485-x construction wages: what belongs in the development budget

485-x construction wages should be modeled before the GMP, not discovered after work is underway.

100+ units

The Comptroller states that construction employees on an eligible site with 100 or more units must be paid the applicable minimum hourly rate. The published 2026 rate is $42.03 per hour for that category.

150+ units in Zone A/B

Very-large projects use enhanced formulas. For the 2026 applicable date, the Comptroller publishes the Zone A ceiling as the lesser of $76.12 per hour or 65% of the greatest prevailing wage within a classification, and Zone B as the lesser of $66.19 per hour or 60%.

Not just a line item

Owners and contractors should address notice, records, payroll controls and contractual responsibility. The Comptroller’s materials also address exceptions and special treatment involving project labor agreements, collective bargaining agreements and jobsite agreements.

Building-service wages continue into operations

Covered building-service employees can be subject to prevailing wages and benefits during the applicable benefit period, subject to statutory exceptions. This belongs in operating-expense diligence and property valuation.

Use the Comptroller’s live wage page before relying on a rate →