Exactly this, OP. Family with a nanny here and friends with many other families with nannies, and this is pretty much what we all offer. $15-16 an hour with 40 hours guaranteed (We do M-F, but I would think doing Mon to Thurs would be a great perk), Federal holidays off, two weeks of paid time off in a calendar year. We've never heard of a 'birthday bonus' either, but of course, give her a gift on her birthday. We give one week's pay at the holidays. No health insurance contribution. We had tons of candidates when we posted this job - experienced, legal, educated nannies.

We had no problem finding a great nanny with exactly this package.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OP, you'll find good options at $15-$16 per hour if you guarantee 40 hours per week. A contribution toward health insurance is not common, especially with a new hire, but it can be a good alternative to rate increases because the insurance contribution is generally not taxable to you or the nanny.

Make sure you understand that guaranteed hours means you will be paying the nanny to work 40 hours for 52 weeks a year, whether you use her or not. Also, factor in up to 10 days of paid federal holidays if you won't need the nanny those days. Depending on how much your family travels and whether you give nanny additional vacation time to be scheduled as she chooses, this can mean a lot of paid time off for the nanny. That's a perk that can make the job appealing even at $15 per hour because it means that your effective rate of pay per hour worked will be significantly higher than your nominal rate.

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Holiday bonuses typically run one or two weeks pay, depending on length of service. If a nanny starts late in the year, some families pro-rate the typical bonus accordingly.

I don't do a birthday bonus, and I don't personally know of anyone who does. However, we do give the nanny a small gift or a spa certificate and sometimes an early departure day when our work schedules can accommodate it.

This is a very detailed and accurate response for the DC area. GL, OP. I'm sure you will find great candidates with the package above.

Exactly this, OP. Family with a nanny here and friends with many other families with nannies, and this is pretty much what we all offer. $15-16 an hour with 40 hours guaranteed (We do M-F, but I would think doing Mon to Thurs would be a great perk), Federal holidays off, two weeks of paid time off in a calendar year. We've never heard of a 'birthday bonus' either, but of course, give her a gift on her birthday. We give one week's pay at the holidays. No health insurance contribution. We had tons of candidates when we posted this job - experienced, legal, educated nannies.

Follow this advice like most of the other complaining mbs here, and you'll soon be back with your problems, just like they are. The high paying MBs are to busy earning $$$. When they're done with that, they want to be wife and mommy.

Anonymous wrote:

OP, you'll find good options at $15-$16 per hour if you guarantee 40 hours per week. A contribution toward health insurance is not common, especially with a new hire, but it can be a good alternative to rate increases because the insurance contribution is generally not taxable to you or the nanny.

Make sure you understand that guaranteed hours means you will be paying the nanny to work 40 hours for 52 weeks a year, whether you use her or not. Also, factor in up to 10 days of paid federal holidays if you won't need the nanny those days. Depending on how much your family travels and whether you give nanny additional vacation time to be scheduled as she chooses, this can mean a lot of paid time off for the nanny. That's a perk that can make the job appealing even at $15 per hour because it means that your effective rate of pay per hour worked will be significantly higher than your nominal rate.

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Holiday bonuses typically run one or two weeks pay, depending on length of service. If a nanny starts late in the year, some families pro-rate the typical bonus accordingly.

I don't do a birthday bonus, and I don't personally know of anyone who does. However, we do give the nanny a small gift or a spa certificate and sometimes an early departure day when our work schedules can accommodate it.

This is a very detailed and accurate response for the DC area. GL, OP. I'm sure you will find great candidates with the package above.

Exactly this, OP. Family with a nanny here and friends with many other families with nannies, and this is pretty much what we all offer. $15-16 an hour with 40 hours guaranteed (We do M-F, but I would think doing Mon to Thurs would be a great perk), Federal holidays off, two weeks of paid time off in a calendar year. We've never heard of a 'birthday bonus' either, but of course, give her a gift on her birthday. We give one week's pay at the holidays. No health insurance contribution. We had tons of candidates when we posted this job - experienced, legal, educated nannies.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really need to find the person you want, and ask her, as rates can go up to $25./hr., or so. It depends on what you hope to find.

Will you people stop with the inflated rates!!

OP, it's very hard to ask this question on these boards because some 'nannies' like to exaggerate the rates. $25/hr is NOT normal. The only nannies worth that rate are the true professionals with all their degrees lined up, CPR and First Aid, experience, transportation, willing to do some type of light housekeeping, household managers, etc. Don't be fooled by those on here who like to pretend that they make more then they do.

Stop contradicting yourself. You say that some nannies are worth 25, but also accuse them of inflating their rates. Which is it?

Only a tiny percent make $25+ -- Those who work for high profile families and have the education and experience. MOST nannies don't make over $20

Bottom line is that some nannies indeed earn over 25./hr, but not every wealthy family need be high profile.

Anonymous wrote:

nannydebsays wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. $16/17 sounds doable and we could guarantee 40 hours a week to be worked M-Th (Fridays off.)

Are there any other expenses I'm not factoring in? I think we'd want to give a birthday and holiday bonus (how much is typical?) Are there any other expenses? I would not have the nanny driving the kids around so I don't think fuel $ would be necessary.

Thanks for the info re health insurance not being very common.

Since you say you'll be paying legally, add about 10% to the weekly pay to cover your share of taxes/expenses, plus the cost of a nanny payroll company. So $16/hour gross for 40 hours = $640/week, add $64 for taxes.

If nanny does eventually drive kids around, the standard is to use IRS reimbursement, currently 56,5 cents per mile.

As far as B'day and Holiday bonuses (and yearly retention bonuses) the "standard" is that there is no standard. I get 1 week for B'day, 2 weeks for holiday/retention. Some get more, some get less. IMO, nannies should never expect bonuses, because some families can't afford them, some just don't give them, etc. It's a fabulous gesture, but if it's not in your budget...

Horrible advice.. I've never heard of someone adding any extra $64 to take cares of taxes. The whole reason the nanny is getting paid $16 per hour is because taxes are taken out and will actually lower her to around $14-$15 per hour. Also, never heard of a birthday bonus. Ever.

PP, you misunderstood the advice. No one is saying that the extra 10% goes to the nanny. This is money that the parents should budget to pay their share of payroll taxes. If you are an MB or DB, you should know that parents must match whatever SS and Medicare tax the nanny pays, and must also pay unemployment tax and a local administrative tax in DC.

nannydebsays wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. $16/17 sounds doable and we could guarantee 40 hours a week to be worked M-Th (Fridays off.)

Are there any other expenses I'm not factoring in? I think we'd want to give a birthday and holiday bonus (how much is typical?) Are there any other expenses? I would not have the nanny driving the kids around so I don't think fuel $ would be necessary.

Thanks for the info re health insurance not being very common.

Since you say you'll be paying legally, add about 10% to the weekly pay to cover your share of taxes/expenses, plus the cost of a nanny payroll company. So $16/hour gross for 40 hours = $640/week, add $64 for taxes.

If nanny does eventually drive kids around, the standard is to use IRS reimbursement, currently 56,5 cents per mile.

As far as B'day and Holiday bonuses (and yearly retention bonuses) the "standard" is that there is no standard. I get 1 week for B'day, 2 weeks for holiday/retention. Some get more, some get less. IMO, nannies should never expect bonuses, because some families can't afford them, some just don't give them, etc. It's a fabulous gesture, but if it's not in your budget...

Horrible advice.. I've never heard of someone adding any extra $64 to take cares of taxes. The whole reason the nanny is getting paid $16 per hour is because taxes are taken out and will actually lower her to around $14-$15 per hour. Also, never heard of a birthday bonus. Ever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really need to find the person you want, and ask her, as rates can go up to $25./hr., or so. It depends on what you hope to find.

Will you people stop with the inflated rates!!

OP, it's very hard to ask this question on these boards because some 'nannies' like to exaggerate the rates. $25/hr is NOT normal. The only nannies worth that rate are the true professionals with all their degrees lined up, CPR and First Aid, experience, transportation, willing to do some type of light housekeeping, household managers, etc. Don't be fooled by those on here who like to pretend that they make more then they do.

Stop contradicting yourself. You say that some nannies are worth 25, but also accuse them of inflating their rates. Which is it?

Only a tiny percent make $25+ -- Those who work for high profile families and have the education and experience. MOST nannies don't make over $20

OP, you'll find good options at $15-$16 per hour if you guarantee 40 hours per week. A contribution toward health insurance is not common, especially with a new hire, but it can be a good alternative to rate increases because the insurance contribution is generally not taxable to you or the nanny.

Make sure you understand that guaranteed hours means you will be paying the nanny to work 40 hours for 52 weeks a year, whether you use her or not. Also, factor in up to 10 days of paid federal holidays if you won't need the nanny those days. Depending on how much your family travels and whether you give nanny additional vacation time to be scheduled as she chooses, this can mean a lot of paid time off for the nanny. That's a perk that can make the job appealing even at $15 per hour because it means that your effective rate of pay per hour worked will be significantly higher than your nominal rate.

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Holiday bonuses typically run one or two weeks pay, depending on length of service. If a nanny starts late in the year, some families pro-rate the typical bonus accordingly.

I don't do a birthday bonus, and I don't personally know of anyone who does. However, we do give the nanny a small gift or a spa certificate and sometimes an early departure day when our work schedules can accommodate it.

This is a very detailed and accurate response for the DC area. GL, OP. I'm sure you will find great candidates with the package above.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Thanks, PP. All of your points were very helpful. I had not been aware that we'd need worker's comp insurance. Is this something that is required? I guess we'll get it anyway because it is certainly advisable even if not required, I guess.

NM, I just looked it up for myself and see that it is required by DC law. Good to know! Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Thanks, PP. All of your points were very helpful. I had not been aware that we'd need worker's comp insurance. Is this something that is required? I guess we'll get it anyway because it is certainly advisable even if not required, I guess.

I have never heard of a birthday bonus, either, but we do give our nanny a gift on her birthday.

OP, you'll find good options at $15-$16 per hour if you guarantee 40 hours per week. A contribution toward health insurance is not common, especially with a new hire, but it can be a good alternative to rate increases because the insurance contribution is generally not taxable to you or the nanny.

Make sure you understand that guaranteed hours means you will be paying the nanny to work 40 hours for 52 weeks a year, whether you use her or not. Also, factor in up to 10 days of paid federal holidays if you won't need the nanny those days. Depending on how much your family travels and whether you give nanny additional vacation time to be scheduled as she chooses, this can mean a lot of paid time off for the nanny. That's a perk that can make the job appealing even at $15 per hour because it means that your effective rate of pay per hour worked will be significantly higher than your nominal rate.

You'll also need to factor in worker's compensation insurance. Prices vary considerably based on whether you can get it as an add-on to your existing homeowner's policy. Many carriers don't offer it, and freestanding policies can run $750-$1200 per year. If you can't find a freestanding policy on your own, you can obtain private coverage through a referral program run by the DC dept of labor.

Holiday bonuses typically run one or two weeks pay, depending on length of service. If a nanny starts late in the year, some families pro-rate the typical bonus accordingly.

I don't do a birthday bonus, and I don't personally know of anyone who does. However, we do give the nanny a small gift or a spa certificate and sometimes an early departure day when our work schedules can accommodate it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's basically just one poster, posting the same crap on every thread regarding rates. Can we ignore her and stop acting like ALL of the nannies are doing it? Pretty much every other poster has agreed with the range of $15-18/hour.

What makes you think that? It's not all, and it's not one, IMO.

There may be posters that post higher rates than you agree with, but most of us are within a few dollars of each other. The poster(s) constantly saying $25-$30/hour is(are) crazy and we all know that. Ignore her(them).

+1

Anonymous wrote:You really need to find the person you want, and ask her, as rates can go up to $25./hr., or so. It depends on what you hope to find.

This is accurate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's basically just one poster, posting the same crap on every thread regarding rates. Can we ignore her and stop acting like ALL of the nannies are doing it? Pretty much every other poster has agreed with the range of $15-18/hour.

What makes you think that? It's not all, and it's not one, IMO.

There may be posters that post higher rates than you agree with, but most of us are within a few dollars of each other. The poster(s) constantly saying $25-$30/hour is(are) crazy and we all know that. Ignore her(them).

What makes you think you know what every parent wants? No one cares for a control freak, so give yourself a rest.