Nanny Hourly Rate by City: 2026 Prices & What Affects Nanny Pay
Nanny hourly rates average $22.26/hour nationally in 2026 and run from $18.63 to $31.44 across the cities below (Care.com, October 2026). 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 | $31.44–$35.93/hr | $65,400–$74,730 | +41% |
| Seattle | $27.88–$32.33/hr | $57,990–$67,250 | +25% |
| Los Angeles | $27.82–$32.95/hr | $57,870–$68,540 | +25% |
| New York City | $25.48–$31.12/hr | $53,000–$64,730 | +14% |
| Boston | $25.06–$29.83/hr | $52,120–$62,050 | +13% |
| Denver | $24.53–$29.80/hr | $51,020–$61,980 | +10% |
| Washington, DC | $23.86–$28.64/hr | $49,630–$59,570 | +7% |
| Austin | $23.79–$28.62/hr | $49,480–$59,530 | +7% |
| Miami | $23.64–$29.14/hr | $49,170–$60,610 | +6% |
| Chicago | $23.48–$27.80/hr | $48,840–$57,820 | +5% |
| Atlanta | $22.82–$28.52/hr | $47,470–$59,320 | +3% |
| Richmond | $21.40–$25.51/hr | $44,510–$53,060 | -4% |
| Las Vegas | $21.39–$26.82/hr | $44,490–$55,790 | -4% |
| Houston | $20.99–$25.75/hr | $43,660–$53,560 | -6% |
| Dallas | $20.88–$26.40/hr | $43,430–$54,910 | -6% |
| Indianapolis | $20.52–$25.31/hr | $42,680–$52,640 | -8% |
| Milwaukee | $19.93–$25.80/hr | $41,450–$53,660 | -10% |
| Louisville | $19.27–$24.12/hr | $40,080–$50,170 | -13% |
| Memphis | $19.00–$25.91/hr | $39,520–$53,890 | -15% |
| Oklahoma City | $18.63–$23.76/hr | $38,750–$49,420 | -16% |
Each range runs from Care.com's average starting rate to its average maximum rate for nannies in that city (two cities averaged for Dallas/Fort Worth), as of October 2026; "vs. National Avg" compares the starting rate with the U.S. average of $22.26/hour. Annual costs assume full-time care (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks) and are gross pay before employer taxes. Source: Care.com Cost of Care Calculator.
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. See nanny salary and minimum wage by state. Always benchmark against your city's local market, not national averages.
Child Age
Newborn and infant experience can command a premium, but Care.com's 2026 report found families' posted nanny rates for toddlers ($936/week) slightly above those for infants ($870/week) — so ask local nannies rather than assuming a fixed infant premium. 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?
Care.com's average starting rate for nannies is $22.26/hour nationally (October 2026) and runs from $18.63 in Oklahoma City to $31.44 in San Francisco among the cities we track; experienced nannies earn up to Care.com's average maximum rates of about $23–$36/hour. Care.com's 2026 report found posted rates for toddlers ($936/week) slightly above infants ($870/week), so don't assume a fixed infant premium.
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?
Care.com's 2026 report puts a nanny for two children at $952 a week versus $870–$936 for one — roughly 2–9% more, or about $1–$2/hour. If your area's rate is $22/hour for one child, expect roughly $23–$24/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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