Nanny cost guide: How much should you budget in the US?

Childcare services are hitting American families hard, especially those with tight budgets. When looking at all the options, many parents find that hiring a nanny makes good sense—it offers flexible hours and personal attention and can work better for families with multiple children or unusual work schedules.

Today, nanny services in America typically cost between $15 and $25 per hour, with prices changing based on your city, the nanny’s experience, and what you need them to do. This guide shows what you’ll pay for different types of nanny care across the US, helping you plan your budget while getting good care for your kids.

Nanny price list

When planning your family budget for a nanny, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re paying for. The table below shows the average rates for different services in the US, giving you a starting point for your search. Remember that these figures represent average costs and can change based on your specific needs, location, and the nanny’s background.

A child playing with blocks and toys while nanny supervises at home. (Source: iStock)

Common types of nannies and their rates

1. Full-time, live-in nanny

 When you frequently travel for work, have early morning meetings, or work at night, a full-time, stay-at-home nanny can be a good option. The average live-in nanny cost is $652 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 $705 per week.

3. Part-time nanny

Getting a part-time nanny might be a wise choice if you only work part-time hours outside of 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 $18 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 $214 per week.

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 take care of your baby and help you get your much-needed sleep. Their service usually costs around $200 to $250 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 $35 per hour.

7. Nanny-housekeeper

A nanny-housekeeper not only takes care of your children but also helps you with household chores like cleaning, cooking, ironing, and organizing. They can either be full-time or part-time, depending on your needs. The average cost of their service is $18 per hour.

8. Shared nanny

If you need someone to take care of your child and ensure that they still get to socialize with other kids, a shared nanny might be an ideal option for you. Sharing a nanny with another family also reduces the costs, usually $6 to $13 per hour and family.

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 lodging, meals, and $200 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 prices. Some of them are as follows:

Your location

Large, urban locations often have higher costs of living, leading to higher salaries. This is true for a nanny's pay as well. For example, expect to pay more if you live in a big city on the East Coast, such as Boston, than in a small Massachusetts town. See the table below for nanny charges in several states:

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.

Taxes

You're also responsible for paying your nanny's taxes. Social Security and state unemployment taxes are examples of this.

A child painting with the nanny’s guidance during an art activity. (Source: iStock)

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!