How much should I expect to pay for a nanny?

[Anonymous]

I realize the answer to this is "it depends." However, I'm looking for a ballpark range so I have an idea what to expect and what to offer. I'd like to know what is being a cheapskate and what is being very generous. I am looking for a short term (maybe a few months) nanny to come to our house in NW 5 days a week for probably 8 hours a day. I'm not concerned about the other things like housework. Just looking for someone trustworthy to take care of my baby. Thanks in advance for any input!!

[Anonymous]

How old is your child?

[Anonymous]

The range for 1 baby in DC, no additional housework is around $12(cheapskate)-$18(generous)/hour. For short term, you may have more difficulty finding someone unless its for the summer. A higher hourly rate, or a finishing bonus may attract better candidates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The range for 1 baby in DC, no additional housework is around $12(cheapskate)-$18(generous)/hour. For short term, you may have more difficulty finding someone unless its for the summer. A higher hourly rate, or a finishing bonus may attract better candidates.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The range for 1 baby in DC, no additional housework is around $12(cheapskate)-$18(generous)/hour. For short term, you may have more difficulty finding someone unless its for the summer. A higher hourly rate, or a finishing bonus may attract better candidates.

+1

[Anonymous]

I agree with the rate. Add to that 7.65% for FICA taxes, about 2% for unemployment insurance, and another 2% for worker's comp (though some people skip this). Nannies also expect a bonus at christmastime of up to a week's pay.

You'll also want to factor in additional money if you'll need paid back-up care if your nanny is out sick or on vacation (assuming you give her paid time off).

So, for us, our $18/hr, 40-hours/wk nanny (we have more kids) with two weeks' vacation and a couple days sick leave costs us total about $43,000 for the year.

[Anonymous]

He's 3 mos old. Thanks so much for the input! Much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The range for 1 baby in DC, no additional housework is around $12(cheapskate)-$18(generous)/hour. For short term, you may have more difficulty finding someone unless its for the summer. A higher hourly rate, or a finishing bonus may attract better candidates.

I think $12/Hr would be acceptable, though not great.

Cheapskate to me would = anything $10/Hr or under.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The range for 1 baby in DC, no additional housework is around $12(cheapskate)-$18(generous)/hour. For short term, you may have more difficulty finding someone unless its for the summer. A higher hourly rate, or a finishing bonus may attract better candidates.

+1

+2 (although I would bump the "generous" end up to $20/hr)

[Anonymous]

When we were looking in 2012, I found several lovely candidates who quoted $13 per hour for one infant. However, these women were either students or moms with other commitments that seemed likely to interfere with the kind of commitment and flexibility I needed. At $15 per hour, you get a wide range of candidates, including many with college degrees, who are ready to make employment as your nanny their primary focus during the week. At $17-20 per hour, you typically get that plus more years of experience.