Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Irvine, CA in 2026?
In Irvine, CA, the average full-time nanny earns about $27 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,080/week or $4,680/month. Most Irvine families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$27/hr · Irvine average
These numbers come from 92 live full-time nanny listings in Irvine on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,080
- Monthly
- $4,680
- Annual
- $56,160
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Irvine families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
Experience is one of the biggest levers on a full-time nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.
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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $27 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$28 |
| 3+ kids | ~$29+ |
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
| 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.
How do Irvine full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Irvine is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in Irvine, CA typically costs about 14% more than the California average of $24/hour and 35% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Irvine, CA | $27/hr | — |
| California | $24/hr | -13% |
| United States | $20/hr | -26% |
Where Irvine, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.31/hour in Bakersfield to $29.16/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the Irvine, CA average of $27.00/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Irvine, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $29.16 | +8% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $26.82 | -1% | |
| 3 | Oakland | $26.00 | -4% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $25.66 | -5% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $24.48 | -9% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.82 | -19% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.67 | -23% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $20.08 | -26% | |
| 9 | Fresno | $19.50 | -28% | |
| 10 | Bakersfield | $19.31 | -28% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($29.16)● Least expensive nearby: Bakersfield ($19.31)
Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-time nannies 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 full-time nannies 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Irvine, CA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Irvine, CA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the full-time nannies 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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your full-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available full-time nannies in Irvine, CA
92 active listings in Irvine
Nanny Maya
Nanny Maya
Irvine, CA
$27 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Maya, and I am an enthusiastic, warm, and highly dedicated caregiver looking to support a wonderful family with nanny care. As a recent UC Irvine graduate, a strong background in early childhood education and the performing arts, I bring a joyful, and creative approach to every home I join. Whether I’m building legos, turning storytime into an animated performance with expressive character voices, or keeping active kids engaged outdoors, I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved, confident, and inspired to learn. I view professional caregiving as an evolving craft; I am a lifelong learner who continuously seeks out opportunities to expand my childcare skills, knowledge of child development, and adapt my approach to honor each family’s unique parenting style. Above all, I pride myself on being kind, trustworthy, and organized—giving parents complete peace of mind while making every day a fun, enriching adventure for their littles!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Dana
Nanny Dana
Irvine, CA
$35 - $55/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have over 30 years of experience with children, newborn through teen. I began working in commercial, as well as private child care and pre-K, later developing a Montessori/Waldorf inspired pre-Kindergarten program of my own.
I've homeschooled my own children during their primary years, with my oldest graduating UCI in 2020.
I've volunteered as a Brownie Leader for two troops as well as an art teacher at a Montessori charter school.
Most recently, I've worked as a full time nanny/ house manager for physicians.
My focus as a nanny is to provide a loving, structured environment for children where they learn positive values through modeling, and they feel free to truly be themselves.
I've homeschooled my own children during their primary years, with my oldest graduating UCI in 2020.
I've volunteered as a Brownie Leader for two troops as well as an art teacher at a Montessori charter school.
Most recently, I've worked as a full time nanny/ house manager for physicians.
My focus as a nanny is to provide a loving, structured environment for children where they learn positive values through modeling, and they feel free to truly be themselves.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Courtney
Nanny Courtney
Irvine, CA
$26 - $45/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Courtney! I am an outgoing and organized person, I love to bake, read, explore and travel in my free time. I have been a preschool teacher for 2.5 years and have 3 years of experience working as a nanny previous to that. I am currently finishing my degree in Elementary Education, so I can fully pursue a career in this field. I absolutely adore children of all ages, and would love to hear more about you and your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sayera
Nanny Sayera
Irvine, CA
$20 - $40/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello,
My name is Sayera and i moved to California from Istanbul one month ago. I have raised my own 2 kids and worked as a nanny for 5+ years. I speak russian, persian, Turkish. My english is beginner level and i am learning. I love children and pets, and would love to find the right family.
My name is Sayera and i moved to California from Istanbul one month ago. I have raised my own 2 kids and worked as a nanny for 5+ years. I speak russian, persian, Turkish. My english is beginner level and i am learning. I love children and pets, and would love to find the right family.
Nanny Christie
Nanny Christie
Irvine, CA
$29 - $35/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! I am a 31-year-old, college graduate who has been working as a substitute teacher and an assistant teacher in the DMV area for the last three years. Working in schools has been loads of fun, and a great learning experience! While I attended George Mason University, I nannied for three families and had a blast. Most recently I nannied for a family of 12 and had a great experience. I'd also love to assist parents with homeschooling, or simply help with homework.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emily
Nanny Emily
Irvine, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi!!! I am Emily :) I'm a warm, patient, and energetic caregiver with experience supporting families and helping children thrive. I specialize in creating engaging, safe, and fun environments where kids can explore, learn, and grow. I always want to support the parents anyway I can and am trustworthy on following your values and wants for your child's care.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Elexis
Nanny Elexis
Irvine, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Elexis, and I bring over 10 years of dedicated childcare experience to families seeking a nurturing, skilled, and proactive nanny. I began my journey as a preschool teacher, and I continue to integrate those educational techniques into my nanny work creating structured, engaging, and developmentally supportive environments right in the home.
I have over 5 years of experience caring for infants and another 5 years working with preschool-aged children. My background includes working with twins, children with special needs, and multilingual households. I’m fluent in sign language and can support language development in any preferred language the family requests.
I have returned to SoCal, from working as a live-in nanny in Japan, gaining international experience and cultural insight. I am currently working on furthering my degree, I am seeking a live-out nanny position in So Cal where I can continue providing exceptional care.
I have over 5 years of experience caring for infants and another 5 years working with preschool-aged children. My background includes working with twins, children with special needs, and multilingual households. I’m fluent in sign language and can support language development in any preferred language the family requests.
I have returned to SoCal, from working as a live-in nanny in Japan, gaining international experience and cultural insight. I am currently working on furthering my degree, I am seeking a live-out nanny position in So Cal where I can continue providing exceptional care.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
Irvine, CA
$28 - $40/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Anna Sofio, and I am graduating from the University of Pennsylvania on May 18th. I hold 2+ years of full-time nannying for a family, caring for children ranging from newborn to 10 years old. I hold an additional year of part-time, recurring nannying work, including two infants aged 6 months and 8 months, respectively. I worked one year as an instructional aide in a kindergarten classroom working with children aged four to 6 years old as well as fulfilling the role of an after-school care provider for six months. Additionally, I am CPR and First Aid Certified.
My goal is to see the children I watch thrive in every aspect of their lives, including their physical development, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being! I love working with kids, especially getting them outside to play. I am a big proponent of reading with the kids as well! I hope to have the pleasure of working with you, and I look forward to hearing from you!
My goal is to see the children I watch thrive in every aspect of their lives, including their physical development, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being! I love working with kids, especially getting them outside to play. I am a big proponent of reading with the kids as well! I hope to have the pleasure of working with you, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lilly
Nanny Lilly
Irvine, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m 18 and have a year of nanny experience with a wonderful family I currently work for their kids are 7, 2, and 1.
I’ve also volunteered in Mariners Church’s kids ministry for about a year and helped with their kids VBS last summer. Im passionate about creating a warm, safe, and playful environment for children. I’m CPR certified, have completed the City of Irvine babysitting course, and I have my own car, so transportation is no problem. If you’re looking for a reliable and caring sitter, I’d love to chat more!
I’ve also volunteered in Mariners Church’s kids ministry for about a year and helped with their kids VBS last summer. Im passionate about creating a warm, safe, and playful environment for children. I’m CPR certified, have completed the City of Irvine babysitting course, and I have my own car, so transportation is no problem. If you’re looking for a reliable and caring sitter, I’d love to chat more!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR