Nanny Cost in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
Average hourly rates, annual salary, and total employer cost for full-time nannies in the Los Angeles metro area
A full-time nanny in Los Angeles earns approximately $18.27/hour, which works out to $38,000/year ($3,167/month) for infant care — 31% above the U.S. national average. Once you add employer payroll taxes (~10.25%), the true cost to your household is closer to $41,895/year.
A nanny is the most expensive regulated childcare option in Los Angeles, but also the most flexible. Families that want to reduce the cost often consider a nanny share, which drops per-family costs to $22,000/year — a savings of $16,000. Use our calculator with zip code 90001 for a personalized estimate.
Los Angeles Nanny Rates (2026)
| Age Group | Annual | Monthly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–1) | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18.27 |
| Toddler (1–3) | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17.31 |
| Preschool (3–5) | $33,000 | $2,750 | $15.87 |
| School-Age (5–12) | $29,000 | $2,417 | $13.94 |
Rates shown are gross wages (what you pay the nanny) for 40-hour weeks. Employer payroll taxes add ~10.25% on top. Sources: Care.com 2024 Cost of Care Survey, UrbanSitter National Childcare Rate Survey.
True Cost of a Los Angeles Nanny (Including Taxes)
When you hire a nanny, you become a household employer. Beyond the wage, you owe FICA (Social Security + Medicare), federal unemployment tax (FUTA), and state unemployment tax (SUTA).
| Expense | Annual Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross wages (infant care) | $38,000 | 40 hrs/week at $18.27/hr |
| Employer FICA (7.65%) | $2,907 | Social Security + Medicare |
| FUTA + SUTA (~2.6%) | $988 | Federal + state unemployment |
| Payroll service | $500–$900 | Optional (HomePay, GTM, etc.) |
| Workers' comp | $300–$800 | Required in many states |
| Total annual cost | ~$42,595 | What you'll actually spend |
See our Nanny Taxes & Payroll Guide for a full breakdown of employer obligations.
Nanny vs. Other Care Types in Los Angeles
How a nanny compares to other full-time care options in Los Angeles:
| Care Type | Annual (Infant) | Monthly | vs. Solo Nanny |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Nanny | $38,000 | $3,167 | — |
| Nanny Share | $22,000 | $1,833 | -$16,000 |
| Au Pair | $22,000 | $1,833 | -$16,000 |
| Daycare Center | $20,000 | $1,667 | -$18,000 |
Most Los Angeles families can cut costs by ~40% with a nanny share or ~47% with daycare — without losing the option to upgrade to a solo nanny later.
How to Save Money on a Nanny in Los Angeles
- Nanny share: The single biggest savings — drops cost from $38,000/year to $22,000/year per family.
- Dependent Care FSA: Put $5,000 pre-tax into a DCFSA and save ~$1,400–$2,000 on your nanny expenses.
- Child & Dependent Care Credit: Claim 20–35% of up to $6,000 in childcare costs on your federal return.
- Negotiate guaranteed hours over premium rates: Nannies in Los Angeles often prefer a guaranteed weekly wage over the absolute highest hourly rate.
- Use a nanny payroll service: Services like HomePay ($60/month) handle taxes automatically and ensure you stay compliant — avoiding penalties that cost far more than the service fee.
- Share responsibilities with a partner: Splitting drop-offs and pickups with a co-parent lets you hire a nanny for fewer hours, directly reducing cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nanny cost per hour in Los Angeles?
The average nanny hourly rate in Los Angeles is $18.27/hour for infant care. Rates range from $15.53–$21.92/hour depending on experience, number of children, and duties.
How much does a nanny cost per year in Los Angeles?
Full-time nannies in Los Angeles cost $38,000/year in gross wages for an infant, or about $41,895/year including employer payroll taxes.
Is a nanny worth it in Los Angeles?
A nanny makes the most financial sense in Los Angeles for families with two or more children (where per-child cost approaches daycare pricing), parents with variable schedules, or families whose children have special needs that don't fit a center environment. For a single child, daycare is typically 47% cheaper.
Are nannies tax-deductible in California?
Yes — nanny wages paid for childcare while you work qualify for the federal Child & Dependent Care Credit and Dependent Care FSA. California may also offer a state-level childcare tax credit on top of the federal benefits. See our Tax Benefits Guide.
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