | $13.27 | $49.58 | VA20260197 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANEHeavyENGI0147-026 | $39.99 | $18.05 | $58.04 | VA20260197 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEHeavySUVA2018-002 | $31.00 | $2.00 | $33.00 | VA20260197 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERHeavySUVA2018-002 | $21.37 | $3.83 | $25.20 | VA20260197 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: BULLDOZERHeavySUVA2018-002 | $24.42 | $0.00 | $24.42 | VA20260197 Mod 4 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (CRANES UNDER 90 TONS)ResidentialENGI0147-012 | $39.99 | $18.05 | $58.04 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
| POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (CRANES 90 TONS & OVER CAPACITY; TOWER & CLIMBING CRANES WITH CONTROLS 100 FT. ABOVE GROUND)ResidentialENGI0147-012 | $40.99 | $18.05 | $59.04 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: LOADERResidentialSUVA2012-015 | $20.64 | $0.00 | $20.64 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BULLDOZERResidentialSUVA2012-015 | $15.29 | $2.27 | $17.56 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BOBCAT/SKID STEER/SKID LOADERResidentialSUVA2012-015 | $15.26 | $0.80 | $16.06 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
| OPERATOR: BACKHOE/EXCAVATOR/TRACKHOEResidentialSUVA2012-015 | $19.21 | $1.77 | $20.98 | VA20260137 Mod 1 |
How Fairfax County compares
The main operating engineer rate in every county or city that has one, and how the pay splits here and nearby. All bars use the same scale.
Every county or city in Virginia
Wage and fringe benefits, nearby
- Fairfax Countybase $32.52$35.16
- Fairfax (independent city)base $32.52$35.16
- Falls Church (independent city)base $32.52$35.16
- Arlington Countybase $30.45$34.59
Operating Engineer rates in nearby localities
Current DOL rates. Davis-Bacon rates are set for groups of counties and cities, so neighbours often share them; the county or city where the work is done decides.
DOL's operating engineer rates for Fairfax County are the same as in 2 other localities: Fairfax (city), Falls Church (city).
| County or city | Classification | Base wage | Total rate | vs Fairfax County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $32.52 | $35.16 | |
| Fairfax (independent city) | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $32.52 | $35.16 | same |
| Falls Church (independent city) | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $32.52 | $35.16 | same |
| Arlington County | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $30.45 | $34.59 | −$0.57 |
| Alexandria (independent city) | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $30.45 | $34.59 | −$0.57 |
| Manassas Park (independent city) | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $31.68 | $34.32 | −$0.84 |
| Manassas (independent city) | POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: CRANE | $31.68 | $34.32 | −$0.84 |
Virginia operating engineer prevailing wage by county or city, with a map
More from DOL on this rate
- DOL wage determination
- SAM.gov wage determinations
- Davis-Bacon determinations list journeyworker rates. Apprentices in a program registered with DOL or a recognized state agency can be paid the program's percentage of the rate, within its ratio; anyone else gets the full rate (29 CFR 5.5(a)(4)).
Are you being paid this rate?
Add your base pay to the fringe your employer pays for you, in cash or into plans, and compare the sum with the total. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints: 1-866-487-9243, or dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints.
Source
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (DOL), wage determination VA20260178 Mod 4, published October 15, 2026: sam.gov/wage-determination/VA20260178/4
We read every active Virginia Davis-Bacon wage determination from SAM.gov's own data and check every number with a second, independent read of the same file. DOL prints no total; ours is base plus fringe. How we check · Download Fairfax County as CSV · Report an error