Nanny rates in Washington, DC (2026)
A mid-career nanny in Washington caring for one child should be paid about $24.50/hr, roughly $980 a week at 40 hours. Two children run $26.50/hr, and in a nanny share each family pays about $17/hr.
Typical nanny pay in Washington
We model Washington as a high-cost metro (NYC, LA, Boston, DC, Denver) market, consistent with 2025 booking data.
| Arrangement | Hourly rate | Weekly / annual |
|---|---|---|
One child, mid-career 40 hrs/week | $24.50/hr | $980/wk |
Two children, mid-career 40 hrs/week | $26.50/hr | $1,060/wk |
Nanny share, per family Two families, two children | $17/hr | $38,896/yr each |
Entry level → 10+ yrs One child, 40 hrs/week | $20.50–$27.50/hr | $42,640–$57,200/yr |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Center-based childcare workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro earn a median of $18.08/hr, 7% above the national median. Nannies earn more because they care for your children one-on-one in your home.
What a Washington nanny really costs
- Full-time salary
- $50,960
- One child, mid-career, 40 hours a week, 52 weeks with PTO included.
- Family cost with taxes
- $4,671/mo
- Wages plus ~10% employer taxes (FICA, unemployment, workers’ comp), before any health stipend.
- Overtime in DC
- Federal law (the FLSA) requires 1.5x pay over 40 hours a week for live-out nannies, in every state.
The job
Where you work and what you bring.
The schedule
Hours drive overtime and take-home.
Benefits budget (optional)
For families budgeting the full package.
Recommended hourly rate
$24.50/hr
Based on 2026 booking data
Weekly gross
$980
40 regular hrs
Annual salary
$50,960
52 weeks, PTO included
Family cost
$56,056
Includes ~10% employer taxes
Monthly
$4,671
Total cost per month
Benchmark-based estimate. Never quote below your state’s minimum wage (CA, NY, and WA all exceed $16/hr).
Washington nanny rate questions.
- How much does a nanny cost in Washington?
Plan on about $24.50/hr for a mid-career nanny with one child, roughly $50,960 a year at 40 hours a week. Once employer taxes are added, the true family cost is closer to $56,056 a year.
- What is a fair nanny hourly rate in the District of Columbia in 2026?
Washington rates land in the $24.50/hr range for experienced one-child care. Entry-level nannies start lower and nannies with 10+ years, newborn care training, or CPR certification command $2–$4/hr more.
- Do I have to pay my nanny overtime in the District of Columbia?
Federal law (the FLSA) requires overtime at 1.5x the regular rate for every hour over 40 in a week for live-out nannies, in every state.
- How does a nanny share work in Washington?
Two families employ one nanny together and each pays about 70% of the solo rate, around $17/hr per family in Washington. Both families save 25–40% while the nanny earns roughly 140% of a solo position. Each family runs its own payroll and employer taxes.
Nanny rates in nearby metros
Set fair pay in Washington. Then share every day.
Nannies keep families informed with one live timeline link for meals, naps, and milestones. No texting required.