Families hiring a nanny often wonder what type of nanny salary should be offered. This is an important question with many factors to consider. For example, a nanny’s salary range in the United States typically runs between $300 and $800 per week, or $7.25 to $18 per hour (net of taxes) – a very broad spectrum. So how can you determine an appropriate nanny pay that is fair to both your family and your new nanny? Begin by asking the following questions:
• What is the nanny’s experience level?
• What type of education and schooling has the nanny had? Is her education in a field relevant to her job as a nanny?
• What area do you live in and what is the cost of living for your area?
• Is the nanny certified in CPR? Does she have first aid training?
• Will the nanny do additional duties for your family, such as light housekeeping?
• Is the nanny job live-in or live-out
• Is the nanny position part or full-time?
The answers that you and your nanny candidate provide will help shape the nanny salary that you will offer.
The next step in determining a nanny’s salary is to consider what the salary will include. Will your family pay the nanny’s taxes? Will your family offer the nanny health care? What about time off – will the nanny receive paid vacations or sick time? Will the nanny receive overtime? The answers to these questions should be worked into the base salary pay.
Finally, consider that some experienced nannies will already have a set nanny salary in mind. This may be right in line with what your family is prepared to spend. But if it is a bit out of reach and you really like the nanny, it’s time to get creative. For example, if you are hiring a live-in nanny, maybe you can offer to contribute to her college tuition and give her a small salary plus free room and board. Maybe there is some sort of barter agreement you can offer with the nanny whereby you provide your own professional services in trade for her childcare services. You may also want to consider giving the nanny use of a car on her days off or paying for her cell phone bills.
The International Nanny Association recently updated its nanny salary survey, and it is worth a read for additional information and guidance on establishing a salary. It includes information about everything from a nanny’s average education to the numbers and types of children that the nanny is caring for. Check out the full survey (in PDF form). This survey can help you find out what an appropriate salary range is and what types of perks nannies expect from their nanny employers.
Above all, be open and honest with your ideal nanny candidate. Treat your potential nanny with respect early on in the hiring process to lay the foundation for respect between her and your family for years to come.
By: Steve Lampert
About the Author:
About the Author: Steve Lampert is the president of eNannySource, an online nanny agency that brings together families and nannies. Lampert has been helping nannies and families find each other since 1994. Prior to founding eNannySource he ran a successful, award-winning nanny agency in a major city for over 10 years, during which time he worked with thousands of families and nanny candidates. Through this experience, he became familiar with the important steps in a nanny search, which he continues to apply to his business today. To learn more, please visit http://www.enannysource.com.
