Bringing a nanny into your family is a big decision. You’re welcoming someone into your home and trusting them with the people you love most. It’s natural that one of the first questions parents ask is what it will cost.

Most nannies in the U.S. earn somewhere between $20 and $25 an hour. Your number may look different. Where you live, how many children you have, their ages, and the hours you need can all move it up or down.

The hourly rate is also only part of the picture. When you hire a nanny on your own, you become their employer, which means handling payroll, taxes, and finding coverage when your nanny is sick or on vacation. Below, we walk through what shapes the cost of a nanny and what your investment covers, so you can find care that fits both your family and your budget.

What Is the Average Cost of a Nanny?

Nannies across the U.S. report earning a median of about $20 an hour, with most falling between roughly $14 and $27 an hour. The International Nanny Association’s most recent industry survey put the median slightly higher, at $25 an hour.

Consider these numbers a starting range, not a quote. Your cost will depend on the factors below and on whether you hire a nanny on your own or through an agency.

What Affects the Cost of a Nanny?

Every family’s needs are a little different, and so is every nanny’s rate. These are the things that usually make the biggest difference.

  • Where you live. Rates follow the local cost of living and how many experienced nannies are available nearby.
  • Your children. More children, or an infant who needs constant hands-on care, usually means a higher rate.
  • Your schedule. Full-time, part-time, after-school, early mornings, or overnights all price differently. A steady weekly schedule may cost less per hour than short, irregular shifts.
  • The nanny’s experience. Nannies with years of experience, early childhood education, newborn care, or special needs training typically earn more.
  • What you ask them to do. Driving to activities, preparing family meals, or helping around the house beyond the children’s needs can add to the rate.
  • How you hire. This one changes not only the price but everything that comes with it.

Most families’ rates come down to a mix of these. The last one, how you hire, shapes more than pricing.

Hiring a Nanny on Your Own vs. Through an Agency

When you hire a nanny directly, you become their employer. That means running the search and background checks yourself, setting up payroll, handling household employer taxes, and covering time off and backup care when your nanny is out. The hourly rate is only part of the cost.

Some nanny agencies only find candidates, charge a placement fee, and then step back. You’re still the employer.

Oliver’s Nannies works differently. Our nannies are employees of their local Oliver’s Nannies office. Your family works directly with the agency, and the agency takes on the role of employer. Payroll, employer taxes, and the details that come with employing someone are handled for you.

What’s Included When You Work With Oliver’s Nannies

When you work with Oliver’s Nannies, you’re paying for more than hours of care. Here’s what you can count on:

  • Careful screening. Every nanny goes through a multi-step interview process, reference checks, and background checks before hiring.
  • A thoughtful match. Our Olico® Care Matching process looks at your family’s values, schedule, and needs to find a nanny whose caregiving style fits.
  • No household employer paperwork. Because your nanny is employed by Oliver’s Nannies, you aren’t setting up payroll or filing household employer taxes.
  • Backup when plans change. FlexCare offers as-needed and last-minute care for sick days, date nights, or a gap in your schedule. See how FlexCare works.
  • A local team behind your care. Your local Oliver’s Nannies office supports your family and your nanny with ongoing check-ins along the way.
  • Care that fits your family. Full-time and part-time nannies, overnight care for newborns, vacation care, and more.

How to Find Out What Your Family Will Pay

Because so much depends on your location and needs, the best way to know your cost is to talk with your local office. Share your schedule, your children’s ages, and what kind of care you’re looking for, and they can walk you through your options.

Find your local Oliver’s Nannies office to start the conversation.

Common Questions About Nanny Costs

How Much Does a Nanny Cost per Hour?

Most nannies in the U.S. earn between about $20 and $25 an hour. Your cost depends on your location, schedule, number of children, and how you hire.

Is a Nanny Agency More Expensive Than Hiring on My Own?

An agency rate can look higher than a nanny’s hourly wage alone, because it covers more. When you hire on your own, you also take on screening, payroll, employer taxes, and backup care yourself. Compare the full picture, not only the hourly number.

Do I Have to Handle Nanny Taxes if I Go Through Oliver’s Nannies?

No. Oliver’s Nannies are employees of the agency, so household employer taxes and payroll are handled by Oliver’s Nannies, not your family.

What Happens if My Nanny Is Sick or on Vacation?

FlexCare provides as-needed and last-minute care, so you have backup when your regular nanny is out.

How Do I Find Out What a Nanny Would Cost for My Family?

Contact your local Oliver’s Nannies office. They’ll ask about your schedule and needs and walk you through your options.