How Much Should I Pay The Nanny or Babysitter?

It’s always important to offer a competitive rate to your caregiver so that you attract only the best, most qualified candidates. The hourly rate will depend on different factors, like how many children you have, their ages and how much housekeeping, if any, is required. Many nannies will be flexible if the family lives close to them and the family isn’t asking for any housekeeping, laundry, cooking or driving. Many caregivers in bigger cities where there is a higher cost of living will request a higher hourly rate. It is a given that cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry. It is not uncommon to hear that a nanny is making $20-$25/hr in these cities.

 

According to the 2017 INA Nanny Salary & Benefits Survey, the average hourly rate is $19.14/hr and median rate is $18/hr. Obviously the hourly rate will depend on different factors and each job is different but a good general range is $12-$20/hr unless you live in a big city like the ones mentioned above, then expect to pay upwards of $20/hr.

 

At NannyCare.com, we recommend paying nannies and babysitters $15-$18/hr for one child and $18-$20 for two or more children. Keep in mind that experienced newborn specialists charge $18-$20/hr for one child (daytime hours) and $20-$25/hr for overnights. This is what we have found that most of our nannies are looking for when job searching. Remember, choosing the right nanny is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and finding someone to care for your children should be most important thing to you. Nannies work hard just like we do and deserve to be paid well. 

 

Tips

  • Expect to pay more on holidays since they are taking time away from their own families.
  • Expect to pay more if you’re asking for last minute help.
  • Expect to pay $2-$3 more per hour for each additional child.
  • Expect to pay the nanny gas money if she is driving your children around.
  • Expect to pay more for someone who is qualified and has been a nanny for a long time.
  • Expect to pay more if you only need 2 or 3 hours. It needs to be worth the nanny’s time.
  • Expect to pay more for a babysitter that just comes every once in awhile for a few hours.

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NannyCare.com does not employ any caregiver ( nanny, babysitter, newborn specialist, elderly caregiver or housekeeper ) listed on our site and accepts no responsibility for provider's (client, family, user, parent) selection of a caregiver, or for any caregiver's conduct or performance. Provider is ultimately responsible for selecting a caregiver and for complying with all applicable laws that may apply when employing a household employee. Provider is fully responsible for their caregiver selection, checking references, interviewing and screening applicants and interpreting the background check results. NannyCare.com's screening services and background checks are not a substitution for a provider doing their own thorough screening. Caregivers should never be hired on the spot or without being interviewed in-person first. Our site provides an abundance of helpful tools, articles and resources to help families make smart, safe hiring decisions.