Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Columbia, SC in 2026?
In Columbia, SC, the average full-time nanny earns about $16.72 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $669/week or $2,898/month. Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $9–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$16.72/hr · Columbia average
These numbers come from 128 live full-time nanny listings in Columbia on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $669
- Monthly
- $2,898
- Annual
- $34,778
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Columbia families pay somewhere in the $9–$25/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 full-time 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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $16.72 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$17.72 |
| 3+ kids | ~$18.72+ |
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
| 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 full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Columbia runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Columbia, SC typically costs about 4% less than the South Carolina average of $17/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC | $17/hr | — |
| South Carolina | $17/hr | +4% |
| United States | $20/hr | +17% |
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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Columbia, 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:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Columbia, SC
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Columbia, SC
128 active listings in Columbia
Nanny Tabitha
Nanny Tabitha
Columbia, SC
$16/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Tabitha, I have 3 kids, and 1 grandson. I used to work at a day are for 4 years, and also was a Sunday school teacher and choir director at my old church for kids. I absolutely love kids and I treat all kids like they are my own. I’m living, caring, and all kids love me.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ainsley
Nanny Ainsley
Columbia, SC
$10 - $15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi!! I’m 19 years old in Columbia SC! I go to Wofford College as an upcoming sophomore! My major is psychology and I have an education minor in hopes to be an elementary school teacher, speech pathologist, or special education teacher! My passion in life is to work with kids! I’ve been babysitting and nannying since I was 14/15 years old! I’m CPR and first aid certified!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Zaniya
Nanny Zaniya
Columbia, SC
$14 - $16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
hey my name is Zaniya but you can call me Niya I am 18 years old I have been watching kids since I was 8 I never had a job as a nanny before but I know that I will do a great job at it bc I watch my auntie kids for her every other week and I also know how to deal with kids with special need because I have a 8 year old cousin who is no variable and artistic I love watching kids I always love playing with them because sometime they teach me something new and I can always teach them something to
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Ja’kiya
Nanny Ja’kiya
Columbia, SC
$22 - $23/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Ja’kiya! I’m a nanny who loves helping kids learn, grow, and feel loved. I think every child deserves a safe, happy place where they can be themselves, discover what they love, and feel confident. Whether we’re reading, playing games, helping with homework, or just having fun, I want to make each day exciting and special. I’m proud to be dependable, attentive, and build strong connections with both kids and parents. My aim is to give families peace of mind, knowing their children are being cared for with kindness, respect, and real love.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Madison
Nanny Madison
Columbia, SC
$17/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Madison DuBose, and I am a Family and Consumer Sciences major, graduating July 2026. I have experience working closely with children through both personal and caregiving roles. I have helped care for and raise two young boys, including one who was born premature, which has given me patience, responsibility, and strong attention to detail when it comes to children’s needs.
I genuinely enjoy working with kids and take pride in creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment for them. My background has helped me develop strong caregiving skills, and I am very comfortable handling both daily routines and unexpected situations. I’m reliable, caring, and passionate about helping children grow and thrive.
I genuinely enjoy working with kids and take pride in creating a safe, supportive, and positive environment for them. My background has helped me develop strong caregiving skills, and I am very comfortable handling both daily routines and unexpected situations. I’m reliable, caring, and passionate about helping children grow and thrive.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Laura
Nanny Laura
Columbia, SC
$17/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Laura. I am 26 years old and have a genuine passion for caring for children. While I look forward to having a family of my own in the future, I truly enjoy supporting and nurturing children at every stage of development.
I bring a calm, attentive, and responsible approach to childcare, along with a creative and active lifestyle. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking—especially sourdough bread—as well as sewing and crochet. I also love staying active through outdoor activities such as cycling, skiing, pickleball, and swimming.
I strive to create a safe, engaging, and positive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported.
I bring a calm, attentive, and responsible approach to childcare, along with a creative and active lifestyle. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking—especially sourdough bread—as well as sewing and crochet. I also love staying active through outdoor activities such as cycling, skiing, pickleball, and swimming.
I strive to create a safe, engaging, and positive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Stella
Nanny Stella
Columbia, SC
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm Stella! I'm an experienced nanny looking for a family to work for in/around the Columbia, SC area. I am a grad student pursuing Christian faith-based counseling. I would love to help incorporate faith into your child's life (songs, stories, prayer) if this is something you desire.
I have nanny experience with light house cleaning, dishes, cooking, laundry, diaper changing, driving the children, and running errands. I have experience with overnights and would be open to a live-in nanny situation as well.
I am looking for 30+ hours a week. Ideally I would like to do full-time but could make 25 hours minimum work. I look forward to connecting with you!
I have nanny experience with light house cleaning, dishes, cooking, laundry, diaper changing, driving the children, and running errands. I have experience with overnights and would be open to a live-in nanny situation as well.
I am looking for 30+ hours a week. Ideally I would like to do full-time but could make 25 hours minimum work. I look forward to connecting with you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Lorena
Nanny Lorena
Columbia, SC
$17/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Reliable and nurturing babysitter with 3 years of experience caring for children of various ages, from infants to school-aged kids. Known for creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment while supporting parents with household tasks, meal preparation, and homework help. CPR and First Aid certified with a strong sense of responsibility, patience, and communication.
Provided attentive care for children ranging from 6 months to 18 years old.
Designed and led age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, outdoor play and educational games.
Ensured children's safety at all times by maintaining a watchful eye and setting clear rules.
Prepared healthy meals and snacks, accommodating allergies and dietary needs.
Helped with homework, reading practice, and school projects.
Maintained open communication with parents through regular updates and reports.
Light housekeeping duties such as tidying play areas, washing dishes, and laundry.
Provided attentive care for children ranging from 6 months to 18 years old.
Designed and led age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, outdoor play and educational games.
Ensured children's safety at all times by maintaining a watchful eye and setting clear rules.
Prepared healthy meals and snacks, accommodating allergies and dietary needs.
Helped with homework, reading practice, and school projects.
Maintained open communication with parents through regular updates and reports.
Light housekeeping duties such as tidying play areas, washing dishes, and laundry.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jade
Nanny Jade
Columbia, SC
$16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I’m 19 year old. Just finished school and look for a job to start my career in cna. To give more experience with caregiving. I’m open to any work opportunity.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs