XL EagleExecutive Order minimum wage (Executive Order minimum wage for federal contractors (EO 13658 and EO 14026))
Executive Order minimum wage stands for Executive Order minimum wage for federal contractors (EO 13658 and EO 14026). Two executive orders set minimum wages for workers on certain federal contracts. Executive Order 13658, from 2014, set a contractor minimum wage that the Department of Labor adjusts each year. Executive Order 14026, from 2021, set a higher floor for newer contracts.
In March 2025, Executive Order 14236 rescinded EO 14026. The Department of Labor has said EO 13658 remains in effect for a limited group of older covered contracts, and it continues to publish an annual rate for them. Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon wage determinations still apply on their own.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Most service and construction trades should price from the wage determination in the solicitation, which is usually higher than the EO 13658 rate anyway. Check your contract's clauses: if it includes FAR 52.222-55, ask the contracting officer which executive order applies and what rate is in effect.
Example
A grounds company holding an older federal contract sees a notice about EO 14026 being rescinded. They read their contract clauses and confirm with the contracting officer which minimum wage applies to their crew before changing pay.
Executive Order minimum wage: common questions
Is the $17.75 federal contractor minimum wage still in effect?
That rate came from EO 14026, which was rescinded in March 2025. Some contracts may still be governed by EO 13658, which has a lower annual rate set by the Department of Labor.
Does the Service Contract Act still apply?
Yes. The SCA is a law, not an executive order, so its wage determinations still apply to covered service contracts.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →