Nanny Cost in South Carolina (2026)
BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison
A full-time nanny in South Carolina costs approximately $2,000/month. 26% below national avg. The BLS median hourly wage for childcare workers is $12.5/hr.
South Carolina nanny cost summary (2026)
Monthly Cost
$2,000
26% below national avg
Annual Cost
$24,000
Full-time, live-out
Hourly Rate
$15.8/hr
Family cost incl. taxes
BLS Median Wage
$12.5/hr
SOC 39-9011 workers
Daycare (Infant)
$850
Center-based, monthly
Nanny vs. Daycare
+$1,150
Extra per month, 1 child
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 39-9011 (2023) and market rate surveys. Monthly costs reflect full-time live-out nanny including employer payroll taxes.
South Carolina vs. National Average — Nanny Cost
How nanny costs in South Carolina compare to the national average for each metric.
| Metric | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost (family) | $2,000 |
| Annual cost (family) | $24,000 |
| Hourly rate (to family) | $2,733 |
| Daycare infant (comparison) | $850 |
Annual Nanny Cost in South Carolina
A full-time nanny in South Carolina costs $24,000/year — compared to $10,200/year for infant center daycare. That's $13,800/year more than center care. For families with two children, nanny care often becomes cost-competitive.
Annual nanny cost
$24,000
Monthly cost
$2,000
Effective hourly
$15.8/hr
Assumes 40 hours/week, 52 weeks, live-out arrangement, includes employer payroll taxes (~8.5%).
BLS Wage Data for South Carolina — SOC 39-9011
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey tracks wages for Childcare Workers (SOC 39-9011) by state. This covers daycare workers, family childcare workers, and private household nannies. Nannies typically earn above the median due to the one-on-one, private-household nature of the work.
BLS Median Hourly
$12.5/hr
SOC 39-9011, South Carolina
BLS Annual (2080 hrs)
$26,000
Median wage earner
Nanny Premium vs. BLS
+$3.3/hr
Private HH premium
Source: BLS OEWS 2023. The BLS median reflects all childcare workers including center employees who earn less than in-home nannies. Family cost includes nanny's gross wage + employer Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and unemployment taxes.
Nanny vs. Daycare in South Carolina
Nanny care costs $1,150/month more than infant center daycare in South Carolina. But the math changes for families with multiple children.
Nanny (1 child)
$2,000/mo
Daycare (1 infant)
$850/mo
Daycare (2 infants)
$1,700/mo
A nanny watching two children typically charges $2–4/hr extra — often bringing the effective cost close to or below two daycare spots. Use the nanny vs daycare calculator to run your specific numbers.
Nanny Cost by City in South Carolina
Major cities — costs vary from state average by 15–40% depending on local wages and demand.
Charleston
$2,300/mo
Tourism/tech growth; above state avg
Columbia
$2,000/mo
State capital/university; near state avg
Greenville
$2,100/mo
Manufacturing hub; BMW/Michelin families
What Affects Nanny Cost in South Carolina?
Experience & Credentials
CPR-certified nannies with 5+ years experience command $2–5/hr above entry-level in South Carolina. Formal ECE training or teaching credentials add another $2–4/hr premium.
Number of Children
Most nannies charge $2–4/hr extra for a second child. In South Carolina, caring for two children typically adds $300–600/month to the base rate.
Live-In vs. Live-Out
Live-in nannies in South Carolina often accept lower cash wages (room and board offset ~$500–$900/month) but must still comply with federal live-in domestic worker wage rules.
Bilingual Premium
Spanish-bilingual nannies command a 10–20% premium in many South Carolina markets. Mandarin, French, and other language skills add similar premiums in multilingual urban communities.
Schedule Type
Guaranteed hours (paying for 40 hours even if family uses less) is the industry standard. Families paying for a reliable schedule pay more than those with variable hours — but attract better candidates.
Employer Taxes
Legal nanny employment requires paying Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and unemployment insurance. These taxes add ~8–10% to the nanny's gross wage — budget for this in South Carolina.
Common Questions About Nanny Costs in South Carolina
How much does a nanny cost in South Carolina?
A full-time live-out nanny in South Carolina costs approximately $2,000/month in 2026. That's 26% below national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$15.8/hr including employer payroll taxes.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in South Carolina?
For one child, no — a nanny costs $1,150/month more than infant center daycare ($2,000 vs. $850). For two children, the calculation often reverses. Two daycare spots in South Carolina cost ~$1,700/month, while a nanny watching both children adds only ~$300–600/month to the base rate of $2,000.
What is the average nanny hourly rate in South Carolina?
The effective hourly cost to families for a full-time nanny in South Carolina is ~$15.8/hr. The BLS median hourly wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) in South Carolina is $12.5/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn above this median because they work one-on-one versus center-based workers who work with groups.
Do I need to pay nanny taxes in South Carolina?
Yes — if you pay a household employee $2,700 or more in 2026, federal law requires paying employer Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and federal unemployment tax (FUTA). South Carolina may have additional state unemployment (SUTA) requirements. Using a nanny payroll service (Homepay, Savvy Nanny, GTM) costs $400–$900/year and ensures compliance.
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