What Is A Labor Rate Modifier?
A Labor Rate Modifier is used to adjust a technician’s Base Payroll Rate based on Labor Rate Group and Type or Personnel Payroll Rate. Modifiers are typically used for:
Burden costs
Overhead charges
Yearly/quarterly payroll adjustments
Modifiers can be set as either a flat $ amount or a % multiplier and can be assigned to:
Selected employees
Employees within a Department
All employees
Left unassigned to allocate later
By assigning different burden rates to Standard (ST), Overtime (OT), and Double Time (DT) hours, you can accurately track costs. Labor Rate Modifiers also streamline updates when payroll or burden rates change.
How To Create A Labor Rate Modifier
Hover over your Company Name → Click Labor Settings.
Click the Labor Rate Modifiers tab.
Click + ADD LABOR RATE MODIFIER.
Fill in the data fields:
Modifier Name
Payroll Hour Type - Choose all or specific types (ST, OT, DT, etc.)
Apply to: Selected employees, Department, all employees, or leave unassigned
Select $ or %, then input a flat amount or multiplier
Click SAVE (bottom right corner).
Note: Once saved, the modifier adjusts Labor Costs for future Jobs based on the defined criteria. Past costs remain unchanged.
Example: If a $5/hr bonus is applied to Thor Odinson, his payroll costs increase by $5.00/hr for all Payroll Hour Types (ST, OT, DT, etc.).
Managing Labor Rate Modifiers
Removing a Modifier
Currently, users cannot delete a Labor Rate Modifier. To stop using an existing modifier:
Rename it to “Do Not Use”.
Remove assigned Departments/employees.
Set the $/% value to (0).
Contact BuildOps Support for assistance.
Labor Rate Modifier Allocation
Modifiers can be assigned in Labor Settings, Personnel, or at the Job Level.
Employee Level (Personnel Settings)
Modifiers assigned in Labor Settings also appear in Employee Settings.
Navigate to Personnel Settings → Click the edit pencil in the Action column.
Scroll to Technician Labor Type & Hour Rate Settings.
Add or remove modifiers → Click SAVE.
Note: You cannot remove a modifier assigned at the Department level. Adjust it in Labor Settings → Labor Rate Modifiers.
Job Level
If a Job has additional overhead costs, use a Job-specific modifier.
❗ Note: Job-level modifiers replace existing Labor Rate Modifiers rather than adding to them.
To Add a Modifier to a Job:
Open the Job Page → Click EDIT.
Add a Modifier → Click SAVE.
Restrictions:
Modifiers can only be added after Job creation.
Applied per hour.
If the same modifier is assigned at both the Job and Employee levels, it is only applied once.
FAQs
1. What would I use a Labor Rate Modifier for?
To track additional payroll costs, such as fringe benefits, healthcare, or burden adjustments.
2. Will Labor Rate Modifiers affect past labor entries?
No. Updates only apply to new timesheets submitted after the modifier is created.