Maybe you’re hiring a nanny for the first time…or maybe you’re about to add a second (or third) baby to the mix. Either way, nanny salary questions can be a sticky subject. That’s why we checked in with Sittercity, a website that connects families with fully vetted sitters and nannies, to get definitive answers to help you figure out your bottom line when it comes to child care. Listen up.
So How Much Does the Average Nanny Get Paid?
Plus 4 other common child-care salary questions
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Published Aug 12, 2016
Twenty20
What's The Going Rate For A Nanny These Days?
If you’re paying hourly, wages vary between $10 and $25 per hour. Salaries for full-time nannies, on the other hand, range from $35K to $100K per year. The rates vary based on location, experience, responsibilities and number of children. (The hourly rate should increase by $1 per hour per child, FYI.) For example, in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco, salaries can be as high as $100K per year for a full-time nanny to care for two or three kids. In the Midwest, salaries tend to be closer to $35 to $45K for one or two kids, while on the East Coast (excluding NYC), a full-time salary averages out to about $55K.
Twenty20
What Should You Offer In Terms Of Benefits?
This should all be mapped out during the hiring process, but typically, all family-related expenses are reimbursed. (This includes a portion of their cell phone bill, mileage, public transportation, food/groceries for meals, etc.) In terms of health insurance, more and more families are providing it--or at the very least covering part of the cost.
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How Should You Factor In Vacation And Sick Time?
Again, if you’re shelling out for a full-time nanny, all these details should be put in writing in advance. Standard PTO is usually two weeks for full-time nannies, plus a week during the holidays. Sick time isn’t as standardized, but many families also offer it. (And c’mon, do you really want your sitter to show up sick anyway?)
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What's The Average Overnight Rate?
When it comes to live-in versus live-out nannies, there actually isn’t much of a difference. In fact, since housing and food are subsidized in live-in situations, you may see a lower overall rate. As for families with a live-out nanny who occasionally stays overnight, expect to pay the normal hourly rate. (Yes, even if she’s sleeping for most of that time.)
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How Should You Handle Taxes?
Sure, it’s tempting to pay your nanny “under the table,” but this can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Plus, paying taxes helps protect you as an employer and also helps your nanny build up an employment history (and get access to Social Security, Medicare and unemployment benefits). If you’re worried about how to manage it, sites like SurePayroll--a Sittercity partner--are set up to help you navigate.
