South Carolina: tipped minimum wage
The cash wage employers must pay tipped workers, how much of the minimum wage tips can cover, and the full minimum.
Checked on official source| Full minimum wage | Federal rules apply |
|---|---|
| Maximum tip credit | $5.12 |
| Minimum cash wage | $2.13 |
If your cash wage plus tips falls short of the full minimum wage in any workweek, your employer must make up the difference. Your employer cannot keep any of your tips.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in South Carolina.
How South Carolina compares
$2.13 ranks 35 of 50 (1 = highest) for minimum cash wage for tipped workers.
Lowest $2.13Highest $17.13
- $2.13 (16)
- $2.23 – $2.83 (5)
- $3 – $5.93 (10)
- $6.05 – $10.98 (10)
- $11.41 – $17.13 (9)
- None / not set (1)
Also for South Carolina: Discrimination deadlines in South Carolina · Paid leave programs in South Carolina · Minimum wage in South Carolina · Final paycheck rules in South Carolina · Paid sick leave in South Carolina · State income tax in South Carolina · Right-to-work laws in South Carolina · Payday frequency in South Carolina · Rest break laws in South Carolina · State EITC in South Carolina · All South Carolina rules on one page
How we checked this
Rates come from the U.S. Department of Labor's table of state minimum wages for tipped employees, dated July 1, 2026. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.