South Carolina Salary Calculator

South Carolina Income Tax Overview (2026)

South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6.0% (temporarily reduced from 6.2% through June 30, 2026, per the state's FY2026 budget; originally reduced from 7%). The rate applies to income above $16,040 for single filers. South Carolina exempts Social Security and a portion of other retirement income.

In addition to state tax, all South Carolina workers pay federal income tax (10%–37% marginal rates) and FICA — Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), totaling 7.65% of gross wages. Voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums further reduce taxable income.

Cost of Living in South Carolina

South Carolina has below-average living costs. Columbia median home prices are around $215,000. Charleston and Greenville are more expensive at $380,000–$450,000 due to tourism and growth.

When evaluating a job offer in South Carolina, consider not just the salary but total compensation — employer benefits, retirement match, and location-specific costs. A $70,000 salary in a low cost-of-living South Carolina city may be more livable than $85,000 in a high-cost metro.

Top Industries and Employers in South Carolina

South Carolina's economy is anchored by automotive (BMW, Volvo), aerospace (Boeing North Charleston), tourism, agriculture, textiles. The state median household income is approximately $53,000 per year, though this varies significantly by region and occupation.

South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage floor of $7.25/hour, so entry-level pay here is set largely by employer competition rather than state law, and the state's $53,000 median household income sits close to the national average, with automotive as the largest single influence on local pay scales.

How South Carolina Compares to Other States

South Carolina's 6.0% top rate means a worker earning $75,000 pays approximately $4,500 in state income tax annually. Compared to zero-tax states, this reduces take-home by $4,500/year — a meaningful difference that compounds significantly over a career.

For workers evaluating a potential relocation, state income tax is just one factor. Property taxes, sales taxes, cost of living, job market depth, and quality of public services all contribute to the complete financial picture. Use our Salary Calculator to compare take-home pay across all 50 states side by side.

How to Calculate Your South Carolina Take-Home Pay

Your net pay is your gross salary minus: (1) federal income tax based on your bracket and filing status, (2) FICA at 7.65% of gross wages, (3) South Carolina state income tax at 6.0%, and (4) any voluntary deductions such as 401(k), HSA, or health insurance premiums. The calculator above handles steps 1–3 automatically.

Tax-Advantaged Strategies for South Carolina Workers

Regardless of your state tax rate, contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts like a 401(k) or traditional IRA reduces your federal taxable income dollar for dollar. In 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to a 401(k) and $7,500 to an IRA. For someone earning $60,000 in South Carolina, maxing the 401(k) reduces federal taxable income by $24,500 — saving approximately $2,940 in federal tax (at 12% marginal rate) plus approximately $1,470 in South Carolina state tax.