Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a part-time nanny cost in Columbia, SC in 2026?

In Columbia, SC, the average part-time nanny earns about $14.21 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $568/week or $2,463/month. Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.21/hr · Columbia average

These numbers come from 341 live part-time nanny listings in Columbia on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$568
$2,463
$29,557

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What drives the price

Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to part-time nanny rates in Columbia, SC. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $14.23/hour, and the most experienced (3-5 yrs) come in at a similar $14.91/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)$14.21
2 kids~$15.21
3+ kids~$16.21+

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.

How do Columbia part-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Columbia runs below the U.S. average for part-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring part-time nannies in Columbia, SC typically costs about 2% less than the South Carolina average of $14/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $16/hour.

Average hourly part-time nannies rates compared across Columbia, SC and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC$14/hr
South Carolina$14/hr+2%
United States$16/hr+16%

Where Columbia, SC fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for part-time nannies near Columbia, SC is Mount Pleasant at $17.69/hour; the least expensive is Aiken at $12.76/hour.

Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Columbia, SC and how each compares to Columbia, SC's average of $14.21/hour.

Most expensive cities near Columbia, SC

Top 10 most expensive cities near Columbia, SC for hiring a part-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Columbia, SC
1Mount Pleasant$17.69+24%
2Charleston$17.24+21%
3Johns Island$16.52+16%
4Simpsonville$16.39+15%
5Indian Land$16.27+14%
6Fort Mill$16.11+13%
7Bluffton$15.81+11%
8Greenville$15.25+7%
9Myrtle Beach$14.99+5%
10North Charleston$14.76+4%

Least expensive cities near Columbia, SC

Top 10 least expensive cities near Columbia, SC for hiring a part-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Columbia, SC
1Aiken$12.76-10%
2Florence$12.93-9%
3Lexington$13.16-7%
4Ladson$13.25-7%
5Rock Hill$13.78-3%
6Beaufort$13.89-2%
ColumbiaThis city$13.91-2%
8Anderson$14.00-1%
9Spartanburg$14.33+1%
10Greer$14.64+3%

Tips to find a great part-time nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best part-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced part-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 part-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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a part-time nanny in Columbia, SC

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

  1. 01

    Browse part-time nanny profiles in Columbia, SC

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

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

  4. 04

    Hire your part-time nanny

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

Available part-time nannies in Columbia, SC

341 active listings in Columbia

Lou Lou G. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Lou Lou

Columbia, SC
$15 - $30/hr
Part-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an Early Childhood Education major with 11+ years of experience working with children. I am in Columbia for the summer as I have a job at the state museum and I am looking for a nannying opportunity while I am here!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Cate T. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Cate

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a sophomore at UofSC studying Marketing and Statistics! Originally from Atlanta, GA. I LOVE kids, animals, crafts, and baking! I have a cat here at school with me :) I am incredibly responsible, clean, and timely, with my own car and clean driving record.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Carly L. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Carly

Columbia, SC
$14/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Carly. I’m 18 years old and currently studying Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina. I love working with kids and have a passion for helping them learn, grow, and have fun.

In my free time, I enjoy shopping, going to workout classes, and reading, but caring for children is what I’m most excited about. With my background in early childhood education, I bring patience, creativity, and a genuine love for kids to every babysitting job.

I’d be more than happy to help out and provide meals, playtime, homework help, and getting the kids to bed.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Dai J. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Dai

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m am a mother myself so I understand wen it comes to having someone watching your kids have to b a safe person wit a great personality

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Trinity J. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Trinity

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Trinity and I’m amazing with kids , i used to babysit before and I have little siblings so. I am 18 years old

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Greenlee S. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Greenlee

Columbia, SC
$13.50/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am a 17 year old female and I do online school. I graduate very soon as I only have about a semester left. I love tutoring and taking care of children and animals. I take mostly honors and AP classes and I’m a South Carolina Junior Scholar. I have a love for reading and writing, and I would say I’m pretty well-rounded in academics. I do not own a car or have a driver’s license, but plan on taking the driving test soon (I have a permit). I would love to help people any way I can! I won’t be too strict with payment, especially if you’re struggling; I come from and live in poverty so I understand. I will try to do my best to get there on time and be as reliable as possible. I really hope I can help some parents and/or guardians out!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Heaven S. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Heaven

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Heaven Strickland I am a Junior student athlete at Benedict college. I love children I have 13 siblings in total. I have not had any actual experience with being a nanny on payroll. But I have gotten paid by T-Mobile to take care of my youngest brother since he was 2 months old on weekdays from 5am-10pm. I am really excited to start this new journey of learning and fun times with children!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Marchloe H. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Marchloe

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Marchloe. I am a nineteen year old college student at the university of south carolina studying in psychology. I am looking for a nanny position being that I love children and in need of a job I would love while being in college.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ella A. - Seeking Work in Columbia

Nanny Ella

Columbia, SC
$15/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Ella and I am a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. I am studying Public Health and I am both CPR and first aid certified, and work as a lifeguard during the summers. I have a younger sister and have years of childhood experience with all ages and genders and would love to help your family out next!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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