Charleston cannot require hotels to pay above the federal $7.25 minimum wage. SC §6-1-130 (2002) preempts local minimum wage laws, leaving hotel pay to market forces.
Charleston has no hotel living-wage ordinance and is barred by South Carolina law from enacting one. SC §6-1-130, enacted in 2002, prohibits any county or municipality from setting a minimum wage above the federal level. The federal minimum under the Fair Labor Standards Act remains $7.25 per hour, with $2.13 plus tips for tipped employees. Major Charleston hotels including the Belmond Charleston Place, the Mills House, and the Francis Marion compete on amenities and market rates. The hospitality labor market in Charleston typically pays $13 to $18 per hour for housekeeping and front-desk roles regardless.
No local living-wage penalty applies; federal FLSA minimum-wage violations are enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division with back-pay and liquidated damages.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
See how Charleston's hotel living wage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.