Lawyer Salary in South Carolina

How Much Does a Lawyer Make in South Carolina?

The typical Lawyer salary in South Carolina ranges from $94,500 to $175,500, with the national median at $135,000.

Represent clients in legal matters and provide legal advice Your actual take-home pay as a Lawyer in South Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• South Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Lawyer in South Carolina

As a Lawyer working in South Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Lawyer professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

South Carolina State Income Tax

South Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all Lawyer salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on South Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our South Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Lawyer salary.

Cost of Living for Lawyer in South Carolina

Your Lawyer salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of South Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $135,000 Lawyer salary in a low-cost area of South Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Lawyer Salary Examples in South Carolina

Here's what different Lawyer salary levels look like in South Carolina:

Entry-Level Lawyer ($94,500)

• Gross annual salary: $94,500
• Federal tax: ~$11,340
• FICA: ~$7,229
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $66,150

Median Lawyer ($135,000)

• Gross annual salary: $135,000
• Federal tax: ~$21,600
• FICA: ~$10,328
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $90,450

Experienced Lawyer ($175,500)

• Gross annual salary: $175,500
• Federal tax: ~$38,610
• FICA: ~$13,426
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $105,300

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our South Carolina salary calculator.

Compare Lawyer Salaries Across States

The same Lawyer salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $135,000 Lawyer salary in California results in about $6,750 to $13,500 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Lawyer salary in South Carolina?

The average Lawyer salary in South Carolina varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $135,000, with typical South Carolina salaries ranging from $94,500 to $175,500.

How much does a Lawyer make after taxes in South Carolina?

After federal taxes, FICA, South Carolina state tax, and typical deductions, a Lawyer earning $135,000 in South Carolina takes home approximately $87,750 to $94,500 per year.

Is South Carolina a good state for Lawyer professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider South Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Lawyer take-home pay in South Carolina?

Use our South Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare Lawyer salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.