COLUMBIA, SC – Thousands of South Carolina state employees could soon see a pay increase under the latest state budget proposal approved by the House of Representatives. The plan, which includes a $66.5 million allocation for salary raises, aims to boost wages for workers across various state agencies, including law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and road maintenance crews.
The push for higher pay follows a 2024 study by the Department of Administration that found South Carolina’s state employee compensation lags behind other states, with base salaries averaging 15% below the broader market median. Supporters of the wage increase warn that without more competitive salaries, the state risks losing skilled workers to private employers and neighboring states.
Under the House budget, most eligible state employees would receive a 2% raise, though the exact amount will vary by position. Agency heads, whose salaries are set by a separate commission, are not included in the increase. Additionally, public school teachers are slated to receive a separate $1,500 pay raise under the spending plan.
Economists note that a tight labor market, fueled in part by a wave of retirements, has made it difficult for both public and private sector employers to attract and retain workers. Lawmakers acknowledge that more competitive pay is necessary to maintain a skilled state workforce and say they plan to continue raising wages in future budget cycles.
The proposed budget now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers may adjust the plan, potentially increasing the pay raises. If approved, the salary increases would take effect in July, aligning with the start of the new fiscal year.
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