South Carolina Paycheck Calculator

South Carolina Income Tax Rate

South Carolina uses progressive brackets with a declining top rate due to recent reforms. Employers begin with gross pay, subtract pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums), then apply federal withholding, FICA, and South Carolina tables using your SC W-4 elections and pay frequency. Credits and dependent allowances influence per-check results. State law has reduced the highest bracket from 7% and aims for further step-downs if revenue triggers are met, modestly increasing take-home pay for many workers. South Carolina does not levy city wage income taxes, so your paycheck generally includes only federal, FICA, and state income taxes after pre-tax deductions and before any post-tax items.

South Carolina Median Household Income

South Carolina’s median household income has trended upward across the decade, with brief pandemic-era softness followed by growth as labor markets tightened. Metros like Charleston-North Charleston and Greenville-Anderson often exceed statewide medians, while rural counties trend lower. Figures below are nominal, directional benchmarks to compare offers or plan budgets. For purchasing-power analysis, use “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and weigh housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Household size and employer benefits materially affect how far a salary goes. Combine these statewide figures with fresh county or metro estimates when evaluating relocations or negotiating compensation across South Carolina communities.

South Carolina Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to South Carolina wages like anywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (employers match). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Section 125 health premiums usually reduce both income-tax and FICA wages; traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA. Your pay stub typically lists Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and South Carolina income tax separately, helping you verify accurate withholding every pay period.

South Carolina Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

South Carolina does not levy municipal wage income taxes. Paychecks generally include federal withholding, FICA, and statewide South Carolina income tax only.

How Your South Carolina Paycheck Works

Each pay period starts with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance—to reach taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and South Carolina state income tax using your SC W-4 elections and pay frequency. Because there is no city wage tax, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable gifts) occur after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check cash flow but not annual liability. Always review stubs after life events, address changes, or benefit updates.

South Carolina Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: South Carolina follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek; exemptions apply where duties and salary thresholds are met.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common. Final-pay timing and wage-statement requirements apply under the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act and federal rules—review employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.

FAQs

How do I use the South Carolina Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, SC W-4 details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and state withholding.

What are South Carolina’s current income tax brackets?

Progressive brackets with a reduced top rate after recent reforms; see the 10-year table for context.

Do any South Carolina cities have a wage income tax?

No. Municipal wage income taxes aren’t imposed; withholding covers federal, FICA, and state only.

How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my check?

They lower taxable wages for income tax, increasing take-home pay. 401(k) doesn’t reduce FICA; many health premiums do.

Are bonuses taxed differently in South Carolina?

State withholding follows South Carolina tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages.

Why did my South Carolina withholding change this year?

Rate reductions, SC W-4 updates, benefit elections, and supplemental pay can alter per-check results even at the same salary.

What is South Carolina’s minimum wage?

South Carolina follows the federal minimum unless changed by law or employer policy; many employers pay above it to compete.

How often must I be paid in South Carolina?

Employers maintain a regular payday and consistent intervals—commonly biweekly or semimonthly—subject to state timing rules.

Do remote workers owe South Carolina income tax?

Residents owe tax on all income; nonresidents owe tax on SC-sourced wages. Credits may apply for other-state taxes.

Where can I find current South Carolina forms and tables?

See the South Carolina Department of Revenue for SC W-4, withholding tables, and employer guidance for the current year.