Licensing Guides
South Carolina Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in South Carolina
Septic, SC
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in South Carolina?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in South Carolina?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in South Carolina?
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in South Carolina?
Does My South Carolina Septic License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in South Carolina?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in South Carolina?
Septic License Requirements in South Carolina
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as onsite wastewater systems (OWSS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems in order to protect public health and key water resources.
Approximately 40% of South Carolina homes are on a septic system, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
There are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and South Carolina employs 640 of them.
The occupation is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 nationally, with about 2,900 job openings expected each year. In South Carolina, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly lower at 7% for septic tank system servicers.
Is a license required to work as a septic professional in South Carolina? Yes. Anyone who installs, cleans, or repairs septic systems, or who hauls and disposes of sewage, must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). Licensing is statewide and administered through local SCDES offices, and some local governments add their own requirements.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Licensing for septic installers for the entire state of South Carolina falls under the authority of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Some local governments have additional requirements and ordinances, so make sure to check the local health department in the city or town where you plan to work.
Types of Septic Licenses in South Carolina
According to the SCDES, “If you install, clean, or repair septic systems or if you haul and dispose of sewage from septic systems and portable toilets, you must be licensed.”
Specifically, you must be a licensed Installer or Pumper/Hauler. South Carolina offers three tiers of installer licenses.
The license holder can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems, and self-inspect systems they have installed when directed by the Department.
The license holder can install all Tier 1 systems in addition to systems that require pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration systems, mounded systems, and all commercial systems. Tier 2 installers can also self-inspect systems they have installed when directed by the Department.
The license holder can install all Tier 1 and 2 systems in addition to Standard 610, Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems. Tier 3 licensees must be bonded and insured, and must “be actively installing in South Carolina for 3 years with no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater systems OR actively installing out of state for 5 years with no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater systems.”
The license holder can clean onsite wastewater treatment systems, self-contained toilets, and other sewage holding systems regardless of tank size and transport sewage to designated disposal sites.
To protect water quality and safeguard drinking water, South Carolina law requires property owners to obtain septic tank permits and hire a licensed installer when constructing or installing new septic systems, private wells, and other onsite wastewater systems not connected to a sewer system. The permit application can be found online.
For more information on license classifications and requirements, contact the Department of Environmental Services at info@des.sc.gov. You can also find additional information, including fact sheets, on the Department’s website.
Steps to Get a Septic License in South Carolina
The steps to getting any of the septic licenses listed above are similar, except for the Tier 3 license, which includes work experience and bonding requirements.
Download and complete the license application.
List septage disposal locations where you have permission to dispose of waste.
Pass the licensing exam with a minimum score of 80%.
If applying for a Tier 3 license, you must include a signed affidavit demonstrating at least 5 years of work experience and proof of a contractor bond.
Pass a vehicle suitability inspection if applying for a Pumper/Hauler license.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application to the Department of Environmental Services.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in South Carolina
Earning a South Carolina septic license comes with clear advantages:
It is required by law. You cannot legally install, clean, or repair onsite wastewater systems in the state without a license from SCDES.
It is proof of your skill and knowledge of Regulation 61-56, the code that governs onsite wastewater work.
It lets you operate and advertise a septic business, bid on jobs, and work directly with property owners.
It qualifies you to pull permits and pass the inspections SCDES requires before a system is covered.
It protects your customers and your business, and it can increase your earning potential as you move up the installer tiers.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in South Carolina?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in South Carolina earn a median annual wage of $46,660, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationwide, the same workers earn an annual mean wage of $53,500.
Pay rises with experience and responsibility. In South Carolina, the range runs from about $33,350 at the 10th percentile to $59,440 at the 90th percentile, according to CareerOneStop.
The terms mean wage and median wage are easy to confuse:
Mean wage is the mathematical average of all wages.
Median wage is the point where half of workers earn more and half earn less, which is often a better picture of typical pay.
Your own pay depends on your license tier, years of experience, certifications, the region you work in, and whether you own the business.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in South Carolina?
The licensing fees for South Carolina septic workers include:
Installer:
Tier 1: $100
Tier 2: $100
Tier 3: $200
Pumper/Hauler:
$100
Dual License:
Tier 1 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
Tier 2 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
Tier 3 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $250
Beyond the license fees above, plan for a few other costs. The SCDES licensing exam has no fee. Tier 3 installers must also carry a contractor bond and insurance, which add to your startup costs. Training courses through groups like the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association are optional and priced separately. If you renew late, SCDES charges a $30 penalty on past-due license fees, with a second $30 penalty once fees are 60 days past due.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in South Carolina
The path to a South Carolina septic license is short and straightforward. Before you apply, contact your local SCDES office to arrange testing.
APPLY AND TEST: Submit your application online through ePermitting and schedule your exam on Regulation 61-56 with your local office. You must score 80% or better to pass.
SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: List the septage disposal sites where you have written permission to dispose of waste. Pumper/haulers must also pass a vehicle suitability inspection.
MEET TIER 3 REQUIREMENTS: If you are applying for a Tier 3 installer license, include a signed affidavit showing at least five years of qualifying experience, plus proof of a contractor bond and insurance.
PAY AND SUBMIT: Pay the application fee for your license type and submit the completed application to SCDES.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in South Carolina?
The process is relatively quick for septic system installers and cleaners in license Tiers 1 & 2, as there is no work experience requirement. Tier 3 license holders must acquire a minimum of 5 years of work experience before qualifying for licensure.
South Carolina Septic Training Programs and Schools
While not required for licensure, the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association provides several training courses to help septic workers gain experience and sharpen their skills. The Onsite Wastewater Professionals website also offers a 3-day septic installer training course in South Carolina.
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South Carolina Septic Licensing Exam Details
When applying for the initial septic license, you must pass an exam with a minimum score of 80%. The exam is administered by SCDES and scheduled through your local SCDES office. It covers State Regulation 61-56. There is no fee for the exam, and you don’t need to retake the exam when you renew your license. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after 30 days. If you fail a second time, you must wait 60 days before a third attempt.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in South Carolina?
The South Carolina septic exam is built entirely around Regulation 61-56, so that document is your primary study guide. Read it closely and focus on the rules for the license type you want, whether that is tiered installer work or pumping and hauling.
To prepare well:
Study the sections of Regulation 61-56 that cover system siting, soil evaluation, installation standards, and sewage disposal.
Review the fact sheets and forms on the SCDES licensing page.
Consider hands-on training through the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association to reinforce field skills.
Contact your local SCDES office with any questions before test day, since staff there schedule and administer the exam.
You need to score 80% or better, so give yourself enough time to work through the regulation before scheduling.
Do I Need to Renew My South Carolina Septic License?
Yes. Licenses require renewal every year. Failure to renew your license within 90 days will result in a cancellation. The renewal fees include:
Installer:
Tier 1: $100
Tier 2: $100
Tier 3: $200
Pumper/Hauler:
$100
Dual License:
Tier 1 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
Tier 2 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
Tier 3 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $250
Does My South Carolina Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. A South Carolina septic license is only valid in South Carolina. Onsite wastewater licensing is handled state by state, so if you want to work elsewhere you will need to apply under that state’s rules. Likewise, a septic license from another state does not automatically let you work in South Carolina, though SCDES may consider it when reviewing your application.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in South Carolina?
South Carolina has no formal septic license reciprocity agreements with other states. Instead, SCDES reviews out-of-state applicants case by case. To be considered, you must hold a septic or onsite wastewater license in another state and have no pending or prior disciplinary actions. Even with an out-of-state license, you should contact your local SCDES office to confirm what you must complete before working in South Carolina.
Septic-Specific Requirements in South Carolina
Septic work in South Carolina carries a few requirements you will not find in other trades, all set by Regulation 61-56:
Soil and site evaluations must be performed by a licensed professional, and SCDES will not accept an evaluation from anyone who cannot verify their licensure.
Certain complex or engineered systems must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer licensed in South Carolina.
Pumper/haulers must secure written permission from each disposal facility they intend to use and pass a vehicle suitability inspection.
Installers must contact SCDES to schedule an inspection before a completed system is covered.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provides general resources on septic system care and environmental protection.
Other Requirements Unique to South Carolina
A few state-specific rules apply on top of licensing. Property owners must obtain an SCDES septic tank permit and hire a licensed installer before a new system can go in, and the permit application is filed online. Local health departments and county governments can add their own ordinances, so always check the rules in the city or county where you plan to work. For questions on classifications and requirements, you can reach SCDES at info@des.sc.gov.
Are There Septic Scholarships in South Carolina?
There is no scholarship aimed only at septic workers, but South Carolina funds several programs that can cover trade training at its technical colleges:
The South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) helps residents in high-demand fields cover up to $5,000 per academic year in tuition, fees, and course-related expenses after other aid is applied.
The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program helps pay tuition and fees at South Carolina technical colleges.
To apply for state aid, start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Trade groups such as the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association may also point you to industry scholarships.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in South Carolina?
Property owners and employers can confirm your license through the SCDES Find a Septic Contractor tool, linked from the SCDES Permits & Licenses page. The online map lets anyone look up licensed installers, pumper/haulers, and tank manufacturers across the state. To check a license:
Open the Find a Septic Contractor application from the SCDES Permits & Licenses page.
Search by contractor type and location.
Confirm that the professional is listed and licensed for the work being performed.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in South Carolina?
Under Regulation 61-56, SCDES can suspend or revoke a septic license. Common reasons include:
Violating the onsite wastewater rules and failing to correct the problem.
Failing to pay a required civil penalty.
Letting a license lapse by not paying renewal and late fees within 90 days of the due date.
SCDES provides written notice stating the basis for a suspension or revocation, though a license may be summarily suspended when public health is at risk. Note: this information is not legal advice. For specifics, refer to the official Regulation 61-56.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in South Carolina?
Installing, cleaning, or hauling septic waste without a license is illegal in South Carolina. Under Regulation 61-56, SCDES can seek enforcement, issue civil penalties, and order corrective action against violators. The Department can also suspend or revoke permits and licenses tied to the work. Because unpermitted or improperly installed systems threaten water quality and public health, enforcement can escalate quickly. Note: this information is not legal advice. For a full explanation of enforcement and penalties, refer to the official Regulation 61-56.
Continuing Education
South Carolina requires septic installers to complete continuing education units every two years. You must provide documentation of completing continuing education when you renew your license.
Under Regulation 61-56, the continuing education requirements for each two-year period are:
Tier 1: 8 hours
Tier 2: 12 hours
Tier 3: 18 hours
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or General Contractor license in South Carolina, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
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