Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Columbia, SC in 2026?
In Columbia, SC, the average full-time nanny earns about $15.03 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $601/week or $2,605/month. Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $7–$23/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$15.03/hr · Columbia average
These numbers come from 343 live full-time nanny listings in Columbia on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $601
- Monthly
- $2,605
- Annual
- $31,262
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $7–$23/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 full-time nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $14.55/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $16.89/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $15.03 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.03 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.03+ |
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
| 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 full-time nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $15.58/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $15.58/hr | See live-in rates → |
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 full-time nanny.
How do Columbia full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Columbia runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Columbia, SC typically costs about 4% less than the South Carolina average of $16/hour and 13% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC | $15/hr | — |
| South Carolina | $16/hr | +4% |
| United States | $17/hr | +15% |
Where Columbia, SC fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.68/hour in Florence to $19.99/hour in Charleston.
Below: how each compares to the Columbia, SC average of $15.03/hour — Columbia, SC is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Columbia, SC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | $19.99 | +33% | |
| 2 | Greenville | $17.41 | +16% | |
| 3 | Summerville | $17.01 | +13% | |
| 4 | Myrtle Beach | $15.96 | +6% | |
| 5 | Rock Hill | $15.48 | +3% | |
| 6 | ColumbiaThis city | $15.03 | — | |
| 7 | Conway | $14.94 | -1% | |
| 8 | Spartanburg | $14.59 | -3% | |
| 9 | Lexington | $14.19 | -6% | |
| 10 | Florence | $13.68 | -9% |
● Most expensive nearby: Charleston ($19.99)● Least expensive nearby: Florence ($13.68)
Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-time nannies 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 full-time nannies 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Columbia, SC
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Columbia, SC
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the full-time nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your full-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available full-time nannies in Columbia, SC
343 active listings in Columbia
Nanny Ja’kiya
Nanny Ja’kiya
Columbia, SC
$22 - $23/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Ja’kiya! I’m a nanny who loves helping kids learn, grow, and feel loved. I think every child deserves a safe, happy place where they can be themselves, discover what they love, and feel confident. Whether we’re reading, playing games, helping with homework, or just having fun, I want to make each day exciting and special. I’m proud to be dependable, attentive, and build strong connections with both kids and parents. My aim is to give families peace of mind, knowing their children are being cared for with kindness, respect, and real love.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Zoey
Nanny Zoey
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hey my name is Zoey Freeman and I’m 20 years old. I currently live in Columbia South Carolina. There can be a joy in watching kids grow and discover the world around them. Their energy and unfiltered curiosity can be infectious, reminding us to find wonder in the simplest things. Being part of their journey, offering guidance, and witnessing their milestones is incredibly rewarding.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny LaDeketra
Nanny LaDeketra
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is LaDeketra. I have raised my own children & helped care for over 20 nieces & nephews. I also have experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Im patient, reliable & experienced with children of all ages.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sarah
Nanny Sarah
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, I’m Sarah! I’m an extremely hard working person and children adore me. I take my time to learn their interest so I can have conversations on their level and have 6 siblings myself. I am very well versed in babysitting and used to be a Girl Scout.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sorelys
Nanny Sorelys
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hola me llamo Sorelys Porras, soy de Venezuela. Estoy legalmente aca en E.U. tengo dos nin̈os una de 10 q estudia y otro de 3 meses. Estoy buscando empleo donde pueda trabajar sin descuidar a mis hijos. Tengo experiencia en cuidar a bebes y nin̈os mas grandes. Soy madre soltera y ps quien este interesado en contratar una muchacha de servicio o nin̈era con opsion a poderme llevar a mi nin̈o mas pequen̈o aca estoy disponible. No tengo antesedentes penales. Nunca he tenido problemas con la justicia. Soy responsable, dedicada, honrada y muy maternal y protectora. Tengo certificate
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Stella
Nanny Stella
Columbia, SC
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm Stella! I'm an experienced nanny looking for a family to work for in/around the Columbia, SC area. I am a grad student pursuing Christian faith-based counseling. I would love to help incorporate faith into your child's life (songs, stories, prayer) if this is something you desire.
I have nanny experience with light house cleaning, dishes, cooking, laundry, diaper changing, driving the children, and running errands. I have experience with overnights and would be open to a live-in nanny situation as well.
I am looking for 30+ hours a week. Ideally I would like to do full-time but could make 25 hours minimum work. I look forward to connecting with you!
I have nanny experience with light house cleaning, dishes, cooking, laundry, diaper changing, driving the children, and running errands. I have experience with overnights and would be open to a live-in nanny situation as well.
I am looking for 30+ hours a week. Ideally I would like to do full-time but could make 25 hours minimum work. I look forward to connecting with you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Ayla
Nanny Ayla
Columbia, SC
$14.99/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Ayla Roschel. I am currently seeking both a job and a place to live. I have been living with my grandparents because both of my parents are not around and have not been since I was a child. I do not have any experience in this field but I am a quick learner and careful listener. I am availabe in the evenings daily. I currently work at a restaurant but the hours are not consistent enough for me to support myself. I unfortunately cannot drive due to Nystagmus but I would be very grateful if you gave me a chance for this job. Please feel free to contact me at [email hidden]
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Emma
Nanny Emma
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I have 7 years of experience caring for children. I have been a teacher for 5 years in a licensed school, with maximum 20 children under my supervision. (Gymnastics after school program) I am caring, cautious, and love reaching milestones with little ones! I look forward to working with children each day <3
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Avalynn
Nanny Avalynn
Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 19 years old and I recently moved to the area. I love traveling and seeing new cultures, I am from Guam. I have experience in childcare and I love connecting with new people, no matter the age. I am attending college soon and I wish to expand my knowledge in psychology.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid