How South Carolina Taxes Your Paycheck
South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets. Rates start at 0% on the lowest earnings and rise to 6.2% on income above $17,830 for single filers.
South Carolina has a 0% bottom bracket — single filers earning under about $3,500 of taxable income owe no state income tax.
South Carolina Job Market Context
Manufacturing (BMW in Spartanburg, Boeing in Charleston), tourism, and aerospace.
Top Cities in South Carolina
The largest population centers in South Carolina:
- Charleston — 156,000 residents
- Columbia — 137,000 residents
- North Charleston — 122,000 residents
How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (here) | $58,550 | — |
| North Carolina | $59,109 | +$559 |
| Georgia | $58,323 | -$227 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the South Carolina state income tax rate?
South Carolina has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 0% to 6.2%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $17,830.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in South Carolina?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in South Carolina (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $3,043 in South Carolina state tax — leaving about $58,550 take-home (21.9% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Is the South Carolina median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a South Carolina median household income of about $72,400. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Charleston cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this South Carolina paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the South Carolina state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.