Ask nanny reference for pay rate?

[Anonymous]

If my nanny started listing out a bunch of krap instead of doing her job she'd be done for. Go complain somewhere else, and I sincerely hope you aren't supposed to be working today.

[Anonymous]

OP, there isn't anything particularly wrong with checking a nanny's salary history, so you can ask if you want. The thing is, it probably isn't going to give you much information. What you need to do is research the market rates in your area, decide what the job will entail, and what sort of extras you are looking for in a nanny. Once you price out the job, that's the range for the job. Nannies are responsible for their own finances and are absolutely able to decide if your job is worth accepting.

Don't start by asking the possible nanny her rate unless you have done your research first. They will inflate the rate and you can easily end of overpaying and that will not guarantee you a higher quality nanny.

For example, nannies in the DC are make $15-17/hr for one child and $16-18/hr for two kids with no housework other than cleaning up after themselves and kids (including kid laundry only)

Unless there are three or more kids and extra chores or duties, there isn't a reason to pay over $20/hr in DC. Actually, I would pay $20+/hr for a nanny with special needs experience.

A nanny who has 15+ years experience might think she is worth $25/hr...and maybe she is, but not to me. My job doesn't require that experience and is not worth paying extra for. However, the FTM with triplets down the street might be very willing to pay more for that experience.

In the end, the nanny's salary history is irrelevant. Each job is different and it is the job and its requirements that set the rate. That's why nanny rates are pretty consistent in a geographic area.



You aren't a nanny, so quoting what YOU would pay and stating it as an average, would be as ignorant as me telling you what I think you should earn. I often wonder if some of the parents on here, missed the humanity gene, but overdosed on the self-centered and selfish one instead.

Apparently, you don't have much experience in the work world. ALL jobs have market rates, and smart candidates know, going into the interview, what those market rates are. Some nannies here seem to think they are not subject to market rates, but they are wrong. Smart employers will have done their research and know where their job is in the market rate. If they want extras, they will price their job on the higher end. If the nanny believes she is worth more (and every worker in every industry thinks they are worth more), she can decline the job. She will soon learn that market rates are real and take a job, or find an uneducated family who hasn't done their research who overpays them. Overpaying, sadly does not result in a higher quality nanny. It just results in throwing money away.

Verifying salary history is also extremely common in the work world. I happen to think it isn't helpful in the nanny world, and I articulated why. But it is common and no matter what I think I'm worth, a potential employer is going to take my salary history and the market rates for my job and make me an offer. I can take it or leave it. But I'm the job seeker and I'm not necessarily in control. There are often many more applicants than positions. This is especially true in the nanny world.

The real problem in the nanny world is that the barrier of entry is low, and competition can be fierce in areas where people pay illegally under the table. There are no licenses, no minimum education requirements, no assurances that a nanny is high quality, and no guarantee that experience is worth more in a new job. Nanny quality is determined solely by a NF's experience. Furthermore, childcare is an easy job that almost anyone can do. Now, as I say that, please know that I respect there are individuals who are exceptionally gifted at childcare and can provide enrichment and educational experiences above and beyond and they should absolutely be compensated more for their skills if a NF desires these skills. The sad truth is that most families don't need or require those skills and are not willing to pay more than market rates for them. Honestly, I think that nannying is not a good career choice because of it lacks, by definition, the opportunity for automatic job growth due to experience.

In spite of your insults, PP, I'm actually quite sensitive to the difficulty of nanny employment, both from the NF side and the nanny side. I want to encourage both sides to educate themselves and find the best situation they can for the best development of the children. Obviously, you feel differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sigh.

There were several points I made, but the most important one is that they were trying to use my previous wages to justify paying me a lower rate, but my previous wages are not relevant for many reasons:
1) their position requires a lot of housework, which none of my previous jobs did
2) their position was taking care of infant twins, when none of the jobs I held with said references were for the care of more than one child
3) the majority of my positions were from more than three years ago
4) since those positions I have not only gained more professional nanny experience but I have also completed my ECE degree as well as other childcare related studies

They clearly weren't factoring any of that information in; they were just looking for justification for offering me a low wage. Rather than look at themselves and say "maybe we need to reevaluate our needs, maybe we don't really need the nanny to wash the windows and sanitize moms breast milk pumping equipment," they were just wanting to say "oh, well she only made $14/hr in this other job, so we can feel totally justified in offering $15/hr for ours!" (Again, not taking into account any of the factors I have listed above.)

The point I was trying to make about someone else accepting the job at $13/hr is that you get what you pay for when you pay a low rate:
1) someone with little to no experience
2) someone who is not committed--first nanny left suddenly (she says it was health issues, but that could've easily been an excuse to leave for a better position), and second nanny is only a week in and already contemplating quitting!!

But the problem with your argument is that the twin family was able to hire someone (with whom they were presumably pleased) for less than you cost. That is their prerogative. It doesn't mean that the person they hired is inferior - that's your judgment, based on nothing other than your assumptions about rate. They were willing to pay more for you - so clearly they liked you. But they can't afford what you requested so they hired someone else.

You think you're worth more - that's great. Maybe you are to someone else - just not to that family. No prospective employer is required to agree with you. If can you command higher wages on the job market go get 'em. If they can find cheaper care they are pleased with then they are free to do that. There is a range for everything. Just because you think you're superior doesn't mean that everyone will agree.

No matter how many words you throw at it your entire premise is based solely on your judgment, which has zero influence in your professional marketplace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sigh.

There were several points I made, but the most important one is that they were trying to use my previous wages to justify paying me a lower rate, but my previous wages are not relevant for many reasons:
1) their position requires a lot of housework, which none of my previous jobs did
2) their position was taking care of infant twins, when none of the jobs I held with said references were for the care of more than one child
3) the majority of my positions were from more than three years ago
4) since those positions I have not only gained more professional nanny experience but I have also completed my ECE degree as well as other childcare related studies

They clearly weren't factoring any of that information in; they were just looking for justification for offering me a low wage. Rather than look at themselves and say "maybe we need to reevaluate our needs, maybe we don't really need the nanny to wash the windows and sanitize moms breast milk pumping equipment," they were just wanting to say "oh, well she only made $14/hr in this other job, so we can feel totally justified in offering $15/hr for ours!" (Again, not taking into account any of the factors I have listed above.)

The point I was trying to make about someone else accepting the job at $13/hr is that you get what you pay for when you pay a low rate:
1) someone with little to no experience
2) someone who is not committed--first nanny left suddenly (she says it was health issues, but that could've easily been an excuse to leave for a better position), and second nanny is only a week in and already contemplating quitting!!

But the problem with your argument is that the twin family was able to hire someone (with whom they were presumably pleased) for less than you cost. That is their prerogative. It doesn't mean that the person they hired is inferior - that's your judgment, based on nothing other than your assumptions about rate. They were willing to pay more for you - so clearly they liked you. But they can't afford what you requested so they hired someone else.

You think you're worth more - that's great. Maybe you are to someone else - just not to that family. No prospective employer is required to agree with you. If can you command higher wages on the job market go get 'em. If they can find cheaper care they are pleased with then they are free to do that. There is a range for everything. Just because you think you're superior doesn't mean that everyone will agree.

No matter how many words you throw at it your entire premise is based solely on your judgment, which has zero influence in your professional marketplace.

The point here is asking previous employers for a nanny's wage is not a good basis to justify offering a lower wage to said nanny. Prerogatives, finances, the job market, etc, are all excellent ways to gauge what kind of salary to offer a prospective nanny. The salary she made with a different family in the past should not be part of the equation.

I will say that it sounds like OP was asking for their previous wages not as a way to justify a low pay rate, but rather to make sure she was offering a salary the nanny would be truly happy with, which is a bit different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you call my former references, they call me to tell me what they thought of you.

If you asked inappropriate questions, my former employers recommend that I eliminate you as a possibility.

So beware.

My previous employers do the same thing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you call my former references, they call me to tell me what they thought of you.

If you asked inappropriate questions, my former employers recommend that I eliminate you as a possibility.

So beware.

My previous employers do the same thing

I appreciate when my references do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP, there isn't anything particularly wrong with checking a nanny's salary history, so you can ask if you want. The thing is, it probably isn't going to give you much information. What you need to do is research the market rates in your area, decide what the job will entail, and what sort of extras you are looking for in a nanny. Once you price out the job, that's the range for the job. Nannies are responsible for their own finances and are absolutely able to decide if your job is worth accepting.

Don't start by asking the possible nanny her rate unless you have done your research first. They will inflate the rate and you can easily end of overpaying and that will not guarantee you a higher quality nanny.

For example, nannies in the DC are make $15-17/hr for one child and $16-18/hr for two kids with no housework other than cleaning up after themselves and kids (including kid laundry only)

Unless there are three or more kids and extra chores or duties, there isn't a reason to pay over $20/hr in DC. Actually, I would pay $20+/hr for a nanny with special needs experience.

A nanny who has 15+ years experience might think she is worth $25/hr...and maybe she is, but not to me. My job doesn't require that experience and is not worth paying extra for. However, the FTM with triplets down the street might be very willing to pay more for that experience.

In the end, the nanny's salary history is irrelevant. Each job is different and it is the job and its requirements that set the rate. That's why nanny rates are pretty consistent in a geographic area.



You aren't a nanny, so quoting what YOU would pay and stating it as an average, would be as ignorant as me telling you what I think you should earn. I often wonder if some of the parents on here, missed the humanity gene, but overdosed on the self-centered and selfish one instead.

Apparently, you don't have much experience in the work world. ALL jobs have market rates, and smart candidates know, going into the interview, what those market rates are. Some nannies here seem to think they are not subject to market rates, but they are wrong. Smart employers will have done their research and know where their job is in the market rate. If they want extras, they will price their job on the higher end. If the nanny believes she is worth more (and every worker in every industry thinks they are worth more), she can decline the job. She will soon learn that market rates are real and take a job, or find an uneducated family who hasn't done their research who overpays them. Overpaying, sadly does not result in a higher quality nanny. It just results in throwing money away.

Verifying salary history is also extremely common in the work world. I happen to think it isn't helpful in the nanny world, and I articulated why. But it is common and no matter what I think I'm worth, a potential employer is going to take my salary history and the market rates for my job and make me an offer. I can take it or leave it. But I'm the job seeker and I'm not necessarily in control. There are often many more applicants than positions. This is especially true in the nanny world.

The real problem in the nanny world is that the barrier of entry is low, and competition can be fierce in areas where people pay illegally under the table. There are no licenses, no minimum education requirements, no assurances that a nanny is high quality, and no guarantee that experience is worth more in a new job. Nanny quality is determined solely by a NF's experience. Furthermore, childcare is an easy job that almost anyone can do. Now, as I say that, please know that I respect there are individuals who are exceptionally gifted at childcare and can provide enrichment and educational experiences above and beyond and they should absolutely be compensated more for their skills if a NF desires these skills. The sad truth is that most families don't need or require those skills and are not willing to pay more than market rates for them. Honestly, I think that nannying is not a good career choice because of it lacks, by definition, the opportunity for automatic job growth due to experience.

In spite of your insults, PP, I'm actually quite sensitive to the difficulty of nanny employment, both from the NF side and the nanny side. I want to encourage both sides to educate themselves and find the best situation they can for the best development of the children. Obviously, you feel differently.

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OP, there isn't anything particularly wrong with checking a nanny's salary history, so you can ask if you want. The thing is, it probably isn't going to give you much information. What you need to do is research the market rates in your area, decide what the job will entail, and what sort of extras you are looking for in a nanny. Once you price out the job, that's the range for the job. Nannies are responsible for their own finances and are absolutely able to decide if your job is worth accepting.

Don't start by asking the possible nanny her rate unless you have done your research first. They will inflate the rate and you can easily end of overpaying and that will not guarantee you a higher quality nanny.

For example, nannies in the DC are make $15-17/hr for one child and $16-18/hr for two kids with no housework other than cleaning up after themselves and kids (including kid laundry only)

Unless there are three or more kids and extra chores or duties, there isn't a reason to pay over $20/hr in DC. Actually, I would pay $20+/hr for a nanny with special needs experience.

A nanny who has 15+ years experience might think she is worth $25/hr...and maybe she is, but not to me. My job doesn't require that experience and is not worth paying extra for. However, the FTM with triplets down the street might be very willing to pay more for that experience.

In the end, the nanny's salary history is irrelevant. Each job is different and it is the job and its requirements that set the rate. That's why nanny rates are pretty consistent in a geographic area.



You aren't a nanny, so quoting what YOU would pay and stating it as an average, would be as ignorant as me telling you what I think you should earn. I often wonder if some of the parents on here, missed the humanity gene, but overdosed on the self-centered and selfish one instead.

Apparently, you don't have much experience in the work world. ALL jobs have market rates, and smart candidates know, going into the interview, what those market rates are. Some nannies here seem to think they are not subject to market rates, but they are wrong. Smart employers will have done their research and know where their job is in the market rate. If they want extras, they will price their job on the higher end. If the nanny believes she is worth more (and every worker in every industry thinks they are worth more), she can decline the job. She will soon learn that market rates are real and take a job, or find an uneducated family who hasn't done their research who overpays them. Overpaying, sadly does not result in a higher quality nanny. It just results in throwing money away.

Verifying salary history is also extremely common in the work world. I happen to think it isn't helpful in the nanny world, and I articulated why. But it is common and no matter what I think I'm worth, a potential employer is going to take my salary history and the market rates for my job and make me an offer. I can take it or leave it. But I'm the job seeker and I'm not necessarily in control. There are often many more applicants than positions. This is especially true in the nanny world.

The real problem in the nanny world is that the barrier of entry is low, and competition can be fierce in areas where people pay illegally under the table. There are no licenses, no minimum education requirements, no assurances that a nanny is high quality, and no guarantee that experience is worth more in a new job. Nanny quality is determined solely by a NF's experience. Furthermore, childcare is an easy job that almost anyone can do. Now, as I say that, please know that I respect there are individuals who are exceptionally gifted at childcare and can provide enrichment and educational experiences above and beyond and they should absolutely be compensated more for their skills if a NF desires these skills. The sad truth is that most families don't need or require those skills and are not willing to pay more than market rates for them. Honestly, I think that nannying is not a good career choice because of it lacks, by definition, the opportunity for automatic job growth due to experience.

In spite of your insults, PP, I'm actually quite sensitive to the difficulty of nanny employment, both from the NF side and the nanny side. I want to encourage both sides to educate themselves and find the best situation they can for the best development of the children. Obviously, you feel differently.

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

Your use of commas, on multiple threads, continues to baffle me. I just can't take anything you write seriously...nor do I think many people can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OP, there isn't anything particularly wrong with checking a nanny's salary history, so you can ask if you want. The thing is, it probably isn't going to give you much information. What you need to do is research the market rates in your area, decide what the job will entail, and what sort of extras you are looking for in a nanny. Once you price out the job, that's the range for the job. Nannies are responsible for their own finances and are absolutely able to decide if your job is worth accepting.

Don't start by asking the possible nanny her rate unless you have done your research first. They will inflate the rate and you can easily end of overpaying and that will not guarantee you a higher quality nanny.

For example, nannies in the DC are make $15-17/hr for one child and $16-18/hr for two kids with no housework other than cleaning up after themselves and kids (including kid laundry only)

Unless there are three or more kids and extra chores or duties, there isn't a reason to pay over $20/hr in DC. Actually, I would pay $20+/hr for a nanny with special needs experience.

A nanny who has 15+ years experience might think she is worth $25/hr...and maybe she is, but not to me. My job doesn't require that experience and is not worth paying extra for. However, the FTM with triplets down the street might be very willing to pay more for that experience.

In the end, the nanny's salary history is irrelevant. Each job is different and it is the job and its requirements that set the rate. That's why nanny rates are pretty consistent in a geographic area.



You aren't a nanny, so quoting what YOU would pay and stating it as an average, would be as ignorant as me telling you what I think you should earn. I often wonder if some of the parents on here, missed the humanity gene, but overdosed on the self-centered and selfish one instead.

Apparently, you don't have much experience in the work world. ALL jobs have market rates, and smart candidates know, going into the interview, what those market rates are. Some nannies here seem to think they are not subject to market rates, but they are wrong. Smart employers will have done their research and know where their job is in the market rate. If they want extras, they will price their job on the higher end. If the nanny believes she is worth more (and every worker in every industry thinks they are worth more), she can decline the job. She will soon learn that market rates are real and take a job, or find an uneducated family who hasn't done their research who overpays them. Overpaying, sadly does not result in a higher quality nanny. It just results in throwing money away.

Verifying salary history is also extremely common in the work world. I happen to think it isn't helpful in the nanny world, and I articulated why. But it is common and no matter what I think I'm worth, a potential employer is going to take my salary history and the market rates for my job and make me an offer. I can take it or leave it. But I'm the job seeker and I'm not necessarily in control. There are often many more applicants than positions. This is especially true in the nanny world.

The real problem in the nanny world is that the barrier of entry is low, and competition can be fierce in areas where people pay illegally under the table. There are no licenses, no minimum education requirements, no assurances that a nanny is high quality, and no guarantee that experience is worth more in a new job. Nanny quality is determined solely by a NF's experience. Furthermore, childcare is an easy job that almost anyone can do. Now, as I say that, please know that I respect there are individuals who are exceptionally gifted at childcare and can provide enrichment and educational experiences above and beyond and they should absolutely be compensated more for their skills if a NF desires these skills. The sad truth is that most families don't need or require those skills and are not willing to pay more than market rates for them. Honestly, I think that nannying is not a good career choice because of it lacks, by definition, the opportunity for automatic job growth due to experience.

In spite of your insults, PP, I'm actually quite sensitive to the difficulty of nanny employment, both from the NF side and the nanny side. I want to encourage both sides to educate themselves and find the best situation they can for the best development of the children. Obviously, you feel differently.

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

Your use of commas, on multiple threads, continues to baffle me. I just can't take anything you write seriously...nor do I think many people can.

I'm typing on a tablet for your information. I'm still getting used to the pop-up keyboard. Also, your thinly veiled attempt at an insult, is laughable. Better luck next time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

Your use of commas, on multiple threads, continues to baffle me. I just can't take anything you write seriously...nor do I think many people can.

I totally agree with her. Yes the punctuation is funky but I think she's absolutely correct in her thinking.

[Anonymous]

You guys are all idiots. The market is the market. I you luck out and bully some young mom into overpaying you or some stupid parents intro overpaying you, good for you.
Otherwise, the market is the market. DCUM can't save you, sorry. DCUM can't hike up the market rates 40% for you, but keep posting/trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You guys are all idiots. The market is the market. I you luck out and bully some young mom into overpaying you or some stupid parents intro overpaying you, good for you.
Otherwise, the market is the market. DCUM can't save you, sorry. DCUM can't hike up the market rates 40% for you, but keep posting/trying.

Yup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

Your use of commas, on multiple threads, continues to baffle me. I just can't take anything you write seriously...nor do I think many people can.

I totally agree with her. Yes the punctuation is funky but I think she's absolutely correct in her thinking.

+1000000

[Anonymous]

Writing an epistle, doesn't negate the fact that you based your posts on what YOU would pay... unless you actively collect field data, on what a professional nanny with a degree, who works for employers who require a degree is paid, again I will reaffirm that you are not qualified to dictate what she should earn.

I'm the person you are quoting. I thought it unwise to cut and paste the whole conversation because you are correct, I wrote an epistle.

Here's where you are wrong. I did collect field data, otherwise known as market rates, for my area. I am more than qualified, as the employer who has researched what the job is worth, to determine what I'm willing to pay. As I said, you can take it or leave it. No harm, no foul.

Your point about a professional nanny with a degree is moot. I already addressed that. If a NF places value on a degree, or experience, they can and should pay for it. The truth is, there is no requirement for a degree that guarantees a high quality nanny. There are many great nannies with no degree. A degree doesn't translate into higher wages unless a particular family thinks that is a skill worth paying for. As I said, if a nanny presents with a skill a family wants, she should be paid more.

I get where you are coming from. You think a nanny dictates the terms and rate. That makes sense. We'd all like to command our dream salary, reasonable or not.

You are wrong.

[Anonymous]

While an interviewer might ask for your salary history, your current employer is not going to verify your current salary without your permission, so it's not really comparable. Just let the nanny offer up whatever information she wants to with regards to her rate.