South Carolina sets $47,500 compensation option for future state lawmakers

The law provides $15,000 in annual pay and $32,500 annually for service in lawmakers’ districts, before inflation adjustments. These amounts cover South Carolina state senators and representatives. Members of the 128th legislature must file written acceptance with their chamber’s clerk to receive the higher amount. Accepting or declining the higher amount cannot depend on how the lawmaker voted on the increase. The law took effect May 18, 2026. The stated pay and allowance amounts begin with the 128th General Assembly.

The Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Authority calculates each inflation adjustment, publishes it online, and sends it to both legislative chambers. The adjustment applies to both lawmakers’ pay and their district service allowances. The adjustment uses the chained consumer price index, a measure of inflation, over the previous two years. It cannot exceed 5%. Adjustments follow state House elections. The authority must publish and send each adjustment before the second Tuesday in January in the relevant year.