Current minimum wage rate: $7.25/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a South Carolina worker.
Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources
| Category | Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Tipped Employee Cash Wage | $2.13/hour |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week) | $15,080/year |
| Tipped Annual Equivalent | $4,430/year (cash wages only) |
South Carolina does not set a state minimum wage above the federal level. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies to most South Carolina workers covered by the FLSA.
South Carolina has no state minimum wage law. Federal rate applies.
The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour has not changed since 2009. States with higher minimums provide greater worker protections. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.
Tipped employees in South Carolina have a cash minimum wage of $2.13/hour. Federal tip credit applies.
Employers can pay tipped employees $2.13/hour in direct wages if the employee's tips bring their total compensation to at least $7.25/hour. If tips are insufficient, the employer must make up the difference.
Tipped employees must be informed of the tip credit before it is applied. Employers who take a tip credit must allow employees to keep all tips, except in valid tip pool arrangements.
Certain workers may be paid less than the standard minimum wage under federal or state exemptions:
| Hours per Week | Weeks per Year | Annual Income at $7.25/hr |
|---|---|---|
| 20 (part-time) | 52 | $7,540 |
| 30 | 52 | $11,310 |
| 40 (full-time) | 52 | $15,080 |
| 40 (full-time) | 50 (2 wks unpaid) | $14,500 |
Use our free minimum wage calculator to compute annual income, overtime pay, and take-home pay estimates for South Carolina workers.
Open South Carolina Minimum Wage CalculatorThe South Carolina minimum wage in 2026 is $7.25/hour. This equals the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.
Tipped employees in South Carolina may be paid a cash minimum wage of $2.13/hour. Federal tip credit applies. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $7.25/hour, the employer must pay the difference.
South Carolina has no state minimum wage law. Federal rate applies. Check the South Carolina Department of Labor website for the most current rate information, as minimum wages frequently change through legislation or automatic inflation adjustments.