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nanny? The variables are so great that it is nearly impossible to give a general
answer to this question. Here are factors that should be considered before
coming up with a figure:
Location
Number of children
Additional benefits offered
Amount of experience and training
Length of employment
Duties required of nanny
When considering a fair wage for your nanny, please keep in mind that you usually
get what you pay for. When we are talking about your most valuable possession,
your children, it may not be the best idea to get the "discount" rate. Childcare
providers with more experience, more training and background, and a commitment
to the profession are naturally going to have higher salary demands. If you are
trying to shop around for the best "deal", you may be setting yourself up for less
than quality care. Wages need to be determined individually on a case by case
basis, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.
The International Nanny Association has an annual nanny survey that lists the
average wages in locations across the United States. You can view the results of
this survey by visiting their website:
INA SURVEY RESULTS
My nanny brings her own child(ren) with her.
This situation is a benefit to the nanny and hopefully to your children as well and
this needs to be taken into account when figuring a wage. Her wage should be
factored with the costs of what daycare would be deducted.
I work from home, I do not need a nanny to educate my child, I simply need
someone to "watch" over them.
Although you may feel that you do not need a childcare provider to live up to the
expectations of a professional nanny, please consider that the safety of your
children lies in her hands while you are working, their stimulation, education,
and general well-being is no simple task. If you simply need an extra pair of
hands around the house, you may want to consider hiring a mother's helper or
an occasional babysitter. A professional nanny would be living up to her job
description and therefore should be paid accordingly.
We take a family vacation to Mexico for a month every year. We did not want
to take our nanny with us. Am I expected to pay her during this time?
Of course. If you have hired a full-time nanny and decide to take vacation, this is
not her choice. Some families offer a nanny vacation time which must be used
when they are on vacation. Other families choose to bring their nannies along
with them on vacation, however, the nanny must be compensated for all her
working hours. It is not her vacation, it is yours. Another option for this situation
is to hire a nanny for a temporary position. This would allow you to not pay a
salary for when you are on vacation. On the flip side, you are not ensured that
she will be waiting for you with open arms when you return.
