South Carolina Paycheck Calculator 2025 — Take-Home Pay

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South Carolina Paycheck Calculator

Pay Frequency

Gross Pay

Filing Status

State

⚙️ Add Deductions (optional)

Pre-Tax Deductions

401(k), HSA, health insurance

Post-Tax Deductions

Official Sources & References

This calculator uses data from the following authoritative sources. All tax rates, brackets, and thresholds are verified against official government publications:

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for guidance specific to your situation.

South Carolina State Income Tax Rates (2025)

South Carolina offers a substantial deduction for retirement income — up to $10,000 for taxpayers 65 and older. The state also allows a deduction for contributions to SC 529 college savings plans.

Taxable Income	Tax Rate
$0 – $3,460	0%
$3,461 – $17,330	3%
Over $17,330	6.5%

South Carolina has not set a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum of $7.25/hr applies. However, many SC employers pay above this rate.

How to Calculate Your South Carolina Paycheck

Your South Carolina take-home pay is calculated by subtracting the following deductions from your gross pay:

Federal Income Tax — based on 2025 IRS brackets and your filing status
Social Security — 6.2% of wages up to $176,100 (2025 wage base)
Medicare — 1.45% of all wages (plus 0.9% on earnings over $200,000)
South Carolina State Income Tax — calculated using South Carolina's 2025 tax brackets
Pre-tax deductions — 401(k), HSA, health insurance (reduce taxable income)

South Carolina's 6.5% top income tax rate is relatively high compared to neighboring states. Georgia recently moved to a flat 5.5% rate, and North Carolina uses a flat 4.5%. However, SC's low property taxes and no local income taxes help offset the state income tax burden for many residents.

This calculator also serves as a South Carolina payroll calculator, South Carolina salary calculator, South Carolina income calculator, and South Carolina take home pay calculator. Whether you search for "SC paycheck calculator" or "south carolina wage calculator," this tool gives you accurate 2025 results.

South Carolina Paycheck Quick Facts (2025)

State Income Tax	Progressive — 6.2% (3 brackets)
Minimum Wage	$7.25 (federal)
Median Household Income	$63,623
Cost of Living Index	94.2 (US avg = 100)
Local Taxes	No local income taxes
Pay Frequency Law	No specific frequency required

What Makes South Carolina Paychecks Unique

South Carolina uses a progressive system with a top rate of 6.2% across 3 brackets. With a median household income of $63,623 and a cost of living index of 94.2 (where 100 is the national average), your paycheck's purchasing power is above the national average.

South Carolina is reducing its top rate annually — 6.2% for 2025, heading toward a flat rate by 2027.
South Carolina exempts up to $10,000 of military retirement income and offers generous deductions for retirees 65+.
South Carolina's two-earner deduction allows married couples to deduct the lesser of $1,190 or 100% of the lower earner's qualified income.

Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina Paycheck

What is South Carolina's income tax rate?

South Carolina has three tax brackets: 0% on the first $3,460, 3% on income from $3,461–$17,330, and 6.5% on income over $17,330. Most full-time workers fall into the 6.5% top bracket.

Does South Carolina tax retirement income?

South Carolina is retirement-friendly: Social Security is fully exempt from state tax. Taxpayers 65+ can deduct up to $10,000 of retirement income (pension, 401k distributions, etc.) from their SC taxable income.

What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?

South Carolina has no state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum of $7.25/hr applies. Many SC employers voluntarily pay more, especially in the Charleston and Columbia metro areas.

Are there local income taxes in South Carolina?

No — South Carolina does not have local or city income taxes. You only pay state income tax (plus federal taxes and FICA). This makes SC's paycheck calculation simpler than states like Ohio or Maryland.

How do I reduce my South Carolina tax bill?

Maximize pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and HSA contributions, which reduce your SC taxable income. Contributing to a SC 529 plan also provides a state deduction. Married filers benefit from SC's joint filing rates.