South Carolina defaults to the Federal $7.25 Minimum Wage (no state law)
South Carolina is one of five states that does not have its own state minimum wage law, thereby defaulting to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rate of $7.25 per hour. This means employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage, and there are no additional state-specific wage floor requirements. Crucially, S.C. Code § 6-1-130 preempts local governments from establishing their own minimum wage ordinances, ensuring a uniform federal standard across the state.
Federal $7.25 Floor (No State Min Wage)
South Carolina employers must adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as the state has no independent minimum wage law. Local jurisdictions are prohibited from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances.
What those rules do as a South Carolina shift is created.
When you schedule a shift in South Carolina, Teambridge automatically applies the federal minimum wage standard. This ensures compliance without manual intervention, preventing underpayment and maintaining adherence to state preemption laws.
Enforce Federal Minimum Wage
For every hour worked by a non-exempt employee in South Carolina, Teambridge ensures their effective hourly rate meets or exceeds the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This applies universally across all industries and localities within the state.
Prevent Local Wage Ordinances
Teambridge's system is configured to acknowledge South Carolina's preemption statute (S.C. Code § 6-1-130). This means no local minimum wage rules are applied, even if a city attempts to enact one, ensuring consistent application of the federal floor statewide.
Get compliant in South Carolina today.
Enter your email to receive a personalized compliance checklist for your business.
South Carolina defers to the FLSA minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
South Carolina does not have an independent state minimum wage law. Therefore, employers in South Carolina must comply with the federal minimum wage requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which currently mandate a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for covered non-exempt employees. Furthermore, state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances.
S.C. Code § 6-1-130: "A county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the State may not establish a minimum wage that exceeds the federal minimum wage."
Federal Minimum Wage Application
Because South Carolina has not enacted its own minimum wage statute, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as established by the FLSA, applies to all covered employers and non-exempt employees within the state. This means that employers must ensure that all hours worked by employees are compensated at a rate equal to or greater than $7.25 per hour. Employers should also be aware of specific FLSA provisions for tipped employees, youth minimum wage, and certain student or disabled worker programs, which may allow for wages below the standard minimum under strict conditions.
Local Preemption
South Carolina is one of the few states that not only lacks a state minimum wage but also explicitly prohibits local jurisdictions from setting their own. S.C. Code § 6-1-130 prevents any county, municipality, or other political subdivision from establishing a minimum wage higher than the federal standard. This preemption ensures a uniform wage floor across the entire state, eliminating the complexity of varying local ordinances that exist in many other states.
Teambridge ensures your South Carolina wage compliance, automatically.
Teambridge integrates the federal minimum wage standard directly into your scheduling and payroll processes for South Carolina. Our system continuously monitors federal updates and state preemption rules, so you never have to worry about manual adjustments or local variations.
Guaranteed Federal Minimum Pay
Every shift scheduled in South Carolina is automatically checked against the current federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Teambridge flags any potential underpayments before they occur, ensuring full compliance.
No Local Wage Surprises
Our system is hard-coded with South Carolina's preemption statute, meaning no local minimum wage rules will ever override the federal standard, regardless of where your operations are located within the state.
Transparent Compliance Records
Teambridge maintains detailed records of all wage calculations and compliance checks, providing an immutable audit trail that demonstrates adherence to federal minimum wage laws for South Carolina.
People also ask.
Does South Carolina have a state minimum wage?
No, South Carolina does not have its own state minimum wage law. Employers in South Carolina must comply with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina in 2026?
As of 2026, the minimum wage in South Carolina remains $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. There have been no changes to this rate at the state level.
Can a city in South Carolina set its own higher minimum wage?
No, South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 6-1-130) explicitly prohibits any county, municipality, or other political subdivision from establishing a minimum wage that exceeds the federal minimum wage. This preemption ensures a uniform wage standard across the state.
Are there any exceptions to the federal minimum wage in South Carolina?
Yes, certain exceptions permitted under the FLSA may apply, such as for tipped employees (who can be paid a lower direct wage if their tips bring them up to the minimum wage), full-time students, or individuals with disabilities working under special certificates. Employers must consult federal regulations for specific details on these exceptions.
What is the penalty for not paying the federal minimum wage in South Carolina?
Employers who fail to pay the federal minimum wage are subject to penalties under the FLSA. This can include payment of back wages, liquidated damages (equal to the back wages), and civil money penalties. Willful violations can lead to more severe consequences.
Does the federal minimum wage apply to all employers in South Carolina?
The FLSA generally applies to enterprises with at least two employees and annual gross revenues of $500,000 or more, or to employees individually engaged in interstate commerce. Most businesses in South Carolina will be covered by the federal minimum wage requirements.