Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Columbus, MS in 2026?

In Columbus, MS, the average nanny earns about $14.36 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $574/week or $2,489/month. Most Columbus families pay somewhere in the $10–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.36/hr · Columbus average

These numbers come from 27 live nanny listings in Columbus on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$574
$2,489
$29,869

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What drives the price

Most Columbus families pay somewhere in the $10–$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 is one of the biggest levers on a nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

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)$14.36
2 kids~$15.36
3+ kids~$16.36+

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 Columbus nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Columbus, MS typically costs about 2% less than the Mississippi average of $15/hour and 26% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Columbus, MS and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Columbus, MS
Columbus, MS$14/hr—
Mississippi$15/hr+2%
United States$19/hr+35%

Where Columbus, MS fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.41/hour in Hattiesburg to $16.66/hour in Madison.

Below: how each compares to the Columbus, MS average of $14.36/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Columbus, MS ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Columbus, MS
1Madison$16.66+16%
2Brandon$15.62+9%
3Olive Branch$15.60+9%
4Oxford$15.42+7%
5Southaven$15.38+7%
6Starkville$15.05+5%
7Gulfport$14.79+3%
8Jackson$14.59+2%
9Biloxi$14.21-1%
10Hattiesburg$13.41-7%
● Most expensive nearby: Madison ($16.66)● Least expensive nearby: Hattiesburg ($13.41)

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 Columbus, MS

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 Columbus, MS

    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 Columbus, MS

27 active listings in Columbus

Stephanie H. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Stephanie

Columbus, MS
$15/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I grew up in foster care. I first started babysitting at my church nursery growing up. Then I’ve worked for a couple daycares and my last one I was there for 4 yrs. I love kids and watching them grow and learn themselves. It makes me happy being able to watch them learn new things, and to see them grow into their own abilities . I’m the youngest of 5

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Eliena W. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Eliena

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

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Eliena but Elie is fine :) I am a 20 year old student working with kids and pets of all kinds!! i love working with kids and animals and providing a safe loving care for children and pets!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Elizabeth F. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Elizabeth

Columbus, MS
$15 - $22/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am currently in college while balancing work and other responsibilities, which has helped me develop strong time management, leadership, and communication skills. I love creating a fun, positive environment for kids while also being someone parents can trust and rely on.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and helping others through volunteering in my community. I am patient, energetic, organized, and always willing to help wherever needed. I would love the opportunity to provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for your children!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Melissa M. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Melissa

Columbus, MS
$15 - $20/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m 49 years old and have two sons, one is 24 and my youngest is 12! Pretty big age gap I know! 😊 They are my life! I love children of all ages. I’m a dependable, caring and patient individual who genuinely enjoys working with children and helping families. I have strong communication and organizational skills and I take pride in creating a safe, positive and nurturing environment.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Vanity B. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Vanity

Columbus, MS
$14/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hey i’m vanity and i’m currently a nursing student at east mississippi community college and i’m coming up on my last two months in college and I have a interest for child care and I’ve taken a liking into caring for babies I love kids and i’ve been caring for babies since i was just a baby myself and i’m good at teaching new things and helping the babies learn new stuff i’m also good and cooking and cleaning

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zoie B. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Zoie

Columbus, MS
$11 - $15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Laura Zoie-Grace Boone but i go by Zoie. I’m a 16 year old i turn 17 on 06/16/26 but Im a homeschool student. I have my own car and my drivers license. I live in Millport Al and i have babysat for this family i’m at now for going on 6 months. They have cut my pay 2 times sense being here, and just don’t pay good anymore and my car payment is more then what they pay.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Diamond H. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Diamond

Columbus, MS
$15 - $20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Diamond, and I’m a dependable, caring, and patient person who truly enjoys being around kids. I have experience working in customer service and balancing a busy schedule, so I’m very organized and responsible. I love creating a safe, fun, and positive environment where children feel comfortable and cared for. I’m also a great communicator and always willing to help however I can!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lexie A. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Lexie

Columbus, MS
$14/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Im 18 years old im very good with kids ive been babysitting since i was ten and have four younger sibling ages: 6 months, 5, 12, 14 that ive watched hundreds of times.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jasmine B. - Seeking Work in Columbus

Nanny Jasmine

Columbus, MS
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Jasmine Butler. I absolutely love children, mainly watching them grow, learn, and just be happy! I have three years of experience working in a daycare center. My experience has continued through a in home day care setting. I am reliable and flexible. I love working with families and building a strong, healthy relationship with them.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
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