Anonymous
07/18/2013 13:30
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
$15 an hour average is still pretty good in this area. Its far from a starting salary and its hard to find any jobs that pay more than $15.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 13:28
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
There are legitimately different price-points for nanny care because there are different sorts of nannies and different kinds of families who employ them. $15 per hour is not a lot of money, but it is a good rate if you are entering or re-entering the workforce, or beginning a resume in child care, or if other career paths open to you are not paying more than this, anyway. And there are families who are simply looking for a responsible, kind person with common sense to keep the kids busy and happy. At $15, the nanny is probably going to move on after a year or few years (unless they were only ever looking for $40k anyway) … but the family was never asking them to spend the next 50 years working for them.
Then there are families who want a nanny with many years of experience and special skills, and nannies who cultivate this resume. Again, there is a good fit here.
What is not a good fit is a “highly trained” nanny hoping to make 50-60k with a family who doesn’t want or need or can’t afford someone who views themselves in this light. The family and applicant ought to weed each other out early in the interviewing process.
I don’t understand the viewpoint that people shouldn’t even advertise for a nanny if they cannot pay a full professional salary; it’s hard to find good child care, and people are pressed. Why not, then, advertise for what you can afford and see if there’s a good match? If you are totally nuts, the market will tell you. If you get 20 applicants for your position that are all serious, then I guess there’s a mutually beneficial relationship to be found with one of them.
Then there are families who want a nanny with many years of experience and special skills, and nannies who cultivate this resume. Again, there is a good fit here.
What is not a good fit is a “highly trained” nanny hoping to make 50-60k with a family who doesn’t want or need or can’t afford someone who views themselves in this light. The family and applicant ought to weed each other out early in the interviewing process.
I don’t understand the viewpoint that people shouldn’t even advertise for a nanny if they cannot pay a full professional salary; it’s hard to find good child care, and people are pressed. Why not, then, advertise for what you can afford and see if there’s a good match? If you are totally nuts, the market will tell you. If you get 20 applicants for your position that are all serious, then I guess there’s a mutually beneficial relationship to be found with one of them.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 12:38
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Market rates are not a myth, PP, and you should probably take a course or two in economics if the concept is so strange to you.
In which course did you learn that the nanny market rate is determined by whatever your girlfriends tell you?
Anonymous
07/18/2013 12:38
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:
I get what you are trying to say, and I agree somewhat, but this is where your profession suffers from the lack of clear standards. A person who is perfectly bilingual (as in, can speak multiple languages on a requisite level of sophistication, and is able to teach that language) or plays a musical instrument and is able to teach it, in my mind is more of a governess or a tutor than a nanny. When I want my child to learn languages or music, I don't think "nanny", I think "teacher", "tutor" or "governess." I am with you on the special needs kids, but this puts you almost in a quasi-medical nurse category. Amazing cook? meh, kids just need healthy meals, foie gras is not needed.
It's not that I can't fathom paying someone $25/hr, it's that when I think of the service this person provides, I don't think "nanny."
I completely agree with you. Not everyone recognizes the difference in the terms so I use the term nanny as all encompassing. For some people that's no more than a babysitter, for others its a multilingual piano teaching homeschooling governess. Its a bit insulting to the latter type of caregiver for someone to say anyone can do their job and nothing they do will make them worth $25/hour.
But you see, I think the all-encompassing use of the word IS a problem. Honestly, someone looking for a multilingual piano-playing caregiver is not looking for a nanny in their mind; nor do they likely want to have this sort of care on a 40-hr/week basis. When people think of nannies, they usually have in mind a caregiver for small children tending mostly to their physical needs. This is not to dump on caregivers of small children at all, it's an important and vital job. It's just that it requires a different skill set vs. an educator type.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 12:34
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
It's not only on DCUM. I found that to be an accurate reflection of the market.
We interviewed for a nanny share in early 2011. The candidates we saw wanted between $13 and $17 for one child, and $16 to $20 for a share. We settled on a very experienced lady who charged $19 for a share and $15/hr for one child.
We interviewed for a nanny share in early 2011. The candidates we saw wanted between $13 and $17 for one child, and $16 to $20 for a share. We settled on a very experienced lady who charged $19 for a share and $15/hr for one child.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 12:08
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Market rates are not a myth, PP, and you should probably take a course or two in economics if the concept is so strange to you.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 11:31
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
It's only here on DCUM that I've ever encountered the $15/hr "market rate" myth. I think it's one or two posters with their head in the sand. They are never able to cite any verifiable data to support their claim.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 11:17
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Not the Pp you are quoting, but I've never met a nanny worth $25/hr.
What makes you worth this much? You provide child care. Anyone can do your job. This is why there are so many of you out there, dictating the $15/hr market rates you abhor.
What makes a nanny worth $25/hr? Parents who agree with her and can afford her rates. That's all. No one here is telling you want you can and can't do. Neither will certain parents turn down the nanny they want just because you feel she isn't worth it.
Point made. No nanny is worth $25/hr.
How about a nanny with an advanced degree, significant experience, professional, great references, and unique skills and talents (teaching experience, special needs, bilingual, plays an instrument, amazing cook, etc.) These nannies are out there, and yes they do charge high hourly rates. This is the résumé I am building and when I get there I assure you $15/hour won't cut it.
Good luck.
Nothing you list makes you worth $25/hr. especially in this economy with many, many nannies with those credentials asking for market rates.
Those are not traits of your average nanny. Some nannies have degrees, but few have advanced degrees. Many are bilingual in that they speak a foreign language fluently, and broken English. A nanny with a full command of multiple languages is few and far between. Great references, extensive experience, and other unique skills combine to make a nanny with all of these traits extremely unique and qualified. There IS a market for this nanny but she's not hanging out on Craigslist, sittercity, or the like and since you can't fathom paying a rate she can command, it is unlikely you will ever step foot in her market and that's fine. Not everyone wants a $25/hour nanny. It doesn't mean no one does, nor does it mean no one is worth it. The market of nannies in this pay range is significantly smaller, as is the supply of families willing to pay them, but they are all on the same page recognizing that a top quality nanny earns far more than the $15/hour average we see thrown about here.
I get what you are trying to say, and I agree somewhat, but this is where your profession suffers from the lack of clear standards. A person who is perfectly bilingual (as in, can speak multiple languages on a requisite level of sophistication, and is able to teach that language) or plays a musical instrument and is able to teach it, in my mind is more of a governess or a tutor than a nanny. When I want my child to learn languages or music, I don't think "nanny", I think "teacher", "tutor" or "governess." I am with you on the special needs kids, but this puts you almost in a quasi-medical nurse category. Amazing cook? meh, kids just need healthy meals, foie gras is not needed.
It's not that I can't fathom paying someone $25/hr, it's that when I think of the service this person provides, I don't think "nanny."
I completely agree with you. Not everyone recognizes the difference in the terms so I use the term nanny as all encompassing. For some people that's no more than a babysitter, for others its a multilingual piano teaching homeschooling governess. Its a bit insulting to the latter type of caregiver for someone to say anyone can do their job and nothing they do will make them worth $25/hour.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 11:16
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Not the Pp you are quoting, but I've never met a nanny worth $25/hr.
What makes you worth this much? You provide child care. Anyone can do your job. This is why there are so many of you out there, dictating the $15/hr market rates you abhor.
What makes a nanny worth $25/hr? Parents who agree with her and can afford her rates. That's all. No one here is telling you want you can and can't do. Neither will certain parents turn down the nanny they want just because you feel she isn't worth it.
Point made. No nanny is worth $25/hr.
How about a nanny with an advanced degree, significant experience, professional, great references, and unique skills and talents (teaching experience, special needs, bilingual, plays an instrument, amazing cook, etc.) These nannies are out there, and yes they do charge high hourly rates. This is the résumé I am building and when I get there I assure you $15/hour won't cut it.
Good luck.
Nothing you list makes you worth $25/hr. especially in this economy with many, many nannies with those credentials asking for market rates.
Those are not traits of your average nanny. Some nannies have degrees, but few have advanced degrees. Many are bilingual in that they speak a foreign language fluently, and broken English. A nanny with a full command of multiple languages is few and far between. Great references, extensive experience, and other unique skills combine to make a nanny with all of these traits extremely unique and qualified. There IS a market for this nanny but she's not hanging out on Craigslist, sittercity, or the like and since you can't fathom paying a rate she can command, it is unlikely you will ever step foot in her market and that's fine. Not everyone wants a $25/hour nanny. It doesn't mean no one does, nor does it mean no one is worth it. The market of nannies in this pay range is significantly smaller, as is the supply of families willing to pay them, but they are all on the same page recognizing that a top quality nanny earns far more than the $15/hour average we see thrown about here.
I get what you are trying to say, and I agree somewhat, but this is where your profession suffers from the lack of clear standards. A person who is perfectly bilingual (as in, can speak multiple languages on a requisite level of sophistication, and is able to teach that language) or plays a musical instrument and is able to teach it, in my mind is more of a governess or a tutor than a nanny. When I want my child to learn languages or music, I don't think "nanny", I think "teacher", "tutor" or "governess." I am with you on the special needs kids, but this puts you almost in a quasi-medical nurse category. Amazing cook? meh, kids just need healthy meals, foie gras is not needed.
It's not that I can't fathom paying someone $25/hr, it's that when I think of the service this person provides, I don't think "nanny."
When most people here say "nanny", they mean sitter. Seems to be some widespread ignorance. Why? Less parental guilt if they think they've hired a "nanny", rather than just a sitter? Everyone knows that only the super wealthy can afford a real nanny.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 10:57
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Not the Pp you are quoting, but I've never met a nanny worth $25/hr.
What makes you worth this much? You provide child care. Anyone can do your job. This is why there are so many of you out there, dictating the $15/hr market rates you abhor.
What makes a nanny worth $25/hr? Parents who agree with her and can afford her rates. That's all. No one here is telling you want you can and can't do. Neither will certain parents turn down the nanny they want just because you feel she isn't worth it.
Point made. No nanny is worth $25/hr.
How about a nanny with an advanced degree, significant experience, professional, great references, and unique skills and talents (teaching experience, special needs, bilingual, plays an instrument, amazing cook, etc.) These nannies are out there, and yes they do charge high hourly rates. This is the résumé I am building and when I get there I assure you $15/hour won't cut it.
Good luck.
Nothing you list makes you worth $25/hr. especially in this economy with many, many nannies with those credentials asking for market rates.
Those are not traits of your average nanny. Some nannies have degrees, but few have advanced degrees. Many are bilingual in that they speak a foreign language fluently, and broken English. A nanny with a full command of multiple languages is few and far between. Great references, extensive experience, and other unique skills combine to make a nanny with all of these traits extremely unique and qualified. There IS a market for this nanny but she's not hanging out on Craigslist, sittercity, or the like and since you can't fathom paying a rate she can command, it is unlikely you will ever step foot in her market and that's fine. Not everyone wants a $25/hour nanny. It doesn't mean no one does, nor does it mean no one is worth it. The market of nannies in this pay range is significantly smaller, as is the supply of families willing to pay them, but they are all on the same page recognizing that a top quality nanny earns far more than the $15/hour average we see thrown about here.
I get what you are trying to say, and I agree somewhat, but this is where your profession suffers from the lack of clear standards. A person who is perfectly bilingual (as in, can speak multiple languages on a requisite level of sophistication, and is able to teach that language) or plays a musical instrument and is able to teach it, in my mind is more of a governess or a tutor than a nanny. When I want my child to learn languages or music, I don't think "nanny", I think "teacher", "tutor" or "governess." I am with you on the special needs kids, but this puts you almost in a quasi-medical nurse category. Amazing cook? meh, kids just need healthy meals, foie gras is not needed.
It's not that I can't fathom paying someone $25/hr, it's that when I think of the service this person provides, I don't think "nanny."
Anonymous
07/18/2013 09:12
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Paying $25 per hour unfortunately doesn't guarantee a top notch nanny, just a more expensive one.
I'm so tired of this argument. Yes we get it. You could say the same of EVERY profession! But increased experience education and skills earns you a higher salary. Its insulting and self serving to pretend that this doesn't hold true for a nanny. If any of the MBs with advanced degrees, special skills, extensive experience, and a professional record you've worked hard to make flawless we're told that none of that matters, you're only going to get an entry level salary for the rest of your career you'd flip your shit or laugh in their face as you walked out the interview. It would be disrespectful of your hard work and nannies feel the exact same way.
Amen.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 09:10
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Paying $25 per hour unfortunately doesn't guarantee a top notch nanny, just a more expensive one.
I'm so tired of this argument. Yes we get it. You could say the same of EVERY profession! But increased experience education and skills earns you a higher salary. Its insulting and self serving to pretend that this doesn't hold true for a nanny. If any of the MBs with advanced degrees, special skills, extensive experience, and a professional record you've worked hard to make flawless we're told that none of that matters, you're only going to get an entry level salary for the rest of your career you'd flip your shit or laugh in their face as you walked out the interview. It would be disrespectful of your hard work and nannies feel the exact same way.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 08:58
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Paying $25 per hour unfortunately doesn't guarantee a top notch nanny, just a more expensive one.
Nothing in life is guaranteed, Einstein, but death and taxes.
Due dilegence is always required.
You knew that, didn't you?
Anonymous
07/18/2013 08:54
Subject: The $15 per hour nanny
Paying $25 per hour unfortunately doesn't guarantee a top notch nanny, just a more expensive one.
Anonymous
07/18/2013 06:29
Subject: Re:The $15 per hour nanny
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Not the Pp you are quoting, but I've never met a nanny worth $25/hr.
What makes you worth this much? You provide child care. Anyone can do your job. This is why there are so many of you out there, dictating the $15/hr market rates you abhor.
What makes a nanny worth $25/hr? Parents who agree with her and can afford her rates. That's all. No one here is telling you want you can and can't do. Neither will certain parents turn down the nanny they want just because you feel she isn't worth it.
Point made. No nanny is worth $25/hr.
How about a nanny with an advanced degree, significant experience, professional, great references, and unique skills and talents (teaching experience, special needs, bilingual, plays an instrument, amazing cook, etc.) These nannies are out there, and yes they do charge high hourly rates. This is the résumé I am building and when I get there I assure you $15/hour won't cut it.
Good luck.
Nothing you list makes you worth $25/hr. especially in this economy with many, many nannies with those credentials asking for market rates.
Those are not traits of your average nanny. Some nannies have degrees, but few have advanced degrees. Many are bilingual in that they speak a foreign language fluently, and broken English. A nanny with a full command of multiple languages is few and far between. Great references, extensive experience, and other unique skills combine to make a nanny with all of these traits extremely unique and qualified. There IS a market for this nanny but she's not hanging out on Craigslist, sittercity, or the like and since you can't fathom paying a rate she can command, it is unlikely you will ever step foot in her market and that's fine. Not everyone wants a $25/hour nanny. It doesn't mean no one does, nor does it mean no one is worth it. The market of nannies in this pay range is significantly smaller, as is the supply of families willing to pay them, but they are all on the same page recognizing that a top quality nanny earns far more than the $15/hour average we see thrown about here.