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42 Home Businesses You Can Start Without a License in South Carolina

These occupations don't require a state-issued occupational license in South Carolina. You still need basic business registration (LLC or sole prop), but you can skip the licensing fees, training requirements, and exams.

42 license-free · 60 require a license · LLC cost: $110

No License

42

License Required

60

LLC Cost

$110

Sales Tax

6%

Construction and Home Services

Median

$28.58/hr

Annual

$59,450

Full guide →

Median

$28.54/hr

Annual

$59,360

Full guide →
Crane Operator
No license

Median

$26.64/hr

Annual

$55,410

Full guide →
Upholsterer
No license

Median

$22.14/hr

Annual

$46,040

Full guide →
Locksmith
No license

Median

$22.09/hr

Annual

$45,950

Full guide →

Median

$18.65/hr

Annual

$38,790

Full guide →

Median

$18.30/hr

Annual

$38,050

Full guide →

Median

$17.37/hr

Annual

$36,130

Full guide →

Median

$17.37/hr

Annual

$36,130

Full guide →

Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors

Taxidermist
No license

Median

$24.57/hr

Annual

$51,100

Full guide →
Log Scaler
No license

Median

$24.04/hr

Annual

$49,990

Full guide →
Tree Trimmer
No license

Median

$23.19/hr

Annual

$48,240

Full guide →

Median

$19.98/hr

Annual

$41,560

Full guide →

Median

$19.98/hr

Annual

$41,560

Full guide →
Forest Worker
No license

Median

$17.70/hr

Annual

$36,810

Full guide →
Nursery Worker
No license

Median

$16.94/hr

Annual

$35,230

Full guide →
Animal Trainer
No license

Median

$15.20/hr

Annual

$31,620

Full guide →
Packer
No license

Median

$14.82/hr

Annual

$30,830

Full guide →
Florist
No license

Median

$13.85/hr

Annual

$28,800

Full guide →

Other

Median

$22.63/hr

Annual

$47,060

Full guide →

Median

$19.73/hr

Annual

$41,040

Full guide →

Median

$19.31/hr

Annual

$40,160

Full guide →

Entertainment and Hospitality

Travel Agency
No license

Median

$22.50/hr

Annual

$46,810

Full guide →

Median

$17.83/hr

Annual

$37,090

Full guide →
Slot Supervisor
No license

Median

$17.83/hr

Annual

$37,090

Full guide →
Gaming Dealer
No license

Median

$15.41/hr

Annual

$32,050

Full guide →
Bartender
No license

Median

$8.84/hr

Annual

$18,390

Full guide →

Health

Median

$22.08/hr

Annual

$45,930

Full guide →

Median

$18.53/hr

Annual

$38,540

Full guide →

Median

$18.00/hr

Annual

$37,430

Full guide →

Median

$15.80/hr

Annual

$32,860

Full guide →

Median

$14.56/hr

Annual

$30,290

Full guide →

Transportation and Machinery

Median

$16.86/hr

Annual

$35,070

Full guide →

Median

$14.33/hr

Annual

$29,810

Full guide →

Education

What You Still Need (Even Without a License)

Business Registration

Form an LLC ($110 in South Carolina) or register as a sole proprietor. An LLC protects your personal assets.

EIN (Tax ID)

Free from IRS.gov. Required for opening a business bank account and filing taxes. Takes 5 minutes online.

Home Occupation Permit

Most cities/counties require a permit to run a business from home. Usually $0-150. Check your local zoning office.

Business Insurance

General liability insurance runs $15-40/month for home businesses. Protects you from lawsuits and property damage claims.

Data: Institute for Justice License to Work 3. BLS OEWS May 2024 (wage data). "No license" means no state-issued occupational license — local permits and general business registration may still apply.