How much does a nanny cost?
I can’t tell you how often I have had to dispel the myth that having a live-in nanny is only for the wealthy. The assumption is that nanny salaries are so expensive that the “average” family can’t afford a live-in nanny. This just isn't true! I have shown in a previous article, Nanny vs. Au Pair – The Costs and Benefits, that hiring one of YC Nannies is less expensive than the average au pair and agency fees, and now you will see that your nanny's pay will be less than putting multiple children in daycare as well.
YC Nannies are independent and make decisions about salary, jobs, and families. However, my 21 years running this agency have helped me create the following guide for families seeking live-in nannies.
Nanny Level 1 – BEGINNER NANNY $550-$600/week (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
Babysitting experience only. Three excellent childcare references outside of the family, no higher education.
This nanny will be great with kids but will need a lot of guidance and help with the day-to-day responsibilities and chores. Beginner nannies are babysitters and require significant guidance on interpersonal and disciplinary issues within the family unit. This nanny will likely require family support during time off, have less independence, and may require guidance on living more independently. Beginners should be up to the level of “Nanny” after one year. This candidate may be similar to an au pair but will be American, have English mastered, and be a confident and competent driver.
Nanny Level 2 – NANNY $650-$700/week (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
One year of full-time nanny experience or three years of daycare/preschool/daycare experience with no higher education. OR Bachelor’s degree with beginner nanny experience (see above). All childcare jobs are verified with excellent references.
This nanny will be able to complete the tasks of a nanny without assistance but will require significant guidance and feedback on the tasks in your home and help with managing complex disciplinary and interpersonal issues from time to time. Household responsibilities will vary from nanny to nanny depending on background and should be clarified during an interview to meet the family’s needs. Typically, this nanny maintains a higher level of independence when not working.
Nanny Level 3 – INTERMEDIATE NANNY $750-$800/week (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
2-3 years live-in or live-out nanny experience with no higher education. OR 4 years or more of professional childcare experience with no higher education. OR 1-2 years of nanny experience or three years of professional childcare experience with a bachelor’s degree or above. Nanny may have a combination of these things. All childcare jobs are verified with excellent references.
This nanny should be able to complete all assigned tasks and duties associated with the children without significant family intervention or training except for those specific to the Hiring Family home. This nanny is more independent when not working but may sometimes spend time with the hiring family as mutually agreed upon.
Nanny Level 4 – ADVANCED NANNY $850-$1000/week (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
4 years or more of full-time nanny experience plus a demonstrated history of advanced training or education in a field related to childcare, healthcare, or another related field or more than five years as a nanny. This nanny may also be a teacher or have specialized training with special needs, physical or occupational therapy, a second language, and other advanced skills. All childcare jobs are verified with excellent references.
This nanny should be able to complete all assigned tasks and duties associated with the children without family intervention or training except for those specific to the Hiring Family home. This nanny is independent when not working but may sometimes spend time with the hiring family as mutually agreed upon. This nanny can be asked to make autonomous decisions without the parents regarding the children or take children to a doctor without a parent, etc.
Nanny Level 5 - PREMIER NANNY $900-$1500/week and up! (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
Eight or more years of nanny experience plus a demonstrated history of advanced training or education in a field related to childcare, healthcare, or other related fields or more than five years as a nanny. This nanny may also be a teacher or have specialized training with special needs, physical or occupational therapy, a second language, and other advanced skills. This nanny may have also raised children, run their own home, or have an advanced degree. All childcare jobs are verified with excellent references.
This nanny should be able to complete all assigned tasks and duties associated with the children without significant family intervention or training except for those specific to the Hiring Family home. This nanny is independent when not working but may sometimes spend time with the hiring family as mutually agreed upon. This nanny can be asked to make autonomous decisions without the parents regarding the children or take children to a doctor without a parent, etc. This nanny should be able to act as a proxy parent.
House Manager/Nanny $1200-1600/week and up! (minimum – more for hours over 40 or more than one child)
Extensive experience running and managing their own home and the homes of others with professional references and experience, as well as all of the items described above in a level 5 nanny.
This person may or may not be responsible for the cleaning and most typically manages a cleaning staff, has extensive cooking experience to cook for guests and parties, can call a plumber, etc. This person will be able to manage errands, shopping, and other duties, and some candidates may be able to manage construction projects and more.
Reach out today for your independent and free consultation to hire one of my wonderful nannies!