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.

Average hourly rate$24.25/hr · New York average

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.

$970
$4,203
$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.


01

Experience

More experienced child care providers command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $23.10/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.13/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$24.25
2 kids~$25.25
3+ kids~$26.25+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by 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

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$25.78/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$24.17/hr
Live-inSet 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.

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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.

Average hourly child care rates compared across New York, NY and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. 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

10 cities near New York, NY ranked by average hourly child care provider rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. New York, NY
New York$24.25
2Brooklyn$22.85-6%
3Flushing$22.79-6%
4Queens$21.07-13%
5Staten Island$20.69-15%
6The Bronx$20.54-15%
7Albany$19.63-19%
8Buffalo$19.39-20%
9Rochester$19.15-21%
10Syracuse$18.59-23%
Most expensive nearby: New York ($24.25) Least expensive nearby: Syracuse ($18.59)

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?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

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:

  1. 01

    Browse child care provider profiles in New York, NY

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

Linda L. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Linda

New York, NY
$30 - $35/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi,
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

Special Needs
Ellie P. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Ellie

New York, NY
$35 - $40/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Ellie. I have a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia, taught in the classroom for a year, then worked as a full-time nanny for two years. After some time in social media and marketing, I've realized how much I miss working with kids, and I'm excited to return to nannying.

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

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leila M. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Leila

New York, NY
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Leila I am 23 years old and a licensed practical nurse. I have worked in Memory Care, long term pediatric care, and in an Asthma/Allergy doctors office. August 26th 2026 will mark 4 years that I have been a nurse. Reach out and ask any questions you like!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Selma S. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Selma

New York, NY
$28 - $35/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Salma Khadim, and I believe childcare is about much more than meeting daily needs — it is about creating a safe, joyful, and supportive environment where children feel loved, confident, and encouraged to be themselves.

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

Infants
Sonia K. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Sonia

New York, NY
$30 - $40/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Sonia, and I’m a certified Special Education teacher licensed in California and Connecticut, with New York certification currently in progress. Over the past four years, I’ve taught both high school and middle school students, primarily supporting children with significant emotional and behavioral needs as well as students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Carina R. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Carina

New York, NY
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Good to meet you! My name is Carina. I have 4 years of professional working experience with children through Sittercity, Bounce You Brooklyn, and the Park Avenue Armory. Through these jobs I’ve gotten to work with children ranging from as little as three years old to 12. Every child I’ve had the opportunity to take care of is very diverse in personality and it’s very exciting to know that I’ve gotten to partake in their growth journeys and or peak their interest in different hobbies as little humans. For reference some of my previous jobs requested light dinner meal prep, after school pickup, drop off and pick up to and from sports events and or dance recitals, education play etc

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Rheanna B. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Rheanna

New York, NY
$25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Freelance writer and longtime nanny of kids ages 4 to 14 who loves crafts, helping with homework, meal planning and cooking, after-school activities, and creative play.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Destiny O. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Destiny

New York, NY
$18 - $30/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Destiny! I am from Manhattan, New York and love to work with kids. I’ve worked at three summer camps, and have been babysitting for the past year and a half.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mayda E. - Seeking Work in New York

Nanny Mayda

New York, NY
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Mayda. I am a caring, reliable, and experienced bilingual nanny based in Queens, NY, with over 15 years of experience caring for newborns, infants, toddlers, and twins. I love creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. I am patient, responsible, flexible, and happy to help with feeding, sleep routines, developmental activities, walks, and light child-related housekeeping. I have strong references available upon request and would love to support your family.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
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