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Food Service · South Carolina

How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in South Carolina

Waiters and Waitresses in South Carolina earn a median salary of $18,530/year, which is 45% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~0.1%. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately -$17/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$19K
Median salary in South Carolina
-45%
vs. national average
0.1%
State income tax
43,730
Employed in South Carolina

What a waiters and waitresses can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$18,530
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 0.1% state tax)$1,395/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home101.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$18,530/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent-$17/mo

Becoming a waiters and waitresses in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Waiters and Waitresses positions in South Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many waiters and waitresses positions in South Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

South Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for waiters and waitressess. Requirements vary by state — contact the South Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 43,730 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Spartanburg and Charleston-North Charleston.

Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Spartanburg$19K$9.36/hr1,960
Charleston-North Charleston$19K$9.08/hr9,100
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$19K$8.99/hr3,330
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$19K$8.91/hr7,820
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$18K$8.8/hr6,200
Columbia$18K$8.78/hr5,920
Florence$17K$8.33/hr1,250
Sumter$17K$8.23/hr460

Waiters and Waitresses salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$15K
25th percentile
$17K
Median (50th)
$19K
75th percentile
$28K
90th percentile (senior)
$40K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a waiters and waitresses make in South Carolina?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in South Carolina is $18,530 per year ($8.91/hr). This is 45% below the national median of $33,760. Salaries range from $15,080 to $40,230.

What are the requirements to become a waiters and waitresses in South Carolina?

Waiters and Waitresses positions in South Carolina typically require No formal educational credential. South Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a waiters and waitresses afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $18,530, a waiters and waitresses in South Carolina would take home approximately $1,395/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 101.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for waiters and waitresses in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in South Carolina are Spartanburg ($19,460), Charleston-North Charleston ($18,890), Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal ($18,700). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 0.1%. On a $18,530 salary, this means roughly $14/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.