How Much Does a Nanny Cost?
Author: Carla Snuggs
Finding reliable, quality child-care at an affordable price is a challenge for most parents. In many cases, childcare choices are significantly limited due to the rising cost of safe, dependable child care. Nanny care costs vary significantly from state to state and are dependent upon a variety of factors. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1000 per week for in-home child care.
Factors That Contribute to the Cost of In-Home Care
How much you will pay for a nanny depends upon many factors. Some questions to consider:
- How many children will the nanny care for? Sometimes, the more children you place in the nanny's care, the more you will pay. How many hours will you require the nanny to work? Will the nanny work year round or just in the summers? Part-time nannies are relatively less expensive.
- Will the nanny live-in or out of your home? Your costs may be reduced if the nanny lives in the home.
- Will you require the nanny to take on duties other than child-care? According to the Nanny Network, typical duties outside of caring for children include the children's laundry, preparing meals for the children, performing after meal clean-up, and keeping the children's bedrooms and play areas neat and clean. If you expect the nanny to do the laundry for the entire household or take over the carpooling responsibilities, etc., your costs may increase.
- What experience or educational background do you require of the caregiver? You get what you pay for. The more experience and education the nanny has, the more you will pay.
- Will you provide transportation? If the nanny uses his or her own car, you will be responsible for reimbursing the nanny for mileage.
- Will you offer health insurance benefits?
Other factors include geographic location and any other bonuses you choose to provide. The cost of living in your state dictates the rate you will pay your childcare provider. According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, the states with some of the highest childcare rates are New York, Minnesota, California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.
As well, if you offer sick days, holidays, vacation, or performance bonuses, you must factor this into the cost of childcare. Be sure to be explicit about pay rates and any other compensation you will offer in your child care contract.
The best way to find a quality nanny that matches both your specifications and budget is through an agency. The International Nanny Association is an excellent resource for finding reputable nanny agencies.
