Since each nanny position in a home can be unique in many ways, there are several different items to consider when determining the salary amount that should be offered for your nanny position. The following list will help you in coming up with a general salary range that you might offer to your nanny candidates.
- Work week – The number of hours worked during a work week will vary from one household to another. The average weekly hours expected of a nanny is about 45 hours a week, but you will need to determine whether that is realistic for your situation or not.
- Work shift – Will your nanny be working basic business hours, Monday through Friday during the day? Or will she be working nights or changing shifts? Unusual or unpredictable schedules may warrant a higher pay rate.
- Experience – Just as in any other profession, pay rates should be offered commiserate with the amount of experience being provided by the candidate. A first time nanny will not expect to be paid the same rates offered to a veteran.
- Qualifications – If you have requested nanny candidates with strong educational backgrounds in childhood development or education you should expect to pay a higher rate of pay than for candidates without these credentials.
- Local wage rates – A little research regarding nanny salary rates being paid in your city or region of the country can be very helpful in determining a proper rate. When possible, be sure to ask about how the other items on this list fit in with a salary figure that is quoted to you by another nanny employer in your area.
- Other benefits – The value of your benefits packaged that is included with the nanny’s salary is another item to consider. You may want to adjust the salary up or down based on the amount of value attached to the benefits. If you are not offering health insurance as a benefit, for example, you may want to adjust the salary up to offset that lack in benefits.
- Additional duties – If household duties unrelated to childcare will be expected, additional compensation should be added to what you would be paying for nanny services alone.
- Full or part time – Again, as with any other profession, the pay rate for a part time position will likely vary from the rate you would be paying for a full time nanny position.
- Accommodations – The value of the living quarters being provided is a large consideration when determining the salary of a live-in nanny. Housing costs in your local area factor into this, as do the amount of privacy, amenities and comfort that you are offering in the nanny suite.
- Specialties – If your nanny position requires special skills, such as a nurse/nanny, special needs child or any unique characteristics, a salary premium should be offered to secure those individuals that are uniquely qualified and willing to serve in the capacity that you require.
As you can see, there is no exacting formula for calculating the proper rate for your particular nanny position. A little research and a willingness to negotiate with your nanny candidates should bring you to a salary offering that is acceptable to your budget and to a properly qualified nanny.
