we have the best nannies

Rates vary depending on your family’s needs and the nanny’s level of experience. In general, our families can expect to pay within the city averages listed below, but there are several factors that can influence where your nanny’s rate falls on the scale.

Base Rates:

• Each of our service cities has its own typical hourly average (see the chart on our Rates Page for current numbers). These averages provide a realistic starting point for budgeting.

What Increases Rates:

• Experience & Tenure – Nannies with 5–10+ years of professional experience, special certifications, or long-term references often command higher rates.

• Additional Children – Caring for multiple children typically adds $2–$3/hr per sibling.

• Specialized Skills – Infant care training, newborn experience, Montessori knowledge, or advanced education background can raise rates.

• Household Support – Duties beyond childcare (family meal prep, errands, household organization) often shift the role toward a Family Assistant or Household Manager pay scale.

• Location & Market Demand – In higher-cost or competitive areas (like Boston or Chicago), wages are naturally higher than in smaller markets.

What Keeps Rates at the Base Range:

• Hiring for one child with straightforward care needs.

• Minimal household duties outside of direct childcare.

• A nanny who is newer to the field but still carefully vetted by Hunny.

At Hunny, we guide each family through setting a competitive, fair rate—balancing budget considerations with attracting the highest-quality caregivers for your role.

Hourly rates depend on several factors:

• Location – Rates are higher in larger cities (like Boston or Chicago) compared to smaller Midwest markets (like Cincinnati or Cleveland).

• Experience & Education – Nannies with years of professional childcare, teaching backgrounds, or specialized training (like newborn care or Montessori) often earn more.

• Role & Responsibilities – A family assistant or household manager who blends childcare with errands, cooking, or scheduling will expect a higher rate than a nanny focused only on childcare.

• Schedule & Flexibility – Full-time, consistent hours tend to attract slightly lower rates per hour, while part-time, irregular, or overnight schedules often come at a premium.

• Number of Children – Caring for multiple children, or children with additional needs, often means higher pay.

✨ We’ll walk you through setting a fair, competitive rate based on your family’s needs and the market in your city.

When a nanny joins your family on a trip, the role shifts into travel nanny territory—which means clear communication and fair compensation are especially important.

Pay:

• Hourly pay continues – Your nanny should be paid their regular hourly rate (or guaranteed hours) while traveling. Even if the schedule is lighter, their time is still reserved for your family.

• Overtime applies – If daily or weekly hours exceed your state’s overtime thresholds, those rates apply on top of the base wage.

• Travel time is work time – Flights, car rides, or waiting with your children during travel days should be paid.

Expenses:

• Families cover all travel costs (airfare, hotel accommodations, meals while on duty, and incidentals directly related to childcare).

• Nannies should have their own room or private sleeping space to ensure proper rest.

Expectations:

• Outline in advance how much downtime your nanny will have each day, and whether there are hours they’ll be “off duty.”

• Discuss childcare responsibilities that may be different from home (pool supervision, adjusting to jet lag, shared meals, late nights).

• Provide a written outline or travel agreement so everyone knows the schedule, pay, and boundaries before departure.

Traveling with your nanny can be a huge help—and a memorable experience for your children—when handled with clear expectations and fair arrangements.

Guaranteed hours mean that even if your family doesn’t need your nanny on a given day (because of vacation, sick kids, or changes in your work schedule), the nanny is still paid for their contracted weekly hours. This ensures your nanny can count on stable income — and in return, you can count on their commitment to your family.

A work agreement is more than a contract — it’s a roadmap for your relationship. It outlines duties, schedule, pay, PTO, sick leave, holidays, confidentiality, and emergency procedures. Having everything in writing prevents misunderstandings and sets your nanny up for success. At Hunny, we provide every family with a detailed template to make this step easy.