• Address: Santa Ana, CA 92707 (map)
• Date Posted: 10/23/09

Nanny Wages and Compensation

A nanny's wages/salary can vary considerably; some factors which can effect the wages a family will need to pay include:

* The number of hours care is needed each week. A full time nanny will typically average 45 hours per week. Longer scheduled days will require additional compensation. If the work week is expected to be greater than 55 hours per week, the family is advised to split the job between two employees.
* Geographic region of country. The highest salaries are paid in major metro markets such as Boston, New York, Washington, Atlanta, San Francisco and Seattle.
* Whether position is live-in or live-out (in some areas a live-in nanny's salary is less; in other parts of the country there is little or no difference)
* The nanny's experience
* The number of children and the job responsibilities.
* Benefits, such as health insurance.

Nannies are to be paid on an hourly basis according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Generally a nanny will agree to a fixed weekly wage for a specified number of hours, with overtime to be paid for hours outside the agreed work week.

To avoid misunderstandings, be clear that the wage offered is gross or net (take home amount) and state what deductions, if any, will be made from the offered salary. If offering a net wage, be very specific as to whether you are paying US social security/medicare taxes ONLY for the employee (s/he is responsible for US Federal and state income taxes) or whether the net includes your being responsible for all nanny income taxes also. You may wish to consult a US Employment tax advisor for guidance in these areas. Additionally, in the United States nannies are subject to Federal (and generally state) minimum wage rules.

The following are some general weekly wage guidelines assuming a 45-50 hour work week and one or two children. All figures are in US dollars and representative of Year 2007 wages:

* 18 - 20 years old, or less than 2 years verifiable child care experience - $325-$450 live-in; $8-12 hour live-out.
* 21 years or older, 2 or more years verifiable child care experience, no prior nanny experience (note that college education puts you to the higher end of the salary range) - $450-$600 live-in; $10-18 hour live-out.
* Two or more years of nanny experience, and/or a college degree in a child related field - $450-800 live-in; $10-20 hour live-out, higher in major metro markets.
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