Nanny Hourly Rate

[Anonymous]

Parents Who Have Hired Nannies -

Please help me! I am so confused by what the going rate for a part-time nanny is. I have looked through the forums and now I am only more confused. Is a rate of $17-20 per hour before taxes (gross) acceptable? Or are nannies looking for $17-20 (net) after taxes?

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Always gross. You don't know your potential employee's withholding situation, and their tax burden is their concern, not yours. Never discuss wages in net terms. As for what rate is acceptable, it really depends on the details of your job, and the kind of nanny you are looking for. Generally in this area, $15-$20 is an acceptable range for most jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always gross. You don't know your potential employee's withholding situation, and their tax burden is their concern, not yours. Never discuss wages in net terms. As for what rate is acceptable, it really depends on the details of your job, and the kind of nanny you are looking for. Generally in this area, $15-$20 is an acceptable range for most jobs.

MB here and this is good advice.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you! I have had nannies ask to clear $20 after taxes so it has totally confused me. And we don't have that kind of money! Thanks for clarification.

[Anonymous]

Good advice! Also, does anyone know what a good range is for a nanny share (two toddlers) - is between $20-$22 (gross hourly) fair? Or are these generally higher? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good advice! Also, does anyone know what a good range is for a nanny share (two toddlers) - is between $20-$22 (gross hourly) fair? Or are these generally higher? Thanks.

10:55 here. I'm a share nanny in NW DC and rates can range from $18-$22/hour, so what you're proposing is totally fair.

[Anonymous]

Some nannies will expect closer to $25/hr, especially for a share.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget to consider your share of the taxes in addition to the hourly rate, plus miscellaneous expenses of hiring a nanny.
Many forget to consider this when planning a nanny and quickly go over budget.

Also think longterm, do you want to keep this nanny for years, will you be having more children you want to leave room for raises.

As for a share rate anything from $18-$30 is possible, it depends on the details of the job ( hours, special needs, duties etc), and the type of nanny you are looking for.

But, generally speaking $20 is fine.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much - good information. We are planning, with taxes, for it truly to be around 5,000 a month (gross),which would be spilt to around $2,500 each with each family getting their own tax ID and handling their taxes separately (as per the law). 40 hours, 10 hours OT (50 hours a week). Does that sound correct? I used a tax calculator but I know those aren't always reliable and are estimates.

[Anonymous]

I would say gross.

You could probably find a good efficient nanny for that rate.

[Anonymous]

What's your backup plan for when nanny can't come in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's your backup plan for when nanny can't come in?

What does that have to do with OPs question?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you have a good sense of the market, a good sense of the details you'll need to track, and a competitive offer OP. You should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's your backup plan for when nanny can't come in?

What does that have to do with OPs question?

Seems to be the most neglected consideration. Duh.

[Anonymous]

Obviously there are hundreds of contingencies with share care…there are several places that offer emergency back-up care. And, of course, you can always work out with the other family to watch the kids on days when a nanny is sick, stay home, or find a new nanny if this becomes a longer term issue!