Charleston Nanny Salary Guide 2025

Sep 29 2025

Charleston, SC — Rainbow Row streetscape for Charleston nanny salary guide

Hiring a nanny in Charleston this year? This guide explains Charleston nanny salary ranges for 2025, what pushes rates up or down, and which neighborhoods trend higher. If you’re ready to hire a nanny in Charleston, visit:
https://www.gadreamnannies.com/south-carolina-domestic-staffing-agency/

Charleston nanny salary in 2025

Most full-time, experienced nannies earn about $25–$35+ per hour in Charleston. For example, infant specialists, household-manager hybrids, and roles with driving, travel, or multiple children trend higher. In addition, part-time after-school roles can sit higher per hour because schedules are short and fall at peak times.

What drives pay up (or down)

First, experience and training matter. CPR/First Aid, NCS coursework, and strong references increase offers. Tips for SC families:
Hiring a Nanny Agency in South Carolina → https://www.gadreamnannies.com/hiring-a-nanny-agency-in-south-carolina/
Next, duties raise compensation. Family laundry, meal prep, errands, and travel add responsibility; therefore, pay rises.
Meanwhile, split shifts and late evenings are harder to staff; as a result, they trend higher.
Finally, commute and driving affect offers. Bridge traffic (e.g., to/from Mount Pleasant or Daniel Island) adds time and mileage. Policies & safety:
Navigating Nanny Driving → https://www.gadreamnannies.com/navigating-nanny-driving-essential-tips-for-families-caregivers/

Benefits Charleston families commonly offer

Typically, families provide:

Guaranteed hours, PTO/holidays, and paid sick days
Overtime compliance where required (U.S. Department of Labor guidance):
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/79d-flsa-domestic-service-hours-worked
Mileage reimbursement at the IRS standard mileage rate:
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates
Health stipend or QSEHRA (when applicable)
Year-end bonus and performance reviews

Neighborhood benchmarks: Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, West Ashley, Summerville

Mount Pleasant / Daniel Island: Consistent demand and bridge timing often place offers at the upper end.
West Ashley / James Island: Rates hinge on duties and drive time; therefore, school proximity helps.
Summerville + inland areas: Consequently, convenience and mileage policies can nudge offers up or down.

How to make a competitive offer

First, post a clear schedule and duty list. Next, decide your must-haves (driving, travel, light housekeeping). In addition, include guaranteed hours and plan a 90-day review—see how our family process works:
https://www.gadreamnannies.com/families-how-it-works/
Finally, set a time to conduct a longer 2nd interview so both sides can confirm the fit.

Quick checklist for busy parents

Define days/hours and backup needs
Confirm car-seat requirements and routes (bridges, school lines)
Outline duties beyond childcare
Budget for mileage and overtime where required
Set review dates (6–12 months) for raises

FAQs

What is a fair starting Charleston nanny salary?
In short, begin with a range that matches duties and experience. Adjust after the paid trial day and reference checks. Dream Nannies can help walk you through this too.

Do families need to pay overtime?
Overtime depends on duties and hours. Therefore, confirm requirements before finalizing an offer (DOL guidance):
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/79d-flsa-domestic-service-hours-worked

Should we guarantee hours?
Yes. Guaranteed hours improve retention and reduce last-minute cancellations.

How far in advance should we hire for summer or after-school?
Begin 4–6 weeks ahead. As a result, you’ll see stronger candidates and smoother onboarding.

How should we handle driving and mileage?
Agree on routes in advance and reimburse mileage at the IRS standard mileage rate:
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates