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 $22.03 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $881/week or $3,819/month. Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $7–$33/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$22.03/hr · Charleston average

These numbers come from 351 live nanny listings in Charleston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$881
$3,819
$45,822

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What drives the price

Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $7–$33/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 nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $20.55/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $24.64/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)$22.03
2 kids~$23.03
3+ kids~$24.03+

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
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 nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$23.34/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$21.58/hr
Live-inSet by family$23.38/hr

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.

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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 27% more than the South Carolina average of $17/hour and 13% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Charleston, SC and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC$22/hr—
South Carolina$17/hr-21%
United States$19/hr-12%

Where Charleston, SC fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Charleston, SC is Charleston at $22.03/hour; the least expensive is Spartanburg at $15.36/hour.

Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Charleston, SC and how each compares to Charleston, SC's average of $22.03/hour.

Most expensive cities near Charleston, SC

Top 5 most expensive cities near Charleston, SC for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Charleston, SC
Charleston$22.03—
2Greenville$18.85-14%
3Summerville$18.67-15%
4Simpsonville$18.36-17%
5Myrtle Beach$17.66-20%

Least expensive cities near Charleston, SC

Top 5 least expensive cities near Charleston, SC for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Charleston, SC
1Spartanburg$15.36-30%
2Florence$15.96-28%
3Lexington$16.42-25%
4Conway$16.51-25%
5Columbia$16.84-24%

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?

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 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:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Charleston, SC

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the nannies 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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

351 active listings in Charleston

Lauren C. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Lauren

Charleston, SC
$22/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m from Anderson but came to Charleston for college. I am 22 and recently graduated from the College of Charleston. I have experience with all ages under 13 to newborns and have worked under DSS childcare for three years now both at a daycare and elementary school. I have been babysitting since I was 14 and have always had an immense love for teaching and nurturing children! My hobbies include working out, arts and crafts, and anything outside. I have working with another nanny family for 2.5 years part time and would like to start doing it full time for an additional family! I can also help with general housekeeping and chores.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashley R. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Ashley

Charleston, SC
$28 - $40/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Ashley—a fun, loving, and dependable mom who genuinely enjoys making children feel safe, happy, and cared for. I absolutely adore babies and infants and love caring for every stage, from sweet newborn snuggles and feeding routines to the curiosity and energy of toddlers. I’m patient, organized, and always ready for crafts, outdoor play, learning activities, or a cozy movie day. I understand that inviting someone into your home is a big decision, and I would treat your children with the same kindness, attention, and love I give my own.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Gwendolyn D. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Gwendolyn

Charleston, SC
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m originally from the Charleston area and recently graduated from the College of Charleston. I’ve been babysitting since I was 16 and have experience caring for children from infants to 11-year-olds. I’m also Wilderness First Aid certified through my four summers working at a summer camp. Outside of babysitting, I love spending time outdoors, thrift shopping, staying active, and hanging out with friends at coffee shops!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
Aubri M. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Aubri

Charleston, SC
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi families, I’ mAubri!

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

Infants
Gabrielle M. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Gabrielle

Charleston, SC
$22 - $32/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Gabby! I have a degree in Psychology with minors in Leadership Studies and Business Management. I’ve always loved working with children. I have several years of experience working in recreation programs with kids of all ages, where I’ve supervised activities, coached youth sports, and helped create a fun, safe, and positive environment. I also have long-term babysitting experience caring for twins and a toddler, so I’m comfortable managing multiple children and different ages at once. I’m dependable, patient, energetic, and love staying active, whether that means playing outside, doing crafts, helping with homework, or coming up with fun activities. My background in psychology has also given me a strong understanding of development, behavior, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for children. I truly enjoy building relationships with both kids and families and would love to find a family I can become a trusted and reliable part of!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Isabelle M. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Isabelle

Charleston, SC
$22/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I am Isabelle McBride! I recently moved to Charleston and am looking for nannying opportunities. I have been an elementary school teacher and special education teacher the past 3 years. I love working with children of all ages and abilities!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Karis W. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Karis

Charleston, SC
$23/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Karis! Im originally from Colorado, but I love Charleston. I’m super into the gym and healthy living. I’m a senior at the College of Charleston. I’m majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience, and hoping to attend a graduate program next year for mental health counseling. For the past few months, I have worked as a behavioral therapist for children with autism, and have loved that position! Prior to that position, I worked as a nanny for a set of twins and a toddler for 4 years. I absolutely love working with kids, and am looking for a position that will work with my class schedule.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Mary B. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Mary

Charleston, SC
$25 - $40/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Mary, and I’d love to help care for your family. I’m a recent college graduate with a background in journalism and years of experience working with children through babysitting, teaching fitness classes, and mentoring. I’m dependable, energetic, and genuinely enjoy creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for kids.

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

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Carolina A. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Carolina

Charleston, SC
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Carolina. I have nearly 20 years of experience working with children through teaching, private music instruction, and educational support. I have a Master's degree in Special Education and a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy, and I genuinely love helping children learn, grow, and feel confident.

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.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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