Nanny Salary by State (2026)
A full-time nanny averages about $46,300/year ($22.26/hour, Care.com October 2026) in the U.S. — but pay swings widely by state. Here's what families pay, state by state.
How Much Does a Nanny Cost?
Nationally, a full-time nanny averages $46,300/year, based on Care.com's October 2026 average starting rate of $22.26/hour for 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $55,160 | $26.52/hr | $55,160–$65,000 |
| Washington | $51,520 | $24.77/hr | $51,520–$61,980 |
| Massachusetts | $51,230 | $24.63/hr | $51,230–$61,800 |
| New York | $50,770 | $24.41/hr | $50,770–$61,780 |
| Connecticut | $50,520 | $24.29/hr | $50,520–$61,320 |
| District of Columbia | $49,630 | $23.86/hr | $49,630–$59,570 |
| Colorado | $48,710 | $23.42/hr | $48,710–$59,260 |
| Oregon | $46,450 | $22.33/hr | $46,450–$57,080 |
| Maryland | $46,430 | $22.32/hr | $46,430–$57,080 |
| Illinois | $45,990 | $22.11/hr | $45,990–$56,010 |
| Virginia | $45,010 | $21.64/hr | $45,010–$57,720 |
| Arizona | $44,640 | $21.46/hr | $44,640–$55,200 |
| Florida | $44,600 | $21.44/hr | $44,600–$55,660 |
| Nevada | $44,120 | $21.21/hr | $44,120–$55,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,760 | $21.04/hr | $43,760–$54,680 |
| Georgia | $42,930 | $20.64/hr | $42,930–$54,160 |
| Tennessee | $42,740 | $20.55/hr | $42,740–$54,020 |
| Texas | $42,680 | $20.52/hr | $42,680–$54,000 |
| Minnesota | $42,240 | $20.31/hr | $42,240–$53,100 |
| North Carolina | $42,100 | $20.24/hr | $42,100–$52,560 |
| Utah | $40,910 | $19.67/hr | $40,910–$51,850 |
| Missouri | $40,500 | $19.47/hr | $40,500–$51,500 |
| Michigan | $40,410 | $19.43/hr | $40,410–$51,630 |
| Ohio | $40,190 | $19.32/hr | $40,190–$51,290 |
| Indiana | $39,770 | $19.12/hr | $39,770–$51,150 |
| Wisconsin | $39,370 | $18.93/hr | $39,370–$50,520 |
| Kentucky | $38,730 | $18.62/hr | $38,730–$48,880 |
| Oklahoma | $37,150 | $17.86/hr | $37,150–$48,440 |
Figures are Care.com's statewide average starting rate for nannies × 2,080 hours (40 hours a week, 52 weeks), before employer payroll taxes. The range runs from the average starting rate to the average maximum rate Care.com reports for the state. Source: Care.com Cost of Care Calculator, rates as of October 2026. 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. On Care.com, nannies average $31.44/hour in San Francisco and $25.48/hour in New York City, while the same role in many Midwestern and Southern cities averages $19–$21/hour. Browse nanny costs by city for local numbers.
Number of children
Care.com's 2026 rates put a nanny for two children at $952 a week versus $870–$936 for one — roughly $1–$2/hour more, 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 averages about $46,300 per year nationally — Care.com's October 2026 average starting rate of $22.26/hour for a 40-hour week. High-cost states like California, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York average $24–$27/hour, while many Southern and Midwestern states average about $18–$20/hour.
How much should I pay a nanny per hour?
Most full-time nannies earn about $18–$32/hour depending on your metro (Care.com's October 2026 averages run from $18.63 in Oklahoma City to $31.44 in San Francisco), with a modest premium for each 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 $3,000 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 $46,300/year versus about $17,260/year for an infant in a daycare center (Care.com 2026 rates). 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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