Current Minimum Wage in South Carolina
South Carolina does not have a state minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr applies to covered workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $58 | 8 |
| Weekly | $290 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $580 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,257 | ~173 |
| Annual | $15,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in South Carolina can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $7.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases. No state minimum wage law.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $20 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (SC)
~$15.88/hr
Based on cost of living index (93.4)
Cost of Living Context
South Carolina's cost of living index is 93.4 (national average = 100). This means living in South Carolina is 6.6% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in South Carolina is $18.72/hr, which is 158% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
No state minimum wage law. Federal rate applies. State preempts local minimum wage ordinances.
How This Compares
| Metric | SC | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $15,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
South Carolina Average Salary
Median income and top employers in SC
South Carolina Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in SC
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