There is no Minimum Wage in South Carolina, as the state doesn’t have its own rate. As is expected in most states that don’t, the minimum wage for most employees in South Carolina directly correlates to the Federal Minimum Wage, which is set at $7.25 per hour for employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Some special provisions also exist for employers of those who receive tips and for youth minimum wage workers, which we have detailed below.
The South Carolina Minimum Wage Rate
What do you think the legal minimum wage is for the Palmetto State?
The answer to that question couldn’t be simpler, as there is no legal minimum wage in the state. This means that employers within the state have to abide by the national minimum wage standards set by the Department of Labor. For the year 2025, this stands at $7.25.
Although some states have decided to establish their minimum wage higher than the national level as a means of adapting to the cost of living within their jurisdictions, South Carolina's minimum wage remaining at the national level means most minimum wage earners within this state can expect a minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Who Does the Federal Minimum Wage Apply to in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the minimum wage rate will affect most workers whose business falls under the coverage of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). . Those businesses that have an annual gross sales of $500,000 or more, or those engaged in interstate commerce, are governed by the act. This also covers a plethora of industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare. If an employee's work involves something that crosses state borders, like handling goods shipped from out of state, the FLSA often applies, even to smaller businesses.
Special Minimum Wage Rules and Exemptions
As is always the case, there are a few exceptions that we need to consider in the world of wages:
- Tipped Employees: The federal minimum cash wage that is applied is $2.13 per hour for tipped workers. It’s crucial to know that the combination of this cash wage and the tips the employee earns must equal at least the full federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour without fail.
If their tips don't cover the difference, the employer must make up the shortfall, else possibly face fines.
- Youth Minimum Wage: A training wage of $4.25 an hour can be given to those workers under 20 who can be considered ‘youth workers’. This rate is only valid for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment and is not allowed if it displaces other workers.
- Full-Time Students: Full-time students may earn no less than 85% of the federal minimum wage (approximately $6.16 per hour) for up to 20 hours of work per week from certain employers.
A Look Back: South Carolina Minimum Wage History
South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage; its history mirrors the changes enacted by Washington, D.C. The last time the minimum wage saw an increase was in July 2009, when the rate was raised from $6.55 to the current $7.25 per hour.
Despite ongoing, feeble legislative efforts in the state to create a higher, state-specific minimum wage, no such law has been passed to date.
This leaves the federal rate as the consistent standard for the foreseeable future.
South Carolina Minimum Wage Rates (2005-2025)
The historical federal minimum wage rates that have applied to South Carolina workers over the past two decades showcase the consistency and stability of the current rate since 2009:
| Year | Minimum Wage Rate (per hour) |
|---|---|
| 2005–July 23, 2007 | $5.15 |
| July 24, 2007–July 23, 2008 | $5.85 |
| July 24, 2008–July 23, 2009 | $6.55 |
| July 24, 2009–2025 | $7.25 |
FAQs
1. Does South Carolina have its own state minimum wage law?
South Carolina does not have a state minimum wage law, and it relies on the federal minimum wage set by the U.S. Department of Labor periodically.
2. What is the South Carolina Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage in South Carolina for 2025 is the current federal rate of $7.25 per hour. (follows the Federal Minimum Wage Rate)
3. What is the minimum wage for tipped employees in South Carolina?
Tipped employees must be paid a minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour. However, their total earnings (cash wage plus tips) must equal at least $7.25 per hour. The employer pays any shortcomings in the minimum wage if tips fall short.
4. Are there any cities in South Carolina with a higher minimum wage?
South Carolina lacks a state minimum wage law as detailed above. Hence, it does not permit cities or counties to set their own local minimum wages. All employers must adhere to the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
5. Is there a different minimum wage for employees under 20 years old?
Affirmative. Employers are permitted to pay a training wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 calendar days of employment to workers under the age of 20. This is also referred to as the ‘training wage’ more commonly.