What Nannies Charge Per Hour and What Affects the Price

Nanny hourly rates vary widely based on location, experience, and what you need

Nanny pay ranges from about $15 to $25 per hour in most of the United States, but this shifts significantly by region and what the nanny does. Urban areas and coasts typically pay more — sometimes $20 to $30 or higher. A nanny who has been doing the work for years, holds certifications like CPR or early childhood education, or cares for multiple children may charge at the higher end. A first-time nanny in a rural area might charge less. The only reliable way to know what nannies in your area actually charge is to contact a few and ask directly, or check with a local nanny agency.

Beyond the hourly rate, you will pay for things the rate does not cover: taxes, benefits if you offer them, and sometimes mileage or meal costs. Many families do not budget for these and are surprised by the total cost. This section walks through what the hourly rate actually means and what else you need to factor in.

Key Takeaways

• Nanny hourly rates in the United States typically fall between $15 and $25 per hour, with higher rates in cities and on the coasts.
• Experience, certifications like CPR or early childhood education, and caring for multiple children all push the rate upward.
• You are responsible for paying the employer's portion of payroll taxes, which adds roughly 10 percent to the hourly cost.
• Overnight care, weekend work, and holiday rates are usually negotiated separately and cost more than standard daytime hours.
• Nanny agencies charge a placement fee upfront but handle tax paperwork and sometimes provide backup care if your nanny is sick.

What the hourly rate covers and what it does not

The hourly rate is what the nanny earns for the time she is working — feeding your child, taking them to activities, managing their day. It does not include payroll taxes, which you must pay on top. If a nanny charges $18 per hour and you employ her for 40 hours a week, you owe her $720 before taxes. You then owe the employer's portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes, which is roughly 7.65 percent of her wages — about $55 per week in this example. Some states also require unemployment insurance and disability insurance, which adds another 1 to 3 percent.

The hourly rate also usually does not cover mileage if the nanny drives your child to school or activities in her own car, though this is negotiable. Some families offer a small mileage allowance or a gas stipend; others ask the nanny to factor it into her rate. Meals are typically the family's responsibility — the nanny eats what you have in the house. If you want the nanny to take your child to paid activities, swimming lessons, or outings that cost money, clarify upfront whether you will reimburse her or whether she factors those costs into her rate.

How location and experience change what you will pay

A nanny in San Francisco or New York City may charge $25 to $35 per hour or more, while a nanny in a smaller Midwestern city might charge $16 to $20. This is partly because the cost of living is higher in cities, and partly because there is more demand and more competition for experienced nannies. Suburbs near major cities usually fall in the middle.

A nanny with five or more years of experience, a degree in early childhood education, or certifications in CPR, first aid, and child development typically charges 20 to 40 percent more than someone without those credentials. A nanny who speaks a second language, has experience with infants specifically, or has worked with children with special needs can also command higher rates. If you need a nanny for multiple children, the rate per child usually drops slightly, but the total hourly cost to you goes up — for example, a nanny might charge $20 per hour for one child and $28 per hour total for two.

Overnight, weekend, and holiday rates work differently

If you need overnight care, the nanny typically does not charge her full hourly rate for sleeping hours. A common arrangement is a reduced rate for overnight hours — perhaps $10 to $15 per hour — because the nanny is not actively working the entire time. You negotiate this directly with the nanny. Some families pay a flat overnight fee instead, like $100 to $150 per night, regardless of how many hours the child actually needs care.

Weekend and holiday work usually costs more than weekday care. Many nannies charge time-and-a-half or double time for weekends and holidays, or they charge a flat premium — an extra $3 to $5 per hour. If you need regular weekend care, this is something to discuss and agree on before you hire. Some nannies will not work weekends at all, so knowing this upfront saves time.

Using an agency versus hiring independently

A nanny agency handles screening, background checks, and tax paperwork for you. They charge a placement fee, usually 10 to 20 percent of the nanny's annual salary, paid upfront when you hire. If you hire a nanny earning $20 per hour for 40 hours a week, that is roughly $41,600 per year, and a 15 percent placement fee would be about $6,240. Some agencies also charge an annual fee or take a small percentage of ongoing wages.

In exchange, the agency handles payroll taxes, provides a backup nanny if yours is sick, and often offers liability insurance. If the nanny does not work out, some agencies will replace her at no additional cost within a certain period. Hiring independently means you pay no placement fee, but you are responsible for running a background check yourself, handling all payroll taxes through a payroll service, and finding a replacement if the nanny leaves. Many families use a payroll service like Care.com's payroll option or a dedicated nanny payroll company, which costs $50 to $150 per month.

What to ask a nanny about pay before you hire

When you contact a nanny, ask her rate and what it includes. Ask whether she charges differently for overnight, weekend, or holiday hours. Ask whether she expects reimbursement for mileage, activities, or meals, and if so, how much. Ask whether she has worked with infants, toddlers, or school-age children before, and whether she has certifications. Ask how many hours per week she is looking for and whether she prefers full-time or part-time work.

Ask whether she has worked through an agency or independently before, and whether she is comfortable with you using a payroll service to handle taxes. Ask about her notice period if she needs to leave — some nannies give two weeks, others give more. Ask whether she has references from previous families and whether you can contact them. These conversations take time but prevent misunderstandings later and help you understand whether the nanny's expectations match yours.

Comparing nanny costs to other childcare options

A nanny is usually the most expensive childcare option per hour, but the total cost depends on how many hours you need and how many children you have. If you need 40 hours a week for one child at $20 per hour, plus taxes and a payroll service, you are looking at roughly $900 to $950 per week, or about $3,600 to $3,800 per month. A daycare center might cost $1,200 to $2,000 per month for full-time infant care in the same area, depending on the region. A family daycare home (a provider caring for children in their own home) often costs less than a center but more than a nanny if you need only part-time care.

The advantage of a nanny is flexibility — she works your schedule, not hers. She cares for your child in your home, which means no drop-off and pick-up, and your child stays in a familiar environment. If you have multiple children close in age, the per-child cost drops, making a nanny more competitive with center-based care. If you need irregular hours or overnight care, a nanny is often the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a nanny minimum wage?

Federal minimum wage applies to household employees, including nannies, so you must pay at least the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Many states have higher minimum wages — California, Massachusetts, and New York are all above $15 per hour. You must pay whichever is higher in your state. Most nannies earn well above minimum wage because of experience and demand, but the legal floor is your state's minimum wage.

What if I can only afford part-time nanny care?

Many nannies work part-time, either for one family for a few hours per week or for multiple families. A part-time arrangement might be three days a week, 20 hours total, or just mornings before school. Part-time nannies sometimes charge a slightly higher hourly rate to account for the irregular schedule, but the total weekly cost is lower. You still owe payroll taxes on part-time wages, so budget for that.

Can I pay a nanny in cash to avoid taxes?

No. Household employees, including nannies, must be reported to the IRS and state tax authorities. Paying cash under the table is tax evasion and exposes you to penalties, back taxes, and interest. It also leaves the nanny without Social Security credits or unemployment insurance. Using a payroll service costs $50 to $150 per month and handles this legally.

What if the nanny asks for a raise?

Nannies often ask for raises after a year or two of work, especially if they have taken on more responsibility or if the cost of living has risen. A raise of $1 to $2 per hour is common. You can negotiate, but remember that losing an experienced nanny and hiring a new one costs more in time and placement fees than a modest raise. If you cannot afford a raise, be honest about it and discuss other options like additional paid time off or flexible scheduling.

Do I need to offer benefits like health insurance or paid time off?

You are not legally required to offer benefits to a household employee, but many families do to attract and keep experienced nannies. Common benefits include two weeks of paid vacation, paid sick days, and health insurance contributions. Some families offer a small 401(k) match. These are negotiable and should be discussed before you hire. If you cannot offer benefits, a higher hourly rate may help you compete for good candidates.