There are many options for child care these days, and since parents have other baby-related costs in addition to child care, they’re often inclined to find the cheapest option. However, just as with baby gear, the cheapest option is not always the best one.

Parents must consider many things when determining the best type of child care for their baby, and oftentimes, they conclude that a nanny is their top choice.

But how much does a nanny cost? What is the average nanny cost per day or per hour?

There are no set answers to these questions because many factors determine how much a nanny is paid. However, armed with some information about the current going rates for nannies, you’ll be able to find excellent candidates for the all-important job of caring for your child.

Just as is the case with any child care option, it’s vital that you know upfront what a nanny will cost so you can plan accordingly. There are several factors that work to determine what your cost will be.

Some of these factors include:

Different areas of the country have different average nanny costs, just as they have various cost-of-living averages.

Some nannies are hired to remain at the child’s home for the duration of each shift, with no extra duties included.

Others are hired to take the child outside to play, bathe them when needed, take them to parks and playdates, and more. They may have scheduled and specific play times with stimulating baby toys or other specific tasks. These duties all should influence a nanny’s pay.

The cost of a nanny should directly relate to their background and level of experience in child care, just as with any other job, position, or career. A nanny who is just out of high school with no prior experience should not expect to earn as much as one with a college degree in child behavior who has been in the field for 25 years.

The number of children that the nanny will be charged with caring for also heavily impacts the cost of a nanny.

While it makes sense that child care for three children would cost more than care for one, normally, the cost of one child is not tripled for three children. Usually, a nanny offers a discount on the higher overall cost for the care of multiple children.

According to the 2021 Cost of Care Survey by Care.com, the national average cost of a nanny is $612 per week for one child and $654 per week for two children. This assumes a 40-hour full-time workweek.

According to the same 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the national average nanny cost per hour is $15.30 for one child and about a dollar an hour more for two children.

This number means it may make financial sense to opt for a nanny over day care, especially if you have two or more children.

The average nanny cost per day is $122.40 for one child and $130.80 for two children, assuming the nanny works five days per week and eight hours each of those days.

If a nanny is willing and able to help with household chores like laundry or even meals for the family, it’s standard to add another $1–$2 to their hourly rate.

The best nannies are actively engaged with the children they care for instead of relying solely on TV programs for entertainment. As such, it’s fairly standard to add $1 onto the hourly rate for nannies who go the extra mile to really care for your child as if they were their own.

A good nanny will spend time encouraging your child’s mental and physical growth and development. This time can include playing with musical toys, baby gyms, sensory toys, water toys, and physical activity toys.

One steep cost many parents have is all of the baby gear they need for their child as they grow. Renting is an excellent way to drastically cut costs while still exposing your child to the best baby gear available. To learn more about renting premium baby gear, visit the Loop website!