(Office of the Governor) — The U.S. Department of Labor has officially approved the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ 2026 Prevailing Wage Study Report for the CW-1 visa program. The updated wage data will take effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for all CW-1 determinations.
Gov. David M. Apatang welcomed the approval, emphasizing its importance to the local economy. “This approval affirms our commitment to ensuring fair and competitive wages for all workers across the Commonwealth,” Governor Apatang said. “We continue to foster an environment that supports our local workforce, businesses, and participants in the CW-1 program.”
The 2026 PWS captured wage data for 492 of the 848 Standard Occupational Classification detailed titles recognized nationally. Following a comprehensive federal review, USDOL approved 408 occupational titles based on the CNMI-specific wage survey data. The remaining 440 occupations have been assigned Guam’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics values or OEWS survey-adjusted wages, as indicated in the correspondence from the director of the National Prevailing Wage Center.
Acting Secretary of Commerce John David A. Reyes expressed appreciation to the businesses and agencies that contributed to this year’s study. “We deeply appreciate your time and effort in providing the vital data needed for this report,” He also extended gratitude to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs for its continued support through Technical Assistance Program and to the Administration for the funding made available for this year’s PWS project.
The 2026 PWS CW-1 Wage Table Report is available through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification website at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor
The full 2026 PWS Report can be accessed via the CNMI Department of Commerce, Central Statistics Division’s website at: https://ver1.cnmicommerce.com/divisions/central-statistics/report-hub
For questions or further information regarding the prevailing wage study survey, contact the Central Statistics Division at (670) 664-3023 or email: [email protected]
