Labor Rights in South Carolina
South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25 rate and $2.13 tipped wage apply, and there are no statewide paid sick leave or paid family leave mandates. It is a right-to-work state. One relative bright spot: state law requires final wages promptly after separation, within 48 hours of separation or by the next payday, capped at 30 days.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in South Carolina at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25 (no state minimum wage law; federal rate applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $2.13 per hour cash wage (federal tip credit of up to $5.12 applies); tips plus cash wage must total at least $7.25 per hour |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement) |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | public policy, implied contract Confirm with your state labor department. |
| Final paycheck | Due within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner, and no more than 30 days after separation (SC Code 41-10-50) |
How South Carolina compares to federal law
South Carolina uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, with no higher state rate. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.
Neighboring states
- North Carolina$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Georgia$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is South Carolina's minimum wage in 2026?
$7.25 per hour. South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal rate applies.
When do I get my final paycheck in South Carolina?
Your employer must pay all wages due within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, whichever is sooner, and in no case more than 30 days after separation.
Does South Carolina have paid sick leave?
No. There is no statewide paid sick leave mandate.
Is South Carolina a right-to-work state?
Yes. Employees cannot be required to join a union or pay dues to keep their jobs.