Charleston Minimum Wage 2026 (SC)
Last updated: · Part of South Carolina
Charleston, SC · Minimum Wage 2026
Follows the South Carolina state rate
Charleston Minimum Wage vs. South Carolina
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $7.25/hr | — |
| South Carolina (state rate) | $7.25/hr | Same as state rate |
Does Charleston Have Its Own Minimum Wage?
A city or county minimum wage ordinance sets a higher local wage floor than the state minimum, and employers within that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate.
No. Charleston does not have its own minimum wage ordinance , and South Carolina state law preempts cities from setting a local rate. Employers in Charleston must pay at least the South Carolina state minimum wage of $7.25/hr. State law preempts local minimum wage ordinances; follows the $7.25/hr federal rate.
Charleston Wage Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in Charleston is $7.25 per hour, the same as the South Carolina state minimum wage, since Charleston does not set its own local rate.
No. Charleston follows the South Carolina state minimum wage of $7.25/hr rather than setting its own rate. South Carolina state law blocks cities from setting a higher local rate.
Charleston follows the same $7.25/hr rate as the rest of South Carolina. There is no separate, higher local minimum wage in Charleston.