Nanny Salary by State (2026)
A full-time nanny averages about $31,432/year ($15/hour) in the U.S. — but pay swings widely by state. Here's what families pay, state by state.
How Much Does a Nanny Cost?
Across the metro areas we track, a full-time nanny for one infant averages $31,432/year, or about $15/hour based on a 40-hour week. Nanny pay is the highest of any childcare option because you're paying for one-on-one, in-home care — and, as the household employer, for payroll taxes on top of the wage.
Hourly rates below assume a standard full-time schedule (40 hours/week, 52 weeks). Live-in nannies, part-time schedules, and caring for two or more children all change the math — see the notes under the table.
Average Nanny Salary by State (2026)
States are ranked from highest to lowest average full-time nanny salary for an infant. The "typical range" column reflects the spread you'll see between lower- and higher-cost metros and experience levels within each state.
| State | Avg Annual | Avg Hourly | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $40,000 | $19/hr | $32,800–$47,200 |
| California | $39,400 | $19/hr | $32,308–$46,492 |
| District of Columbia | $39,000 | $19/hr | $31,980–$46,020 |
| Washington | $39,000 | $19/hr | $31,980–$46,020 |
| New York | $38,000 | $18/hr | $31,160–$44,840 |
| Connecticut | $38,000 | $18/hr | $31,160–$44,840 |
| Illinois | $35,000 | $17/hr | $28,700–$41,300 |
| Colorado | $34,000 | $16/hr | $27,880–$40,120 |
| Minnesota | $33,000 | $16/hr | $27,060–$38,940 |
| Oregon | $33,000 | $16/hr | $27,060–$38,940 |
| Maryland | $33,000 | $16/hr | $27,060–$38,940 |
| Wisconsin | $32,000 | $15/hr | $26,240–$37,760 |
| Virginia | $31,000 | $15/hr | $25,420–$36,580 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,500 | $15/hr | $25,010–$35,990 |
| Georgia | $30,000 | $14/hr | $24,600–$35,400 |
| Florida | $28,667 | $14/hr | $23,507–$33,827 |
| Texas | $28,500 | $14/hr | $23,370–$33,630 |
| North Carolina | $28,000 | $13/hr | $22,960–$33,040 |
| Utah | $28,000 | $13/hr | $22,960–$33,040 |
| Michigan | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Arizona | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Ohio | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Indiana | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Missouri | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Kentucky | $27,000 | $13/hr | $22,140–$31,860 |
| Tennessee | $26,500 | $13/hr | $21,730–$31,270 |
| Nevada | $26,000 | $13/hr | $21,320–$30,680 |
| Oklahoma | $26,000 | $13/hr | $21,320–$30,680 |
Figures are estimates for a full-time nanny caring for one infant, before employer payroll taxes. Hourly = annual ÷ 2,080 hours. Sources: Care.com Cost of Care, UrbanSitter rate surveys, BLS wage data, adjusted to metro cost of living. Don't see your state? Use the cost calculator for a zip-code estimate.
What Determines a Nanny's Salary?
Location
Cost of living is the single biggest factor. A nanny in San Francisco or New York can earn $20–$25/hour, while the same role in the Midwest or South may pay $14–$18/hour. Browse nanny costs by city for local numbers.
Number of children
Most nannies charge an extra $2–$5/hour for a second child — far less than doubling the rate, which is why a nanny (or a nanny share) becomes more competitive for families with two or more kids.
Experience & responsibilities
Newborn specialists, nannies who drive, cook, manage household tasks, or hold CPR/early-childhood credentials command premiums of $2–$6/hour over the base rate.
Live-in vs. live-out
Live-in nannies typically accept a lower cash wage because room and board offset part of their compensation — see our live-in nanny cost guide.
Don't Forget Nanny Taxes
When you pay a nanny more than the IRS threshold, you become a household employer. Budget roughly 10% on top of gross wages for your share of Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment taxes. A $40,000 salary really costs about $44,000 once employer taxes are included.
The good news: paying legally lets you use a Dependent Care FSA and the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, which can return $1,000–$2,100+ at tax time. See our full nanny taxes & payroll guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average nanny salary in 2026?
A full-time nanny for one infant averages about $31,432 per year, or roughly $15/hour for a 40-hour week, across major U.S. metros. High-cost states like California, New York, and Massachusetts run $20–$25/hour, while many Southern and Midwestern states are $14–$18/hour.
How much should I pay a nanny per hour?
Most full-time nannies earn $16–$25/hour depending on your metro, with a premium of $2–$5/hour per additional child and more for experience, driving, or newborn specialization. Check local rates for your city and confirm you are at or above your state and local minimum wage.
Do I have to pay taxes on a nanny?
Yes. If you pay a household employee $2,800 or more in 2026 (the IRS threshold adjusts annually), you owe employer Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65%) plus federal and state unemployment tax — about 10% on top of wages. You must also give your nanny a W-2. Paying legally also unlocks the Dependent Care FSA and the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare?
Usually not for one child — a nanny averages $31,432/year versus about $16,114/year for an infant in a daycare center. But for two or more children a nanny or nanny share is often competitive, because one caregiver covers all of your kids for roughly the same price.
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