Nanny Hourly Rate Calculator
Estimate the fair market hourly wage based on experience, duties, and qualifications.
Enter the standard starting rate for your city/area.
Estimated Compensation
Recommended Hourly Rate:
Weekly Salary (Gross):
Monthly Estimate (Gross):
Annual Estimate (Gross):
*Note: This is a gross estimate. Remember to account for "Nanny Taxes" (Social Security/Medicare) and overtime rates if hours exceed 40/week.
Understanding Nanny Pay Rates
Determining a fair hourly rate for a nanny involves more than just picking a number. It requires balancing the cost of living in your area with the specific qualifications of the candidate and the demands of the job. Unlike a daycare center with fixed fees, nanny pay is highly individualized.
Key Factors Influencing the Hourly Rate
- Location (Base Rate): The single biggest factor. A nanny in San Francisco or NYC will cost significantly more than one in a rural area due to the cost of living. Always start with the local minimum wage or the standard "market rate" for your city.
- Number of Children: Standard industry practice is to add $1-$3 per hour for each additional child. Caring for multiple children increases the workload and complexity of the day.
- Experience: An experienced nanny with 10+ years of work history commands a higher premium than a college student or a beginner. Typically, you should add $0.50 to $1.00 per hour for every year of professional experience.
- Education & Certifications: Candidates with Early Childhood Education (ECE) degrees, teaching credentials, or specialized medical training (like CNA) bring professional expertise to the development of your child and warrant higher pay.
Additional Duties and Scope Creep
A common mistake families make is hiring a nanny for childcare but expecting them to clean the house, cook dinner for the whole family, and walk the dog. These are separate roles (Housekeeper, Personal Chef). If you combine these duties into a "Nanny Manager" role, the hourly rate must reflect that. Our calculator adds premiums for housekeeping, cooking, and pet care to help you budget fairly.
Overtime and Taxes
In the United States, nannies are classified as household employees, not independent contractors. This means:
- You must pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (often called "Nanny Tax").
- Under the FLSA, household employees are generally entitled to overtime pay (1.5x) for hours worked over 40 in a seven-day workweek.