Tipped & Minimum Wage in Charleston, South Carolina (2026)
Charleston, South Carolina follows the South Carolina state minimum wage of $7.25/hour in 2026. There is no separate municipal wage that TipFig identified as of 2026-08-29. Below: the state tipped-wage rules as they apply in Charleston, plus tipping etiquette.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Minimum-Wage Law in Charleston (South Carolina state)
State Min
$7.25/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$2.13/hr
Max Tip Credit
$5.12/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
Standard Tip Percentages in Charleston
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Charleston, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
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Our calculators apply the 7.5% combined South Carolina rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Charleston, South Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Charleston, South Carolina in 2026?
Charleston does not have a separate municipal minimum-wage ordinance that TipFig identified as of 2026-08-29, so employers in Charleston apply the South Carolina state minimum wage of $7.25/hour. This can change — confirm the current rate with the South Carolina Department of Labor. (State figures: U.S. Department of Labor, July 1, 2026.)
Does Charleston have its own minimum wage or follow South Carolina state law?
As of TipFig's 2026-08-29 review, Charleston does not have a separate municipal minimum-wage ordinance that TipFig identified, so it follows South Carolina state law ($7.25/hour). Some cities in other states do set local rates; always verify with the South Carolina Department of Labor, since local laws change.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in Charleston?
In Charleston, the tipped cash wage is $2.13/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $5.12/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $7.25/hour. If tips don't bring the employee to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
How much should I tip in Charleston?
Like the rest of the U.S., Charleston follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 7.5% combined sales tax. In South Carolina, tipped workers already earn at least $7.25/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other South Carolina Cities
More State Guides
State minimum-wage figures are from the U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026), retrieved 2026-08-09. Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the South Carolina Department of Labor before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.