Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Columbus, GA in 2026?

In Columbus, GA, the average babysitter earns about $14.41 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $576/week or $2,498/month. Most Columbus families pay somewhere in the $8–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.41/hr · Columbus average

These numbers come from 269 live babysitter listings in Columbus on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$576
$2,498
$29,973

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What drives the price

Most Columbus families pay somewhere in the $8–$20/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

More experienced babysitters command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $14.23/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $16.34/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$14.41
2 kids~$15.41
3+ kids~$16.41+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$15.04/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$14.89/hr
Occasional5–15 hrs/week$14.94/hr
Live-inSet by family$14.97/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

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How do Columbus babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Columbus runs below the U.S. average for babysitter rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring babysitters in Columbus, GA typically costs about 14% less than the Georgia average of $17/hour and 23% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Columbus, GA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Columbus, GA
Columbus, GA$14/hr
Georgia$17/hr+17%
United States$19/hr+31%

Where Columbus, GA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.41/hour in Columbus to $20.10/hour in Atlanta.

Below: how each compares to the Columbus, GA average of $14.41/hour — Columbus, GA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Columbus, GA ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Columbus, GA
1Atlanta$20.10+39%
2Marietta$18.64+29%
3Decatur$18.49+28%
4Kennesaw$17.87+24%
5Savannah$17.54+22%
6Lawrenceville$17.54+22%
7Douglasville$17.26+20%
8Athens$16.16+12%
9Augusta$14.93+4%
Columbus$14.41
Most expensive nearby: Atlanta ($20.10) Least expensive nearby: Columbus ($14.41)

Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most babysitters will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Columbus, GA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Columbus, GA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your babysitter

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available babysitters in Columbus, GA

269 active listings in Columbus

Miah C. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Miah

Columbus, GA
$17 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Miah Lynne Caridad Alvarez, and I would love the opportunity to care for your children. Working with kids has always been my passion, and I am committed to providing a safe, loving, and engaging environment where they can learn and grow.

My experience includes working in a Daycare, serving as an Assistant Manager at Kids Empire, working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) supporting children with autism, and volunteering in my church's children's ministry. These experiences have strengthened my patience, communication, organization, and ability to adapt to each child's unique needs. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish.

As a mother, I understand the trust it takes to leave your child in someone else's care. My goal is to become a dependable, caring presence who supports your family's routines while helping your children feel safe, happy, and encouraged every day.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Miah has a genuine and easy going personality! She’s great with people of all ages! She takes direction well, ask questions when she needs to know something, communicated well and regularly, is always on time, etc."
- Tiffany
Aysia N. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Aysia

Columbus, GA
$15 - $21/hr
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi!, I’m a passionate writer who comes from a big family of 10! I’m happy to be able to help anyone I can !

Certification

CPR
Nina F. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Nina

Columbus, GA
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a dependable and caring childcare professional with experience working with children from infancy through elementary school. I enjoy creating safe, engaging, and positive environments where children can learn, play, and grow. I am organized, patient, and a strong communicator who works well with both children and families. I am passionate about supporting children's development and bringing a positive attitude to every team I join.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jezelle P. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Jezelle

Columbus, GA
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jezelle, I am recent high school graduate, from Northside High School. I am outgoing, attentive, smart, and very kind. I have been around kids for as long as I can remember. I raised my youngest cousin from the time she was born up until 6 years old, due to family issues. I have watched a few other kids over the years, but they eventually grew up. I am stoked to meet new families, and be as helpful as possible !

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mia M. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Mia

Columbus, GA
$15/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m a recent high school grad who loves working with kids! I regularly help out at my church, Church on the Rock, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I’m heading to Columbus State this fall and in my free time I love anything creative, whether that’s drawing, photography, or just making things. I’d love to find a family I can be a consistent, caring presence for!
Alexis C. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Alexis

Columbus, GA
$14 - $15/hr
Part-time
Occasional
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Alexis. I have been in childcare since the age of 19. I have worked with newborns all the way up to 11 year olds. I do have experience with older children as well. I am a kindergarten teacher and ready to teach your baby skills to help them be successful and grow in all aspects.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Elly K. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Elly

Columbus, GA
$13 - $20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m currently in college studying art education because I love working with children and helping them learn, grow, and express themselves creatively. I enjoy being a sitter because I like creating a safe, positive, and fun environment where kids feel comfortable and cared for. I love building connections with children and being someone families can rely on and trust. I have about two years of babysitting experience caring for children of different ages. In addition to babysitting, I also volunteer working with kids in schools, which has helped me become more patient, responsible, and confident working with children in different environments. I also grew up with younger siblings. My skills include communication, creativity, patience, problem-solving, and staying calm in stressful situations. I’m dependable, organized, and good at keeping children engaged. I also have reliable transportation and can assist with homework, housekeeping, meal preparation, and pet care if needed.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Ja'Shanti J. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Ja'Shanti

Columbus, GA
$14 - $15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Ja’Shanti! I am 19 and just looking for a job as a young adult starting out in the world.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Nevaeh J. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Nevaeh

Columbus, GA
$8 - $12/hr
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a young, responsible, and respectful teenage girl that is willing to give your children the best care under my watch. I know how to cook, clean, and help them with any problems that they have.
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