Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a child care provider cost in New York, NY in 2026?
In New York, NY, the average child care provider earns about $24.25 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $970/week or $4,203/month. Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 1,714 live child care provider listings in New York on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $970
- Monthly
- $4,203
- Annual
- $50,440
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What drives the price
Most New York families pay somewhere in the $16–$35/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $24.25 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.25 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.25+ |
Hours & schedule
| Weekday 9–5 (standard) | — |
|---|---|
| Evening/weekend | +$2–4/hr |
| Last-minute | +$3–5/hr |
Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in child care provider rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $25.78/hr | |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.17/hr | |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.77/hr |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the child care provider.
How do New York child care provider rates compare to state and national averages?
New York is one of the more expensive child care provider markets in the country.
Hiring child care in New York, NY typically costs about 12% more than the New York average of $22/hour and 27% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $24/hr | — |
| New York | $22/hr | -11% |
| United States | $19/hr | -21% |
Where New York, NY fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough child care provider data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.59/hour in Syracuse to $24.25/hour in New York.
Below: how each compares to the New York, NY average of $24.25/hour — New York, NY is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by child care provider rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. New York, NY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $24.25 | — | |
| 2 | Brooklyn | $22.85 | -6% | |
| 3 | Flushing | $22.79 | -6% | |
| 4 | Queens | $21.07 | -13% | |
| 5 | Staten Island | $20.69 | -15% | |
| 6 | The Bronx | $20.54 | -15% | |
| 7 | Albany | $19.63 | -19% | |
| 8 | Buffalo | $19.39 | -20% | |
| 9 | Rochester | $19.15 | -21% | |
| 10 | Syracuse | $18.59 | -23% |
Tips to find a great child care provider without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best child care on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced child care with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
- Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
- Be specific about hours upfront. Most child care will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
- Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
- Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.
How to reduce nanny costs?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a child care provider in New York, NY
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with child care — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse child care provider profiles in New York, NY
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the child care whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 03
Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day
Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a child care provider fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your child care provider
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available child care in New York, NY
1,714 active listings in New York
Nanny Linda
Nanny Linda
A little bit about me
My name is Ms. Linda. I am a recent retired educator from NYC Schools. I would love to expose your child to different museums and cultural events in NYC. I am stellar at what I do! I am interested in tutoring a few days a week. I view myself as more of an educational Nanny!
Have experience working with
Nanny Ellie
Nanny Ellie
A little bit about me
Education is central to how I approach childcare. I love building learning into everyday moments, turning a walk into a chance to talk about the world, reading together and asking questions that get kids thinking, and creating structure that helps them feel secure. My teaching background gives me a strong foundation in age-appropriate activities, and my nannying experience taught me how to adapt that to fit each family's rhythm.
I care about kids genuinely growing while in my care, not just being looked after. I'm patient, attentive, and I find real joy in the small wins. I'd love to bring that back into a family's home.
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Leila
Nanny Leila
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Selma
Nanny Selma
A little bit about me
With over five years of childcare experience, I have supported children through daily routines, school responsibilities, activities, homework, and important milestones. I enjoy creating meaningful moments through play, learning, outdoor activities, and simply being someone children feel comfortable and safe around.
My background in journalism and communications has strengthened my organization, adaptability, and ability to build strong relationships with families. I am warm, dependable, and proactive, and I take pride in providing families with the care, trust, and support they can rely on.
Have experience working with
Nanny Sonia
Nanny Sonia
A little bit about me
Outside of the classroom, I’ve been babysitting since I was 12 years old and genuinely enjoy working with children of all ages. I have a valid driver’s license, extensive experience driving in and around New York City, and I’m happy to travel when needed. Thanks to my background in special education, I’m especially well equipped to support children who may benefit from a little extra patience, structure, or individualized care. If your child has unique needs, I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and provide the compassionate, reliable support you’re looking for.