Alabama vs South Carolina: Take-Home Pay Compared
At a $100,000 salary, a single filer keeps about $614 more per year in South Carolina after federal tax, state tax, and FICA (estimate).
Alabama's state income tax is progressive, topping out at 5.0%, while South Carolina's state income tax is progressive, topping out at 5.21%.
Covers federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA. Like the rest of the site, it excludes local/city income taxes and tax credits — see the methodology.
Heads up: Alabama and South Carolina havetax details this state-level estimate doesn’t fully model — such as local income tax, credits, or deductions — so the real difference can differ.
You keep about $614 more per year in South Carolina (estimate)
Alabama
You keep 75% of your gross pay
Federal income taxAnnual: −$13,170.00
- Gross income
- $100,000
- Federal standard deduction
- −$16,100
- Federal taxable income
- $83,900
| Bracket | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$12,400 | 10.0% | $1,240 |
| $12,400–$50,400 | 12.0% | $4,560 |
| $50,400–$105,700 | 22.0% | $7,370 |
| Total | $13,170 | |
Source:IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (drop PDF) — Section 4.01 Tax Rate Tables and Section 3.14 Standard Deduction, tax year 2026fetched June 17, 2026
State income taxAnnual: −$4,076.50
- Gross income
- $100,000
- State standard deduction
- −$4,500
- Deductible federal income tax
- −$13,170
- Alabama taxable income
- $82,330
| Bracket | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$500 | 2.0% | $10 |
| $500–$3,000 | 4.0% | $100 |
| $3,000+ | 5.0% | $3,967 |
| Total | $4,077 | |
Source:Alabama Department of Revenue — Individual Income Tax Rate (2% / 4% / 5%) + federal income tax deductionfetched June 17, 2026
Social SecurityAnnual: −$6,200.00
- Wages subject to Social Security
- $100,000
$100,000 × 6.2% = $6,200
Source:SSA Office of the Chief Actuary — Contribution and Benefit Basefetched June 17, 2026
MedicareAnnual: −$1,450.00
- Wages subject to Medicare
- $100,000
$100,000 × 1.45% = $1,450Medicare has no wage cap.
Source:IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare withholding ratesfetched June 17, 2026
South Carolina
You keep 76% of your gross pay
Federal income taxAnnual: −$13,170.00
- Gross income
- $100,000
- Federal standard deduction
- −$16,100
- Federal taxable income
- $83,900
| Bracket | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$12,400 | 10.0% | $1,240 |
| $12,400–$50,400 | 12.0% | $4,560 |
| $50,400–$105,700 | 22.0% | $7,370 |
| Total | $13,170 | |
Source:IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (drop PDF) — Section 4.01 Tax Rate Tables and Section 3.14 Standard Deduction, tax year 2026fetched June 17, 2026
State income taxAnnual: −$3,462.50
- Gross income
- $100,000
- State standard deduction
- −$15,000
- South Carolina taxable income
- $85,000
| Bracket | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | 1.99% | $597 |
| $30,000+ | 5.21% | $2,866 |
| Total | $3,463 | |
Source:South Carolina Department of Revenue — Information about H. 4216fetched June 18, 2026
Social SecurityAnnual: −$6,200.00
- Wages subject to Social Security
- $100,000
$100,000 × 6.2% = $6,200
Source:SSA Office of the Chief Actuary — Contribution and Benefit Basefetched June 17, 2026
MedicareAnnual: −$1,450.00
- Wages subject to Medicare
- $100,000
$100,000 × 1.45% = $1,450Medicare has no wage cap.
Source:IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare withholding ratesfetched June 17, 2026
Alabama source
Updated June 17, 2026Source: Alabama Department of Revenue — Individual Income Tax Rate (2% / 4% / 5%) + federal income tax deduction
South Carolina source
Updated June 18, 2026Source: South Carolina Department of Revenue — Information about H. 4216 (2026 income tax overhaul)
Alabama vs South Carolina: take-home by salary
Single filer, 2026 rates, annual take-home before any pre-tax deductions.
| Salary | Alabama | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $58,491 | $59,433 | −$942 |
| $100,000 | $75,104 | $75,718 | −$614 |
| $150,000 | $107,793 | $107,724 | $69 |
A positive difference means Alabama take-home is higher at that salary. At least one state's figures are approximate — estimate-basis data or taxes not fully modeled here; see the notes above.
Estimate only — not tax advice. This calculator gives an approximate take-home figure based on 2026 federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and, where shown, state income tax. It does not account for tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit or EITC), the Alternative Minimum Tax, preferential capital-gains rates, or itemized deductions beyond the standard deduction. Your actual paycheck may differ. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.