Whether you’ve been a nanny before or you’re looking into being a nanny, there are certain things you should know before making any decisions. A question new workers have is what to expect in terms nanny salary and how to determine what the salary should be for the job.
Nanny salaries vary greatly depending on the following:
- City you live in
- Your job requirements
- Years of experience
- Your educational background
- What you were making at your last job
- Number of children you will be caring for
- Number of hours you will be working
- Whether or not the job is live-in or out
- Whether or not there is housekeeping, laundry, errands or cooking involved
- Whether or not benefits are offered
Here is an average of what to expect for the care of 1-2 children.
18-20 yrs old with less than 2 years of experience $9-$12/hr
21 yrs or older with over 2-5 years of experience $12-$16
5+ years experience, a childcare related degree or equivalent $15-$25/hr
For salaried jobs:
Full Time, 40-50 hours per week, 1-2 children $600-$1000/wk (average-$650/week)
Part-Time, 20-30 hours per week, 1-2 children $300-$600/wk (average-$350/week)
For any more than 2 children, you should be paid an additional $2-$3 per hour or an additional minimum of $100 a week should be added to your salary.
*Important Fact-According to the 2017 INA Nanny Salary & Benefits Survey, the average hourly rate is $19.14/hr and the median rate is $18/hr. The hourly rate will depend on different factors such as how many children, whether or not there is driving or housekeeping etc. In big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York it’s very common for nannies to make $20-$30/hr.
To avoid misunderstandings, make sure you know if the take home is gross or net and ask what deductions, if any, will be made. If your employer is offering you a net wage, be very specific as to whether they are ONLY paying social security/medicare taxes for you (so you would then be responsible for Federal and state income taxes) OR whether the net includes them paying for all nanny income taxes. You may wish to consult a nanny tax company for advice in these areas. In addition, don’t forget that you are subject to Federal (and generally state) minimum wage rules.
It is reasonable to expect to be paid every week (or biweekly). A full-time nanny will expect to be paid for the year (52 weeks) even if the family takes vacation or holidays without them. Families can pay the nanny in cash, by personal check or through a reputable payroll service (direct deposit is very common).
You should also expect the family to go over the job duties in detail. Most families will want to do a nanny work agreement with the nanny (otherwise known as a nanny contract). This can be very helpful in making sure everyone is on the same page. The family should also have you come in before your job starts for an orientation day. During this time the family will show you what needs to be done and introduce you to the neighbors and go over anything else that is important for you to know. The will most likely give you an orientation and emergency sheet which has all the important contact information you would need in case of an emergency. They should also give you medical release forms for you each child you will be caring for.