South Carolina paycheck calculator
What you'll take home in South Carolina after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax rates from 3% to 6%.
Take-home pay in South Carolina at common wages
| Pay | Gross per check | Federal | Social Security + Medicare | South Carolina tax | Take-home per check | Take-home per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12/hour | $960.00 | $34.08 | $73.44 | $14.97 | $837.52 | $21,775 |
| $15/hour | $1,200.00 | $60.15 | $91.80 | $27.50 | $1,020.55 | $26,534 |
| $18/hour | $1,440.00 | $88.95 | $110.16 | $41.90 | $1,198.99 | $31,174 |
| $20/hour | $1,600.00 | $108.15 | $122.40 | $51.50 | $1,317.95 | $34,267 |
| $25/hour | $2,000.00 | $156.15 | $153.00 | $75.50 | $1,615.35 | $41,999 |
| $30/hour | $2,400.00 | $204.15 | $183.60 | $99.50 | $1,912.75 | $49,732 |
| $35,000/year | $1,346.15 | $77.69 | $102.98 | $36.27 | $1,129.22 | $29,360 |
| $50,000/year | $1,923.08 | $146.92 | $147.12 | $70.88 | $1,558.16 | $40,512 |
| $75,000/year | $2,884.62 | $295.00 | $220.67 | $128.57 | $2,240.37 | $58,250 |
Single filer, no dependents, paid every two weeks, 40 hours a week, no overtime or pre-tax benefits, W-4 Step 2 unchecked.
How South Carolina taxes your paycheck
South Carolina uses tax brackets, so each rate applies only to the part of your taxable income inside that bracket. 2026 brackets:
| Rate | Taxable income (all filers) |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 to $3,640 |
| 3% | $3,640 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Before the brackets apply:
- Standard deduction: $8,350 single, $16,700 married filing jointly.
- Dependent exemption: $4,930 each.
Federal taxes on every paycheck
Federal income tax is withheld using the IRS percentage method in Publication 15-T for 2026, based on your W-4. Social Security takes 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 a year, and Medicare takes 1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000. These are the same in every state.
Questions
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina's 2026 rate is 3% to 6%, applied after the deductions listed above.
How much is $15 an hour after taxes in South Carolina?
About $1,021 every two weeks, or $26,534 a year, for a single worker with no pre-tax benefits working 40 hours a week.
How much is $20 an hour after taxes in South Carolina?
About $1,318 every two weeks, or $34,267 a year, under the same assumptions.
Why is my real paycheck different?
Health insurance, retirement savings, your W-4 answers, overtime, tips and local taxes all change your paycheck. Enter yours in the full calculator for an exact estimate.
Keep going
Sources
- IRS Publication 15-T (2026) · Federal income tax withholding
- Tax Foundation · 2026 state income tax rates and deductions
These are estimates for planning, not tax advice. Your employer's payroll system, local taxes and benefits can change the exact amount. Leftover Planner is not affiliated with the IRS or any state agency.