How much does a nanny share cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a nanny share cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a nanny share cost?

$10 – $15per hour
$350 – $600per week
$1,500 – $2,600per month

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$10 – $15 per hour

$350 – $600 per week

$1,500 – $2,600 per month


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
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Tom Grupa

Nanny share cost

A nanny share costs $10 to $15 per hour for each family splitting the costs. Nanny share rates are $350 to $600 per week per family, or about 35% less than the cost of a private nanny. Nanny share payroll services cost $35 to $70 per month.

Nanny share cost
Rates Nanny share cost (per family) Private nanny cost
Per hour $10 – $15 $15 – $25
Per week (35 – 40 hours) $350 – $600 $525 – $1,000
Per month $1,500 – $2,600 $2,300 – $4,300
Per year $18,000 – $31,000 $27,000 – $52,000

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What is a nanny share?

In a nanny share, two or more families hire one nanny and share the cost. The nanny typically alternates between homes each week, with parents dropping off their children when they are not the host home.

A nanny share offers personalized, in-home care with the social benefits of group daycare.

How does a nanny share work to split costs?

A shared nanny costs $20 to $30 per hour, with each family paying their portion. A family may pay a larger portion of the total cost if they have more children, younger children, or require special care.

A shared nanny earns a higher salary than a single-family nanny for watching more children and changing homes throughout the month.

A nanny caring for children from different families as part of a nanny share arrangement.
A nanny caring for children from different families as part of a nanny share arrangement.

Nanny share cost calculator

Some factors that affect the cost include:

  • Benefits – Full-time nannies earn benefits including paid sick leave, vacations, and health insurance.

  • Certifications and experience – Nannies with years of experience, college degrees, CPR, and First aid certifications earn a higher hourly rate.

  • Children & ages –Caring for more than one child increases hourly rates by $1 to $3 per hour, per child.Caring for infants costs about 5% more than care for school-aged children.

  • Driving & transportation – Fuel and mileage reimbursement is common, especially when nannies travel between two or more homes and provide transport to school and other activities.

  • Nanny taxes & payroll rules – Each family must pay at least minimum wage and overtime for hours over 40 per week. Families must also pay Social Security, Medicare, federal, and state unemployment taxes.

  • Other services

Nanny share contract and agreement

The nanny and both families should sign a contract that lists the work schedule, job responsibilities, compensation, and tax responsibilities. The contract should include the following details:

  • Schedule – Create a schedule including daily hours and host home locations.

  • Compensation – Include the hourly wage, overtime rate, and payout frequency. Also include the benefits package, transportation reimbursement, sick leave policy, paid time off, and a schedule for reviews and raises.

  • Other policies – Explain acceptable phone and computer use, social media policies, and other safety concerns in the contract.

  • Job responsibilities –List the children's names and ages, plus any expectations for household duties like laundry, housekeeping, and running errands.

Nanny share taxes and payroll

Nanny share families must pay 7.65% in Social Security and Medicare taxes for nannies earning $2,600 or more in a calendar year. Each family must provide the nanny with an annual W-2 form and withhold all taxes from the nanny’s wages each pay period.

Additional unemployment insurance tax rates vary by state. Check local tax regulations to determine your responsibility.

Nanny payroll services cost $35 to $70 per month and make the nanny share financial obligations easier to manage.

Nanny share workers comp insurance

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Each nanny share family is considered a separate household employer and must carry workers’ compensation insurance costing $300 to $900 per year. Workers’ comp pays medical expenses and lost wages if the nanny is injured on the job.

What to look for in a nanny share family

Both nanny share families should live in close proximity, have children with compatible ages, and have separate spaces for naps and play. The parents should have similar parenting styles, good communication, and agree on how to handle sick children, emergency situations, and fireable offenses.

A nanny reading a book to two young children.
A nanny reading a book to two young children.

What are the benefits of a nanny share?

A nanny share saves money on childcare costs. In comparison, a private nanny costs $525 to $1,000 per week, while day care costs $100 to $350 per week.

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Other benefits of a nanny share include:

  • More personalized attention

  • Exposure to fewer germs

  • Socialization with other children

  • Schedule flexibility

Tips for finding and hiring a nanny share

When hiring a nanny, be sure to:

  • Get referrals from friends, teachers, or other parent groups.

  • Look for a nanny with several years of experience that is open to working for two families.

  • Confirm their credentials and qualifications.

  • Browse their reviews on TrustedCare and other online sources.

  • Ask for references and contact information from other families they've worked for.

  • Schedule interviews with at least three nannies that fit your needs, schedule, and budget.

Questions to ask about nanny share

Some important questions for the nanny include:

  • How many years have you been providing childcare?

  • What are your childcare qualifications or certifications?

  • Are you interested in being part of a nanny share with another family?

  • How would you handle discipline for tantrums or other misbehavior?

  • Do you adhere to a daily schedule that includes structured activities and free play?

  • How would you handle medical or other emergencies?

  • Are you authorized to work in the United States?

  • Do you have any questions, concerns, or personal history to share?

Some important questions for the sharing family include:

  • How old are your kids?

  • What hours do you work?

  • Are you comfortable hosting in your home half the time?

  • Is your home baby-proofed?

  • What is your policy on discipline? What rules do you want put in place?

  • How do you want to handle a sick nanny? Or sick child?


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