Hourly nanny rates for 15 states, plus the payroll costs and hidden fees that sit on top of the wage you agree.
The cost of hiring a nanny varies significantly across the United States, with major metropolitan areas and coastal states commanding the highest rates. Across the 15 states below, advertised nanny rates range from $18 to $42 per hour, with total annual costs between $38,000 and $88,000 before taxes and benefits.
| State | Hourly Rate | Annual Cost | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $28-42 | $59K-$88K | Very High |
| New York | $25-40 | $52K-$84K | Very High |
| California | $25-38 | $52K-$79K | Very High |
| Washington DC | $26-40 | $54K-$84K | Very High |
| Colorado | $22-35 | $46K-$73K | High |
| Washington | $22-34 | $46K-$71K | High |
| Oregon | $21-33 | $44K-$69K | High |
| Connecticut | $23-36 | $48K-$75K | High |
| New Jersey | $23-36 | $48K-$75K | High |
| Rhode Island | $22-35 | $46K-$73K | High |
| Texas | $20-32 | $42K-$67K | Moderate |
| Florida | $19-30 | $40K-$63K | Moderate |
| Georgia | $18-28 | $38K-$59K | Moderate |
| North Carolina | $18-28 | $38K-$59K | Moderate |
| Arizona | $19-30 | $40K-$63K | Moderate |
7.65%
Social Security and Medicare taxes that employers must pay
$500-$1,500/year
Required in most states for household employees
2-4 weeks
Vacation, sick days, and holidays for your nanny
10-20% of salary
If you use an agency to find and vet candidates
Save about 50%
Split costs with another family while maintaining quality care
Save 10-25%
Students often work for less during school breaks
Save 5-15%
Ask for discounts for longer-term commitments
Save Typically $600-$1,600/year
Use Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and FSA accounts
Use our free calculator to get exact costs for your location and needs.
Calculate NowFind out exactly how much a nanny costs in your area with our free calculator. Get personalized estimates based on your location, hours needed, and family requirements.
The figures on this page are estimates compiled from the published sources below. They are not original research: this site does not survey families, nannies, or childcare centers. State rates are representative of advertised nanny pay in each market and are not a survey result.
Last verified against these sources: August 2026. Prices and tax thresholds change annually, so check the current-year figure before relying on it. General information only, not tax or financial advice. See our editorial policy for how we source and correct figures.
Charles Smith
Charles writes and maintains nannyvsdaycare.com to help families cut through confusing childcare pricing and make clearer financial decisions. Read more about Charles and why he built this site.