South Carolina · updated 2026-10
South Carolina Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
No state overtime law; the federal FLSA applies (time and a half after 40 hours).
Federal FLSA rule. source
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in South Carolina; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
South Carolina law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$7.25
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-24). No state minimum wage law; FLSA-covered employers must pay $7.25.
South Carolina time card
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South Carolina pay and break questions
When does overtime start in South Carolina?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. South Carolina has no separate state overtime law, so the federal FLSA rule applies. No state overtime law; the federal FLSA applies (time and a half after 40 hours).
Are lunch breaks required in South Carolina?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in South Carolina; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in South Carolina?
South Carolina law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?
$7.25 an hour (since 2009-07-24). No state minimum wage law; FLSA-covered employers must pay $7.25.
Workers under 18 in South Carolina
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See South Carolina teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.