Salary for a nanny

There are many factors to take into consideration when you a hiring a nanny. Sourcing care for your child is big decision. Deciding on employing a nanny as the best choice that fits for your family is the first step in securing the right candidate.

Financially is often a main factor for both sourcing a nanny (as well as a nanny being a better meeting your individual family needs). Additionally, the financial capacity to employ a nanny is large element to the recruitment process. Then the questions of just what should the nanny wage be comes into question. The wage a nanny receives is a reflection of the position, their experience and qualifications as well as family affordability and the specifics of the role.

Therefore, giving a definitive answer on the pay for a nanny is almost impossible. The role of the nanny changes with the job description of each position and the requirements makes it almost impossible to define it as a particular rate.

However,  having said that it is important to be aware that a nanny, as with any other employee, is entitled to a minimum wage.

As their employer you have the obligation to pay the minimum wage which applies in spite of any benefits (use of car, phone, etc) that may be offered as part of the employment unless agreed as part of a salary sacrifice. Sometimes, some families find it easier and simpler to employ a nanny through an agency as some agencies take care of all the employer requirements.

The national minimum wage (1st July 2019) is $19.49 per hour.

This is $740.80 for a 38 hour week (before tax).

The national minimum wage applies to employees who aren’t covered by an award or agreement. This minimum wage is based on a 38 hour working week.

For casual employees the minimum wage is 23% higher per hour.

It is important to also be clear on your employee’s entitlements. A full time employee is entitled to a minimum of 20 days annual leave or pro-rata for the hours/days worked. And part time employees receive the same entitlement on a pro-rata basis.

Sick leave is 8 days in the first year for a full time employee or on a pro-rata basis.

The minimum wage is currently £8.21 for 21 years+; £7.70 for 18-20 year old.

A nanny is entitled to holiday pay if they are a full-time employee in the UK. They are entitled by law to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year (if part-time employees they are entitled to a pro rata equivalent of 5.6 weeks paid holiday per annum).

Sick pay is negotiable. They are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you are sick for more than three consecutive days.

• Qualifications.
• Experience.
• Location including city, regional or rural locations. However, it also can differ between areas in a city.
• Number of children.
• The role, responsibilities and other tasks.
• Ages of children.
• Hours as generally a part-time nanny is the hourly rate multiplied by the rate per hour. This is not always the case so it is important to clarify before commencing a part time position.
• Live in or live out.
• If you use an agency the rate may be higher. ($20-45/hour).
• Nanny share. This can attract a higher rate.

•  The wage for a nanny is generally based on the hours of 40-60 per week.
•  For a Governess it increases to 50-70 hours per week.
•  The rate for per hour for a temporary nanny is normally based on a 4 hour minimum.
•  A Maternity Nurse works 100-160 hours per week. They are on call and this is reflected in their rate.
•  A Mother’s Help position is usually live-in position.

The ability to negotiate a rate is an option but not always a possibility.

A nanny may ask for a higher rate. Generally this will occur if they consider their qualifications and experience and therefore they may command a higher rate.

In Australia:

Most qualified and experienced nannies would be asking for anywhere between $25-40/hour.

Of course this rate changes if the nanny is self employed in order to factor in the tax, super, etc.

In the UK:

The per hour rate for a nanny generally is at £10-15.

Most qualified and experienced nannies would be asking for anywhere between £200 – £280/ 24 hour day.

A live out nanny working approx 50-60 hours per week rate is £400-500. This may increase to £600+ depending on the different variables of the role and/or candidate.

A live in nanny average is £375 – £380 but can be as high as £650+ net per week.

The wages are normally quoted as weekly “net” salary meaning the employer will be required to pay for the nanny’s NI contributions and taxes on top of the weekly salary.