Nanny Hourly Rate by City: 2026 Prices & What Affects Nanny Pay
Nanny hourly rates range from $18–$35/hour in 2026, with the national average at $22–$25/hour for one child. Here's what you'll pay in 20 major cities and the factors that move the number up or down.
Nanny Hourly Rate by City (2026)
Average gross hourly pay for a full-time nanny caring for one infant:
| City | Hourly Rate | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $30–$35/hr | $62,400–$72,800 | +40% |
| New York City | $28–$32/hr | $58,240–$66,560 | +35% |
| Boston | $26–$30/hr | $54,080–$62,400 | +25% |
| Washington, DC | $25–$30/hr | $52,000–$62,400 | +20% |
| Seattle | $25–$29/hr | $52,000–$60,320 | +20% |
| Los Angeles | $24–$28/hr | $49,920–$58,240 | +15% |
| Chicago | $22–$26/hr | $45,760–$54,080 | +5% |
| Denver | $21–$25/hr | $43,680–$52,000 | avg |
| Miami | $20–$24/hr | $41,600–$49,920 | avg |
| Austin | $20–$23/hr | $41,600–$47,840 | avg |
| Atlanta | $19–$23/hr | $39,520–$47,840 | -5% |
| Dallas | $18–$22/hr | $37,440–$45,760 | -8% |
| Houston | $18–$21/hr | $37,440–$43,680 | -10% |
| Richmond | $18–$22/hr | $37,440–$45,760 | -8% |
| Milwaukee | $18–$22/hr | $37,440–$45,760 | -8% |
| Indianapolis | $17–$21/hr | $35,360–$43,680 | -12% |
| Louisville | $16–$20/hr | $33,280–$41,600 | -15% |
| Oklahoma City | $15–$19/hr | $31,200–$39,520 | -18% |
| Memphis | $15–$18/hr | $31,200–$37,440 | -20% |
| Las Vegas | $16–$20/hr | $33,280–$41,600 | -15% |
Rates assume full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks) for one infant. Annual costs shown as gross pay before employer taxes.
What Affects a Nanny's Hourly Rate?
City and Cost of Living
Location is the biggest driver. San Francisco nannies earn nearly twice as much per hour as nannies in Memphis — tracking closely with local minimum wages and cost of living. Always benchmark against your city's local market, not national averages.
Child Age
Infant care commands a 15–25% premium. A nanny charging $22/hour for a toddler may charge $25–$27/hour for a newborn due to the higher skill and attention required. Rates typically drop as children enter preschool age.
Experience and Credentials
A nanny with 5+ years of experience, formal childcare education, a current CPR certification, and strong references earns $3–$7/hour more than an entry-level caregiver. Some families pay above market rate to retain a strong nanny long-term.
Number of Children
Expect to pay 15–25% more per hour for a second child. The per-child cost decreases, but the nanny's total hourly pay increases to reflect the additional responsibility.
Live-In vs. Live-Out
Live-in nannies typically earn 10–15% less per hour in cash wages because room and board are included. However, you'll need to factor in the fair market value of lodging when calculating total compensation for tax purposes.
Nanny Hourly Rate vs. Annual Cost
The true cost of a nanny includes employer taxes on top of gross wages:
| Hourly Rate | Annual Gross Pay | Employer Taxes (~10%) | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $18/hr | $37,440 | $3,744 | $41,184 |
| $22/hr | $45,760 | $4,576 | $50,336 |
| $25/hr | $52,000 | $5,200 | $57,200 |
| $30/hr | $62,400 | $6,240 | $68,640 |
| $35/hr | $72,800 | $7,280 | $80,080 |
Employer taxes include Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and federal/state unemployment taxes. See our Nanny Taxes & Payroll Guide for a full breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nannies charge per hour?
Nanny hourly rates in 2026 range from $18–$35/hour depending on city, experience, and number of children. The national average is approximately $22–$25/hour for one child. Rates are typically 15–25% higher for infants than toddlers or preschoolers.
What is the average nanny hourly rate in New York City?
Nanny hourly rates in New York City average $25–$32/hour for one child, depending on experience. Entry-level nannies start around $22/hour; experienced nannies with CPR certification and references command $28–$35/hour.
How much more does a nanny cost per hour for two children?
A nanny caring for two children typically charges 15–25% more per hour than for one child. If your area's rate is $22/hour for one child, expect $25–$27/hour for two children. The nanny's total cost increases but the per-child cost is lower than two separate caregiving arrangements.
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