How much does a nanny cost?
How much does a nanny cost?
$15 – $25 per hour
$525 – $1,000 per week
$2,300 – $4,300 per month
$27,500 – $52,000 per year
Nanny cost
A nanny costs $15 to $25 per hour on average or $525 to $1,000 per week. A full-time nanny salary is $2,300 to $4,300 per month. Nannies make $27,500 to $52,000 per year. Nanny pay rates depend on experience, location, the number of children, and the children's ages.
| Average rate | Part-time nanny (20 hours per week) | Full-time nanny (35 to 40 hours per week) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per hour | $12 – $24 | $15 – $25 |
| Cost per day | $50 – $100 (4 hours) | $120 – $200 (8 hours) |
| Cost per week | $240 – $480 | $525 – $1,000 |
| Cost per month | $1,000 – $2,000 | $2,300 – $4,300 |
| Annual salary cost | $12,000 – $24,000 | $27,500 – $52,000 |
How much do nannies make?
Nanny cost per hour
The average nanny hourly rate is $15 to $25 per hour. Nannies with college degrees in early childhood education or experience with medical or special needs care earn the highest salaries.
Nanny cost per day
A full-time live-out nanny costs $100 to $200 per day for 7 or 8 hours. Part-time before and after-school care nannies cost $25 to $100 per day for 2 to 4 hours.
Nanny cost per week
The average weekly nanny cost is $525 to $1,000 for a full-time live-out nanny. Parents also cover the cost of supplies, transportation, and snacks during the scheduled work day.
Nanny cost per month
The average cost of a nanny per month is $2,300 to $4,300 for a full-time live-out nanny working 35 to 40 hours per week.
A live-in nanny earns $3,000 to $5,200 per month, plus room and board. Live-in nannies typically work longer hours, averaging 50 to 60 hours per week.
Nanny salary per year
A full-time live-out nanny costs $27,000 to $52,000 per year. A long-term nanny that has stayed with the family for five years or more typically earns $36,000 to $62,000 per year. Most full-time nannies also earn benefits including health insurance, sick leave, paid holidays, and vacations.
In-home nanny cost by type
| Nanny type | Hourly rate | Daily rate | Monthly rate | Yearly rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time nanny (20 hours/week) | $12– $24 | $25 – $100 (2-4 hours per day) |
$1,000 – $2,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Full-time live-out nanny | $15 – $25 | $100 – $200 (7-8 hours per day) |
$2,300 – $4,300 | $27,000 – $52,000 |
| Full-time live-in nanny | $14 – $20 | $140 – $200 (10 hours per day) |
$3,000 – $5,200 + room & board | $36,000 – $62,000 + room & board |
| Full-time nanny share | $10 – $15 | $70 – $120 (7-8 hours per day) |
$1,500 – $2,600 | $18,000 – $31,000 |
| Travel nanny | $20 – $40 | $200 – $400 (10 hours per day) |
N/A | N/A |
| Long-term nanny (5+ yrs.) | $20 – $30 | $140 – $240 (7-8 hours per day) |
$3,000 – $5,200 | $36,000 – $62,000 |
Part-time vs. full-time nanny cost
A part-time nanny earns $12 to $24 per hour. Part-time roles are often filled by students earning less than full-time nannies.
In comparison, after-school childcare costs $40 to $125 per week at a day care center. However, many parents prefer the convenience of in-home nanny care instead.
| Nanny type | Hours per week | Weekly cost |
|---|---|---|
| After-school nanny | 15 | $180 – $360 |
| Before and after-school nanny | 25 | $300 – $600 |
| Full-time nanny | 35 – 40 | $525 – $1,000 |
Live-in nanny cost
A live-in nanny costs $700 to $1,200 per week, plus room and board. In-home nannies often work 10 hours per day, up to 6 days per week. Most states do not require time-and-a-half overtime pay for a live-in nanny’s extended work schedule.
As an alternative, an Au-pair costs $150 to $250 per week in pocket money, plus room and board. The young adult lives with a host family for up to two years as part of an international cultural exchange program. Annual program fees add $8,500 to $10,500 to the total cost.
Nanny share rates
A nanny share costs $10 to $15 per hour to split the cost of a private nanny with another family. The shared nanny costs about 1/3 less than a private nanny. A nanny share provides the social benefits of group daycare with more personalized care and fewer germs.
Travel nanny rates
A travel nanny costs $20 to $40 per hour or 25% to 35% more than the standard nanny pay rate. The higher rate is due to the irregular travel hours. The employer also pays for all travel costs, accommodation, and food during the trip.
Nanny pay rate factors
Consider the following factors when setting the nanny’s pay rate:
Age & number of children – Infant care costs about 5% more than care for school-aged children. Caring for more than one child increases hourly rates by $1 to $3 per hour, per child.
Experience and education – Nannies with an early childhood education degree or years of experience charge $3 to $6 more per hour.
Geographic location – Metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living have higher nanny salaries. Expect to compensate the nanny for travel time to homes in rural locations.
Language –Bilingual nannies charge more for foreign language immersion, with Spanish speakers making about 14% more and Mandarin speakers 30% to 50% more than the standard rate.
Schedule / work hours – Part-time nannies do not earn benefits, reducing the total compensation costs.
Nanny duties and hours
A full-time nanny should have a schedule of five 8-hour days, with 2 consecutive days off per week. Evening, weekend, and overnight schedules typically pay a higher hourly rate. Live-in nannies typically work extended hours at normal rates.
Hours and duties should be spelled out in the nanny’s contract, including:
Household tasks, such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, or dog-walking
Errands like grocery shopping or picking up the dry cleaning
Transporting the children to school and other activities
Managing contractors or other household employees
Extra costs when paying a nanny
When budgeting for nanny services, extra costs may include:
Accommodations – Live-in nannies are often paid at the regular rate, plus offered room and board.
Benefits – Full-time nannies earn benefits including paid time off, health insurance, annual raises, holiday bonuses, and overtime pay of time-and-a-half for hours over 40 per week.
Certifications / CPR – First aid training and CPR classes cost $25 to $50 per hour, with certifications lasting for two years.
Security – Pre-employment and periodic background checks cost $25 to $200.
Workers' compensation insurance – Many states require household employers to carry a workers' compensation insurance policy to cover medical expenses and lost wages if the nanny is injured on the job.
Supplies and technology – The household employer typically covers the cost of educational materials, craft supplies, internet access, and cellphone service.
Transportation – The IRS standard reimbursement is $0.62.5 per mile to cover gas, maintenance, and car depreciation for nannies that provide transportation to school and other activities.
Other services
Homework help and tutoring costs $25 to $80 per hour.
Housework & house cleaning costs $25 to $50 per hour.
Nanny taxes and payroll
Parents are required to pay 7.65% in Social Security and Medicare taxes for nannies earning $2,600 or more in a calendar year. Additional unemployment insurance tax rates vary by state. Check local tax regulations to determine your responsibility.
Household employers must provide the nanny with an annual W-2 form and withhold all federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from the nanny’s wages each pay period.
How to afford the cost of hiring a nanny
To save money when hiring a nanny:
Adjust your schedule to hire a nanny for fewer hours each week.
Pair up with another family to share the cost of a nanny.
Negotiate a lower salary in exchange for more paid time off or other benefits.
Hire a nanny with less experience or fewer qualifications.
Take advantage of childcare tax credits and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay childcare expenses.
Have the nanny take on tasks you pay others for, like house cleaning, grocery shopping, and tutoring.
How to find and hire a nanny
When hiring a nanny, be sure to:
Get referrals from trusted friends or teachers.
Look for a nanny with several years of experience.
Confirm their credentials and qualifications.
Ask for references and contact information from other families they've worked for.
Browse their reviews on TrustedCare and other online sources.
Schedule interviews with at least three nannies that fit your needs, schedule, and budget.
Questions to ask
How many years have you been providing childcare?
What ages of children have you cared for?
What qualifications or certifications do you hold?
Are you willing to enforce household rules, including screen time limits?
How would you handle discipline for tantrums or other misbehavior?
Do you adhere to a daily schedule that includes structured learning and free play?
Do you live locally? Do you know your way around this neighborhood?
Are you fluent in any other languages? Would you be comfortable speaking in another language to the children?
Have you ever had to handle an emergency? If yes, what happened and how did you react?
Do you have experience caring for children with medical needs or behavioral challenges?
Do you have experience following dietary restrictions and avoiding food allergens?
Are you willing to perform light cleaning during naptime or screentime?
Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?
What is your schedule of availability?
Do you have any questions, concerns, or history you would like to share with me?