What to Expect from a Nanny in Cleveland: Typical Duties & Pay Rates by Experience Level
If you're searching for professional nannies in Cleveland, understanding what responsibilities are typically included in a nanny's role—and how much to pay based on experience—can save you time, money, and confusion.
At Hunny Nanny Agency, a trusted Cleveland nanny agency, we help families navigate hiring with confidence. Whether you’re hiring a full-time nanny for the first time or are refining expectations with your current caregiver, this guide covers:
Typical job duties and boundaries for Cleveland nannies
What not to expect (unless discussed in advance)
A breakdown of average nanny pay based on experience level
Why aligning expectations upfront leads to longer, more successful placements
What Are the Standard Job Duties of a Nanny in Cleveland?
While every family’s needs are different, most nanny positions in Cleveland share a core set of expectations. These generally fall under child-focused care and include:
1. Basic Childcare
Feeding (bottles, meals, snacks)
Diapering/toileting assistance
Naptime and sleep routines
Dressing and hygiene support
2. Engagement & Development
Age-appropriate play
Reading, singing, and storytelling
Arts and crafts
Outdoor play (parks, walks, backyard time)
Supporting developmental milestones (motor skills, speech, potty training)
3. Routine Management
Creating and following daily schedules
School or daycare pick-up/drop-off
Transport to extracurriculars, playdates, or appointments
4. Light Child-Related Housekeeping
Washing bottles and dishes used by the children
Laundry for the children
Tidying up toys and play areas
Preparing simple meals or snacks for the children
These expectations are standard across full-time nanny jobs in Cleveland and are often included in nanny contracts arranged through professional nanny placement services.
Additional Duties (By Agreement Only)
Some families may need extra help beyond the typical childcare tasks. It’s important to discuss and clearly define these non-standard responsibilities if they are part of the job:
Family laundry
Grocery shopping or errands
Cooking meals for the whole family
Housekeeping or deep cleaning
Managing household staff or schedules
While some nannies are open to these duties, they may come at a higher pay rate—or could lead to dissatisfaction if not properly discussed. At Hunny Nanny Agency, we help families clarify job scopes during the hiring process to avoid misunderstandings later.
What Nannies Typically Don’t Do (Without Prior Agreement)
It’s important for families to understand what falls outside of a standard nanny role:
Heavy cleaning (mopping, scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning baseboards)
Yardwork or pet care (unless specified)
Overnight or weekend shifts (unless included in the agreement)
Administrative work, personal assistant tasks, or running a household
Nannies are caregivers and educators, not housekeepers or general helpers. Maintaining clear boundaries helps support longevity and mutual respect.
What Makes a Professional Nanny?
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we work with professional nannies—caregivers who see their role as a career, not a temporary gig. They typically have:
Several years of full-time nanny experience
References from previous families
CPR/First Aid certification
Early childhood education coursework or degrees
A clear understanding of developmental milestones
Professional nannies expect fair compensation, written agreements, and clear communication from the families they serve.
Standard Nanny Rates in Cleveland (2025)
Pay can vary depending on experience, number of children, job responsibilities, and whether the nanny is live-in or live-out. Here's what families can expect in the Cleveland area:
Entry-Level Nanny (0-2 years of experience)
Hourly Rate: $20-$22/hour
Typical Background: Some babysitting or part-time experience, may not have formal training
Best Fit For: Families with flexible expectations or part-time needs
Mid-Level Nanny (2-5 years of experience)
Hourly Rate: $22–$26/hour
Typical Background: Consistent full-time experience, CPR certified, possibly some child development knowledge
Best Fit For: Families needing structured care and help managing schedules
Experienced Professional Nanny (5+ years of experience)
Hourly Rate: $26–$30/hour (and up depending on complexity)
Typical Background: Extensive full-time nanny experience, excellent references, additional certifications, some formal education
Best Fit For: Families seeking long-term, developmentally focused care with minimal supervision
Specialty Nanny or NCS (Newborn Care Specialist)
Hourly Rate: $30–$40/hour
Typical Background: Infant care certifications, overnight care experience, highly specialized skills
Best Fit For: Families with newborns, multiples, or unique sleep/feeding schedules
Note: All nannies in Cleveland who work over 40 hours/week must be paid overtime at 1.5x their hourly rate (per the Fair Labor Standards Act).
What Factors Influence Pay in the Cleveland Nanny Market?
Number of children: More kids typically = higher pay
Ages of children: Infants and toddlers require more hands-on care
Household support: Additional duties like laundry or family meal prep increase compensation
Schedule complexity: Split shifts, weekend hours, or travel may require higher pay
Certifications and education: Nannies with advanced skills command higher rates
Common Benefits for Full-Time Nannies in Cleveland
To remain competitive and attract professional nannies, many Cleveland families offer benefits such as:
Guaranteed hours
Paid time off (PTO): 5–10 days annually
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Overtime pay
Mileage reimbursement: $0.70/mile (IRS standard for 2025)
Health insurance stipend ($100–$300/month)
Year-end bonus (1–2 weeks’ pay)
These benefits signal respect and stability, helping families retain top talent.
How to Set Expectations with Your Nanny
The most successful nanny-family relationships are built on clear communication from the start. Here’s how to avoid confusion:
Create a written job description: Outline duties, hours, and pay
Discuss boundaries early: Be honest about what you expect and what’s negotiable
Use a formal agreement: Include pay, PTO, sick days, holidays, notice period, and severance
Review regularly: Revisit the agreement every 6–12 months or when circumstances change
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we provide every client with customizable templates and walk you through best practices during the hiring process.
Sample Job Description for a Cleveland Nanny
Position: Full-Time Nanny Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Children: Two (ages 2 and 4)Duties: Childcare, engagement activities, light child laundry, meal prep for children, transport to preschool and activities Rate: $23/hour + overtime Benefits: 10 PTO days, 6 paid holidays, guaranteed hours, $200/month health stipend, mileage reimbursement
What Cleveland Parents Should Avoid
Assuming duties: Never assume your nanny will clean your house or run errands unless it was discussed and agreed upon.
Underpaying for experience: A lower rate may result in frequent turnover or lower-quality care.
Skipping benefits: Families who don’t offer benefits have a harder time attracting and keeping professional nannies.
Verbal agreements only: Without a written agreement, misunderstandings are common.
Why It Pays to Work with a Cleveland Nanny Agency
At Hunny Nanny Agency, we specialize in nanny placement in Cleveland and offer services that help:
Match families with candidates based on more than availability
Define clear, personalized job descriptions
Educate both parties on market rates and benefits
Handle interview coordination, reference checks, and contract support
When expectations are aligned from the start, both families and nannies enjoy stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a nanny isn’t just about finding someone to keep your children safe—it’s about building a partnership based on respect, trust, and shared goals. By understanding what duties are typical, what’s fair to expect, and what Cleveland nannies are paid based on experience, you’ll be in a much better position to hire confidently.
If you're ready to find a nanny in Cleveland, Hunny Nanny Agency is here to help. Whether you’re just getting started or need help refining your job offer, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
