South Carolina HR laws for employers (2026)
The South Carolina rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
South Carolina employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state overtime law; only the federal FLSA rule of time-and-a-half over 40 hours per week applies. |
| Final pay when fired | Within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not be more than 30 days later. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | Same as discharge: within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not be more than 30 days later. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by statute, but vacation pay owed under the employer's written policy counts as wages, so employers must follow their written policy. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate; if an employer offers sick leave it must give written notice of the policy and follow it. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25/hour applies. No scheduled increase.
Other South Carolina rules to know
- Employers must tell employees in writing at hiring their normal hours and agreed wages, and give 7 days' written notice of changes (wage increases excepted).
- Employers required to complete federal I-9 forms must also verify each new hire through E-Verify within three business days.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25/hour applies. No scheduled increase.
When is a final paycheck due in South Carolina?
If the employer ends employment: Within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not be more than 30 days later. If the employee quits: Same as discharge: within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not be more than 30 days later.
Does South Carolina require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by statute, but vacation pay owed under the employer's written policy counts as wages, so employers must follow their written policy.
Is paid sick leave required in South Carolina?
No statewide mandate; if an employer offers sick leave it must give written notice of the policy and follow it.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.