Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Charleston, SC in 2026?

In Charleston, SC, the average full-time nanny earns about $22.69 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $908/week or $3,933/month. Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $8–$34/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$22.69/hr · Charleston average

These numbers come from 241 live full-time nanny listings in Charleston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$908
$3,933
$47,195

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What drives the price

Most Charleston families pay somewhere in the $8–$34/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 (3-5 yrs) average $22.76/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $24.93/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)$22.69
2 kids~$23.69
3+ kids~$24.69+

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 full-time nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$23.34/hr
Live-inSet by family$23.82/hr

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.

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How do Charleston full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Charleston runs above the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring full-time nannies in Charleston, SC typically costs about 27% more than the South Carolina average of $18/hour and 14% more than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Charleston, SC and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC$23/hr—
South Carolina$18/hr-21%
United States$20/hr-12%

Where Charleston, SC fits among nearby cities

6 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.76/hour in Spartanburg to $22.69/hour in Charleston.

Below: how each compares to the Charleston, SC average of $22.69/hour — Charleston, SC is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

6 cities near Charleston, SC ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Charleston, SC
Charleston$22.69—
2Greenville$19.55-14%
3Summerville$19.00-16%
4Myrtle Beach$18.48-19%
5Columbia$17.25-24%
6Spartanburg$15.76-31%
● Most expensive nearby: Charleston ($22.69)● Least expensive nearby: Spartanburg ($15.76)

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Charleston, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time 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 full-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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Charleston, SC

241 active listings in Charleston

Natalia W. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Natalia

Charleston, SC
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, I’m Natalia (or Talia) and I am excited at the opportunity to work with your family! With over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages, I bring high energy and passion to every day I face. I am always excited to encounter new challenges and have fun in the process! As a full-time nanny, I’m looking forward to getting to know your family and helping to make your life just a bit smoother.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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
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
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
Taylor A. - Seeking Work in Charleston

Nanny Taylor

Charleston, SC
$22 - $40/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Taylor, a responsible, caring, and energetic graduate student with a passion for working with children. I love creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment, and I'm excited to help support your family however I can!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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