South Carolina Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for South Carolina’s wage policy in 2026.
$7.25
Current Minimum Wage
$7.25
Projected 2026 Rate
$2.13
Tipped Worker Rate
None
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
South Carolina has no state minimum wage above the federal floor. The state is one of five with no state minimum wage law. Despite significant economic growth from manufacturing, minimum wages have not risen.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $7.25/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $2.13/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | None |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $7.25/hour |
| Legislative Source | Federal floor |
Political Context
South Carolina Republicans have blocked minimum wage increases. The manufacturing growth from companies like BMW and Volvo pays above minimum wage, but service industry workers remain at the federal floor. Democrats have little legislative leverage.