How much does a nanny cost in the UK?

Parenthood isn't easy! Having another figure in your child's life who spends almost as much time with them as you do can be extremely helpful. Get a nanny who can understand their needs for happiness and personal growth. 

The average cost of a nanny depends on many factors, but it's usually £10 to £16 per hour. Do you need help keeping your kids safe and entertained whenever you're away or busy doing household chores? Here's an overview of nanny costs in the UK to help you set a budget.

Nanny price list

How much is a nanny in the UK? Nanny costs depend on the kind of service you're looking for. Here's a list of the average cost of nanny services:

Common types of nannies and their rates

1. Full-time, live-in nanny

Do you know how much is a full-time nanny? When you frequently travel for work, have early morning meetings, or work at night, a full-time, live-in nanny can be a good option. The average live-in nanny cost is £400 to £650 per week, besides their free lodging and meals. The total charge also depends on the services they cover.

2. Full-time, live-out nanny

A full-time, live-out nanny is a good option when you have regular work hours but need someone to watch over your children while you're away. While you fulfil your other obligations, your nanny takes care of your kid's daily needs and activities. They usually work at least 40 to 50 hours per week, typically during your office hours. A live-out nanny's cost is £500 to £800 per week.

3. Part-time nanny

Getting a part-time nanny might be a wise choice if you only work part-time hours outside your home or you're a stay-at-home parent who needs some relief. Hiring someone to meet your child's needs for a few hours is practical. This nanny service usually costs £10 - £16 per hour.

4. After-school nanny

Your work doesn't pause when the school bell rings, and finding time to drop off or pick up your kids from school can be challenging. Getting an after-school nanny can make this easy for you! They can also prepare your child's meals and snacks before school, transport them to and from their after-school activities, prepare their dinner, and help with their homework. They usually charge £10 to £16 per hour.

5. Night nanny

Those nights after giving birth can be challenging. With your baby constantly crying at these hours, rest can be elusive. Your night nanny can care for your baby and help you get much-needed sleep. Their service usually costs around £80 to £150 per night.

6. Maternity nanny

You can hire a maternity nanny who can come to your home after your baby is born and assist in the first weeks or months of their life. They can be a full-time, live-in nanny. But since they're specialists, their service costs £900 to £2,000 per week.

7. Nanny-housekeeper

A nanny-housekeeper does not only take care of your children but also helps you with household chores like cleaning, cooking, ironing, and organising. They can either be full-time or part-time, depending on your needs. The average cost of their service is £380 to £820 per week.

8. Shared nanny

If you need someone to take care of your child and ensure that they still get to socialise with other kids, a shared nanny might be an ideal option for you. Sharing a nanny with another family also reduces the costs, usually £1,300 to £2,600 per week.

9. Au pair

An au pair is a young person, generally between 18 and 30, who comes from a foreign country. They can provide nanny duties and light housework in return for a free room, meals, and a small fee of £70 to £85 per week.

While there are several types of nannies, all of them can take care of your child in your home. If this is not the ideal setup for you, you can get a childminder who can look after your kid in their own setting. Plus, getting a nanny is usually a long-term engagement. If you only want a short-term caretaker who can watch over your child for a set period, like when you're out on a date, hiring a babysitter might be the best option.

What other factors affect the cost of nanny services?

Other things affect nanny charges. Some of them are as follows:

Your location 

Usually, nanny costs in Scotland are lower than in England and Wales. See the prices per region below:

Your nanny's experience

Nannies with more than three years of experience charge more than those just starting. You'll need to consider the experience and talents you want your nanny to have and how those will affect how much you'll pay them.

Cover for when your nanny is sick

If your nanny gets sick, you need to give them sick pay and find a temporary replacement until they can return to work.

Employer tax, national insurance, and pension contributions 

If you're not hiring through an agency, you must register as the nanny's employer if they earn more than £112 per week. Failure to do so has legal implications. You must also deduct your nanny's tax, national insurance, and pension from their gross wage. As their employer, you should cover their national insurance and pension payments on top of their gross pay, so remember that their gross salary is not their total cost.

Book a nanny on Airtasker

Now that you know how much a nanny costs, you're ready to post a task. Taskers nearby will connect with you, and that's when you can review offers and choose a service. Make the necessary arrangements, and you'll hire a nanny shortly! Here are some details to share on the request form:

• Your budget and location
• Type of nanny service needed
• Your schedule or timetable
• Tasks you need help with

The more information you provide, the easier it will be to get a quote. Post a task now and find someone to take care of your children!