changing from part-time live out to live in nanny

[Anonymous]

We currently live in another state where nannies make far less than they do in the DC area but are moving to the area soon. The going rate where we live is $10/hr for up to 4 children but we pay ours $12/hr for 2 children and she helps out around the house with things like the kids laundry, etc. She currently works for us on average 3 days/week. We are moving to the DC area soon and she volunteered to come with us and help us out for a few months while we get settled and can find someone new there. She is going to stay with us for 3-4 days/week and then travel home for 3-4 days. Her travel expenses will be covered and while she is staying with us her living expenses will too. We will also provide a car for her when she is with us. I'm not sure how much to pay her now though. I want to be fair and I know the going rate is a lot higher in DC than where we live now and while her travel expenses are covered it can't be easy going back and forth like she will be doing. Of course, she will have far less expenses and we will have more while she is living with us. Any suggestions on what would be a fair salary would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

How old is she? How much training and experience? Which area exactly, are you moving to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is she? How much training and experience? Which area exactly, are you moving to?

She's in her late 20's. She has a couple of years experience prior to her time with us but more babysitting than nannying. She's been with us about 6 months. We are moving to somewhere in Montgomery County. Not sure where yet.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I would not pay her too much higher. This is temporary for her as she will be going back in a few months. You are paying her travel expenses as well as use of car/gas and living expenses, so she really doesn't have too much to be worried about as far as higher costs in the area, kwim?

I think if the duties are going to be essentially the same, maybe $13-$15/hr would be fine.

[Anonymous]

This is an unusual situation but I think if you're maintaining her current salary, and paying all room/board/travel expenses then you don't need to adjust compensation, given that this is a short term solution.

Also - Montgomery County is big. The "going rate" in Chevy Chase can be wildly different from the going rate farther out in the county.

Good luck with the move.

[Anonymous]

You want her to feel on par with her new peers, otherwise she'll feel resentful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is an unusual situation but I think if you're maintaining her current salary, and paying all room/board/travel expenses then you don't need to adjust compensation, given that this is a short term solution.

Also - Montgomery County is big. The "going rate" in Chevy Chase can be wildly different from the going rate farther out in the county.

Good luck with the move.

OP here. Thanks! I do know that Montgomery County is big, sorry I wasn't more specific. Unfortunately we have no idea where we are going to be living yet. We are looking everywhere from Gaithersburg to Bethesda which I know are very different areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You want her to feel on par with her new peers, otherwise she'll feel resentful.

What peers? She is going to work for 3 days, then go back home for 4 days, and go back permanently in a few months. She will be fine.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP who recommended a small increase - I think $14 or $15 an hour as a thank you for what she is doing (traveling back and forth every week is EXHAUSTING) but there is no need to try and match her pay rate to the people who live/pay rent/buy groceries in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the PP who recommended a small increase - I think $14 or $15 an hour as a thank you for what she is doing (traveling back and forth every week is EXHAUSTING) but there is no need to try and match her pay rate to the people who live/pay rent/buy groceries in DC.

+1

[Anonymous]

No, $15/hr is market rate for a live out in DC, which is too high for a live in with all expenses paid. I would bump up to $13/hr.

[Anonymous]

I'd bump her to $15.

She is doing you and especially your children a huge favor- even if she is being compensated well for it. It's a temporary situation so it's not as though you'll be paying that forever.

I agree that you could bump her less, but I wouldn't feel right about it personally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, $15/hr is market rate for a live out in DC, which is too high for a live in with all expenses paid. I would bump up to $13/hr.

$15 for someone with very little experience in a new to her job and usually only for 1 child.