How Much Should I Be Charging as a Nanny?

An Honest Breakdown of Nanny Rates by Experience, Education, and Role.

Let’s talk about something every nanny should know, how to confidently price your time, your talent, and your presence. I’ve been in this field for over 14 years, first as a nanny and now as the owner of a boutique placement agency. I’ve worked with hundreds of families and caregivers, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: too many nannies are undercharging and being underpaid, either because they don’t know what’s fair or because they’re afraid to ask for more.

If you’ve ever found yourself unsure of what to charge or nervous about what’s “too high,” let’s clear it up. The going rate for a nanny depends on a lot of things: your years of experience, the level of responsibility you take on, your education, and the kind of care you provide. Below, I’ve broken it down in tiers so you can better understand where you fall and what you should be charging in today’s market.

If you’ve been working as a nanny for 3 to 5 years, meaning you’ve got some experience in private homes, maybe some daycare or babysitting background, and you're CPR/First Aid certified with a few strong references, your starting rate should be around $23–$25/hour, depending on your region. You’re still growing, but you’re reliable, professional, and learning how to build lasting connections with families. This is the time to really invest in yourself, take trainings, start learning more about child development, and begin documenting your care approach so that you’re ready to level up when the time comes.

Once you’re in that 5 to 8 year range, you’ve become a true professional. You’ve probably had a few long-term families, you’ve supported multiple age groups, and you know how to build routines, implement structure, and bring peace to a household. If you’re handling transitions, developmental milestones, school support, and emotional regulation, you should not be charging less than $28–$33/hour. Period. Your rate should reflect the level of care you provide. You’re not just “watching kids”, you’re shaping their early years, helping them regulate emotions, and creating systems that support the whole family.

For those of you with 8, 10, or more years of experience, listen to me when I say this: you are the gold standard. You are not the “help.” You’re the foundation. You’ve probably worked with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. You’ve supported busy professionals, held it down during life changes, and been the one constant in a child’s life. If you have a degree or coursework in early childhood education, a background in trauma-informed care, newborn experience, or household management skills, you should be charging $35–$45+ an hour, no questions asked. You bring more than care, you bring calm, safety, and consistency. Families should be paying you accordingly.

Now, if you're a newborn care specialist, postpartum doula, or someone providing overnight care, lactation support, or specialized services like sleep training, your rate is typically higher. These roles require very specific skills and carry a heavier emotional and physical toll. It’s not unusual to see rates of $40–$70+ an hour for this kind of work, especially when you’re operating independently or with a trusted agency.

Let’s talk legal pay. Because this part matters just as much as your rate. Unless you are running your own business, working short-term backup care, or offering specialty services like NCS or doula work, you should not be paid as an independent contractor. You are an employee. If a family sets your hours, gives you direction, and you’re showing up regularly in their home, you are a W-2 employee by law.

Being paid legally means you’re protected. You’re contributing to Social Security. You’re eligible for unemployment if something goes wrong. You can show proof of income for housing, loans, or future goals. Getting paid under the table might feel easier at first, but it costs you in the long run. And let’s be honest, this work deserves to be treated with the same legitimacy and respect as any other profession.

At the end of the day, your rate is about more than money, it’s about honoring your time, your body, your skill set, and your emotional labor. This work is sacred. You are the person holding space for someone else’s child every day. You deserve to feel supported, protected, and paid well. If you’re unsure where you fall or how to ask for more, that’s exactly why I created Nannies in the City. I want every caregiver to feel empowered to claim their worth, and I want families to respect and understand what quality care really looks like.

If you ever need help advocating for yourself, pricing your work, or getting connected with a family who sees your value, reach out. You deserve more, and I’m here to help you claim it.

With so much love,

Chelsea Delaney

Founder, Nannies in the City

www.nanniesinthecity.com