Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Charleston, SC in 2026?
In Charleston, SC, the average nanny earns about $22.10 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $884/week or $3,831/month. Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $7–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 176 live nanny listings in Charleston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $884
- Monthly
- $3,831
- Annual
- $45,968
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What drives the price
Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $7–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $22.10 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$23.10 |
| 3+ kids | ~$24.10+ |
Hours & 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 nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $23.65/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $20.92/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do Charleston nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Charleston runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring nannies in Charleston, SC typically costs about 28% more than the South Carolina average of $17/hour and 15% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | $22/hr | — |
| South Carolina | $17/hr | -22% |
| United States | $19/hr | -13% |
Where Charleston, SC fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.95/hour in Florence to $22.10/hour in Charleston.
Below: how each compares to the Charleston, SC average of $22.10/hour — Charleston, SC is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Charleston, SC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | $22.10 | — | |
| 2 | Greenville | $19.02 | -14% | |
| 3 | Summerville | $18.88 | -15% | |
| 4 | Simpsonville | $18.10 | -18% | |
| 5 | Myrtle Beach | $18.05 | -18% | |
| 6 | Columbia | $16.74 | -24% | |
| 7 | Conway | $16.33 | -26% | |
| 8 | Lexington | $15.30 | -31% | |
| 9 | Spartanburg | $15.18 | -31% | |
| 10 | Florence | $14.95 | -32% |
Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Charleston, SC
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Charleston, SC
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available nannies in Charleston, SC
176 active listings in Charleston
Nanny Kie
Nanny Kie
A little bit about me
I have been living in Charleston for just over a year now, and I am looking for a family in need of a full time nanny. I am 24 years old and acquired my MS in Nutrition and Dietetics in December 2025. Over the years, I have worked in childcare, nannied, and babysat for all age groups. I love coming up with activities and new experiences for kids in a safe environment. I am also a huge promoter for outdoor and educational activities.
I am more than happy to work with any child (or children) of any ages, and am also willing to get any certifications you might want.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Ashley
Nanny Ashley
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Nanny Aubri
Nanny Aubri
A little bit about me
I have been working in child care for 5+ years in a variety of settings, from nannying to teaching, summer camps, daycare work, etc! I recently graduated from PennWest California where I got my degree in Secondary English Education with a minor in Musical Theatre.
I previously worked as a 10th grade teacher at a public school, and am currently working in the toddler building of a Montessori School. I have worked with kids of all ages and love it!
I am looking to bring high quality, part-time care to a local family. I am comfortable with light housekeeping, being outdoors, pets, multiple children, cooking, you name it! I would also love to plan enrichment activities and lessons for your children to aid their development and nurture their growing minds!🌱
If this sounds like a good fit, let’s get in touch! I have all my criminal background checks and clearances, and am willing to get CPR certified if you decide this would be a good fit!
Have experience working with
Nanny Isabelle
Nanny Isabelle
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Nanny Karis
Nanny Karis
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
A little bit about me
I’m happy to help with everything from school pick-ups and activities to meal prep, homework, light housekeeping, and keeping little ones entertained with crafts, outdoor play, and creative activities. I pride myself on being patient, organized, and someone parents can trust.
I’m looking forward to connecting with a wonderful family and would love to chat to see if we’d be a great fit!
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Carolina
Nanny Carolina
A little bit about me
I'm patient, dependable, and enjoy creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Whether we're playing, reading, making music, doing crafts, or helping with homework, I strive to make every child feel supported and cared for. I'm also fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and value open communication with families.