How much to pay a nanny: how to set a fair rate for your family

Start with your local market

Look at what nannies with similar experience earn near you right now: recent local pay surveys, job posts in your area, parent groups, and agencies, which know the going rate. Your city or county minimum wage is the legal floor, not the target. Experienced nannies in most metro areas earn well above it.

What raises the rate

• More children: most families add to the hourly rate for a second or third child
• A newborn, twins, or a child with extra medical or developmental needs
• Added duties such as cooking for the family, housework beyond the children, errands or driving
• Experience, early-childhood education, newborn-care training, or a second language you want
• Overnights, travel, or last-minute schedule changes

Do the weekly math

Most families agree on an hourly rate and a set number of guaranteed weekly hours. Weekly pay is the rate times those hours. Hours past 40 in a workweek generally require overtime pay at one and a half times the rate, and some states, including California, also count daily hours. For monthly budgeting, multiply weekly pay by 52 and divide by 12.

Paying a flat salary without tracking hours can create overtime problems, so keep hours on record either way.

Pay, tax and labor rules vary by state and city. This guide explains common practice; a household payroll provider, accountant or your state labor department can confirm what applies to you.

Budget for the costs on top of wages

• Employer payroll taxes (see paying a nanny legally)
• Paid sick leave where your state or city requires it, plus paid holidays and vacation (see paid time off)
• Guaranteed hours when you travel or don't need her
• Mileage if she drives her car for work
• An annual raise and a holiday bonus

Per day, overnight and travel

Pay for all the hours she's on duty. Agree in writing, before it happens, how overnights and trips are paid and what counts as off-duty time. Overtime rules can apply, so check with a payroll provider. Then write the rate, hours and extras into your work agreement.

Common questions

Should I pay more for a second child?

Usually, yes. Caring for two or three children is a bigger job, and most families raise the rate when a sibling joins, including when a new baby arrives.

Do I pay for the trial day?

Yes. Pay for trial days at the rate you're offering. It's fair, and it shows you value her time from the start.

Can I pay a weekly salary instead?

Many families think in weekly terms, but overtime rules still apply to hours over the limit. Track hours and write the hourly rate into your agreement.

Set pay and terms with an expert

Get the rate, hours and extras right before you make an offer.

Questions first? Text (818) 308-1358 · info@caremapmethod.com

Tammy is not a placement agency and has no affiliation with, or financial interest in, any agency, daycare or payroll service. She provides independent expert guidance; decisions remain your family’s. Legal, tax and licensing questions belong with the appropriate professional or state agency.

Sources

• Care.com, How much does a nanny cost?
• Poppins Payroll, Nanny cost guide: state-by-state
• IRS Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide

Related guides

Every step, in order

1. 01How to hire a nanny (start here)
2. 02Nanny job description
3. 03First time hiring a nanny
4. 04What to look for in a nanny
5. 05How to find a good nanny
6. 06Using a nanny agency
7. 07Nanny screening process
8. 08Nanny phone interview questions
9. 09Nanny reference check questions
10. 10Nanny interview questions
11. 11How to interview a nanny
12. 12Nanny interview red flags
13. 13Nanny background check
14. 14Nanny trial day
15. 15Nanny contract
16. 16Nanny onboarding: first 30 days
17. 17How to manage a nanny
18. 18Nanny cams & trust
19. 19Nanny hiring consultant
20. 20Nanny consultant Los Angeles