"They work long hours, make less than their predecessors, and I consider each one of them a bargain for the taxpayers of this state," Sanford said.
The Republican governor increased his spokesman Will Folks' pay to $60,000 from $42,500 in the past year, according to salary data provided this month by the State Budget and Control Board.
Communications director Chris Drummond's salary increased to $80,000 from $70,000.
The job description for neither man changed in the last year, nor did either take on new duties.
Sanford has criticized his predecessor, Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges, for leaving him to handle big expenses in the governor's office.
Folks said he and Drummond agreed to work for less while Sanford paid out annual leave due former Hodges staffers when Sanford took office.
Sanford's Washington, D.C., representative, Scott English, also got a raise when he took on extra duties. English's salary went to $75,000 from $67,500 when he added policy adviser to his job description, Folks said.
State workers have not received a pay raise for the past two years because of the budget crunch.
House Democratic Party leader James Smith, D-Richland, said the pay raises in the governor's communications office show the governor emphasizes his image over substance.
Folks said he and Drummond still make less than previous press officials.
Hodges changed press aides several times during his tenure. His top communications officials made between $65,900 and $96,000.
Former Gov. David Beasley, a Republican, increased his communications director's salary by $25,000 to $91,800 a year.
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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com