How much does it cost does it cost to hire a nanny in Boston?
In-home childcare provides more flexibility, a safer environment, and one-on-one care that is unparalleled to group childcare.
There are many factors to consider, including current market rates, job responsibilities, and the requirements for the position.
With our recent expansion into Boston, we thought it would be helpful to share market rates in Boston for 2022. These same factors apply to other major cities as well, such as New York City.
1. Market Rates in Boston and other Major Cities
The cost of childcare has increased 41% since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Fortune.com, with Massachusetts having the highest cost of childcare in the United States.
Along with inflation and increased costs of living, the aftermath of the pandemic also established higher wages for workers.
With childcare in high demand, nannies can be selective and hold out for a position that pays a competitive rate.
At the time of posting this article, October 2022, the average hourly range for a nanny in Boston is $25.00 – $35.00/hr. Many nannies will hold old for the jobs that pay $30.00 or more per hour.
2. Level of Expertise, Cost of Living, and Student Loans
Candidates with significant experience, training, certifications and a higher degree of education typically have higher hourly rates.
The cost of living also plays a major role in a candidate’s salary needs. A candidate with more expenses such as student loans and paying rent on their own may require the higher end of the market salary range.
3. Type of Position
Part-time nannies typically have a higher hourly rate than full-time nannies. They are considering the amount of time commuting vs. working and the weekly salary needed in order to commit to the job long-term.
Qualified live-in candidates, typically charge the same hourly rate as a regular full-time live-out nanny.
Hybrid positions such as Nanny / House Manager or Nanny / Family Assistant positions typically also pay higher than the market rates to compensate for more responsibilities.
4. Paying Your Nanny Legally
According to U.S labor laws, Domestic Household workers must be paid for each hour worked.
Overtime is calculated as time and a half of the regular hourly rate, after 40 hours per week for live-out nannies and after 44 hours a week for live-in nannies.
Employers should comply with the law to protect themselves from being sued or audited and nannies should comply to protect themselves from the consequences of accepting illegal pay and to have access to government assistance if needed.
A complete list of benefits of legal pay for families and nannies can be found here.
Healthcare assistance is the main reason we hear why some candidates prefer “off the books” pay, however, many employers and nannies are unaware that a simple, affordable, untaxed healthcare stipend can be issued monthly to the employee.
If you’d like to learn more about hiring a high-caliber nanny in Boston or other cities we serve, send us an email today!