Minimum Wage in South Carolina
State-specific overview · Employment Law
South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state-level increase.
How South Carolina treats Minimum Wage
South Carolina has not enacted a state minimum wage above the federal requirement, so employers must pay at least $7.25 per hour under federal law. The state applies federal tipped employee rules, allowing payment of $2.13 per hour if tips bring total compensation to the federal minimum. South Carolina workers receive the same baseline minimum wage protection as other states without their own higher floor.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.