When I worked as a new nanny in a very rural area, I started at $13/hr. I also lived at home, though...

You could also try to put together a budget based on $10/hour, minimum wage, and a 3rd higher rate. Seeing just how much money your potential nanny would be earning might help you decide what a liveable wage is. (Don't forget to include OT after 40 hours, and take some off the gross for taxes.)

Also, look at YOUR budget. How much do you want to pay for childcare? How much can you afford to pay? Often, if you meet in the middle of those 2 numbers, you find a good compromise.

Our median and per capita incomes are below $10 an hour. So $10 is enough? Our state minimum wage is in the high $7 range.

Part of my problem is that my other applicants have wanted anything from $4 to $24, so that hasn't been very helpful.

Look at how much other people are charging.

If she'll take minimum wage, pay her that for the three-month probation period, and then up the pay as a raise.

Look up your town's cost of living. I think $10/hr should be absolute minimum even if you live in the cheapest place on earth.

I do not live in DC.

I have a great candidate - great for our area - with no experience as a nanny. She is halfway through a degree in elementary education, has extensive babysitter, daycare, and church nursery experience. Most importantly, she's great with the baby. Before you sneer - again, we are not in DC and nannies are not popular or frequently used here. There simply aren't highly qualified candidates.

She is asking for minimum wage. Of course I'm not comfortable with this and would like to offer more, but how do I know how much to offer?