South Carolina Minimum Wage Calculator
The South Carolina minimum wage is $7.25/hour. Estimate your take-home pay at minimum wage below.
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?
South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as the state has not set its own minimum above the federal rate. This rate has been unchanged since 2009, though some cities within South Carolina may set a higher local minimum.
Does my city in South Carolina matter too?
Some cities and counties within South Carolina may set their own local minimum wage that's higher than the statewide rate shown here. This calculator reflects the statewide minimum; check your specific city or county ordinance for the most accurate local figure.
Minimum wage rates are updated periodically — treat these figures as an estimate and confirm the current rate with South Carolina's labor department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?
The current South Carolina minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Use the calculator above to see what that means for your weekly, monthly, and annual pay based on your hours worked.
Is South Carolina's minimum wage above the federal minimum wage?
No. South Carolina currently follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, since the state has not enacted a minimum above the federal floor. Some cities within the state may still require a higher local rate.
How much do you make a year at minimum wage in South Carolina?
Working 40 hours a week at South Carolina's minimum wage of $7.25/hour comes to about $15,080 a year before taxes. Adjust your hours in the calculator above for a more precise figure.
Can cities in South Carolina set a higher minimum wage than the state?
In many cases, yes. Some cities and counties within South Carolina can pass local ordinances setting a minimum wage above the statewide rate shown here. Always check your specific city or county for the most accurate local minimum wage before relying on the statewide figure.
Do tipped workers in South Carolina get the full minimum wage?
In many states, employers can pay tipped workers a lower "tipped minimum wage" as long as tips bring total hourly earnings up to at least South Carolina's standard minimum wage of $7.25/hour. A smaller number of states require the full minimum wage regardless of tips — check South Carolina's specific labor rules for tipped employees.
Is minimum wage enough to live on in South Carolina?
For most households, a single minimum-wage income of about $15,080 a year falls short of covering typical living costs like rent and groceries, particularly in higher cost-of-living areas of South Carolina. This is a key reason many states have raised their minimum well above the federal $7.25 rate.
How often does South Carolina's minimum wage change?
It depends on state law — some states raise their minimum wage automatically each year based on inflation, while others require new legislation for any increase. Check South Carolina's department of labor for the latest scheduled increases.
How does South Carolina's minimum wage compare to other states?
South Carolina matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, which is on the lower end compared to states that have enacted their own higher minimum wage.