California and San Francisco rules that apply to you
In most placements, you, not the agency, are the nanny’s employer. That makes the household-employment rules your responsibility.
San Francisco’s minimum wage is higher than the state’s. It’s $19.61 an hour since July 1, 2026, compared with California’s $16.90. The rate where the work happens is the one that counts, and Bay Area cities outside San Francisco set their own. Rates usually change each year, so check the current figure.
California overtime depends on the job. Under California’s Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, a nanny who spends at least 80% of her time caring for children counts as a “personal attendant” and earns overtime after 9 hours in a day or 45 in a week. A nanny with more housework falls under a different wage order, with overtime after 8 hours a day or 40 a week for live-out workers. That’s one reason to keep the job description honest.
Paid sick leave, twice over. California’s law applies, and San Francisco’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance states that household employees who work in the city are covered. Both accrue 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
No flat salary without hours. Because overtime applies, track hours and write an hourly rate into your agreement, even if you think of pay weekly.
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.
