Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Santa Ana, CA in 2026?
In Santa Ana, CA, the average full-time nanny earns about $22.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $882/week or $3,822/month. Most Santa Ana families pay somewhere in the $17–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$22.05/hr · Santa Ana average
These numbers come from 76 live full-time nanny listings in Santa Ana on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $882
- Monthly
- $3,822
- Annual
- $45,864
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Santa Ana families pay somewhere in the $17–$28/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) | $22.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$23.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$24.05+ |
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 Santa Ana full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Santa Ana runs above the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring full-time nannies in Santa Ana, CA typically costs about 7% less than the California average of $24/hour and 11% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana, CA | $22/hr | — |
| California | $24/hr | +7% |
| United States | $20/hr | -10% |
Where Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA average of $22.05/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Santa Ana, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $29.16 | +32% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $26.82 | +22% | |
| 3 | Oakland | $26.00 | +18% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $25.66 | +16% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $24.48 | +11% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.82 | -1% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.67 | -6% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $20.08 | -9% | |
| 9 | Fresno | $19.50 | -12% | |
| 10 | Bakersfield | $19.31 | -12% |
● 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA
76 active listings in Santa Ana
Nanny Sara
Nanny Sara
Santa Ana, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Sara, I’m 39 years old with two kids. My 13 year old son is a sweet boy who loves school and friends. My daughter is 19 attending college to become a nurse. When they were younger I operated a daycare for 7 years out of my home. Caring for 5-9 children daily. From 6:30am-6pm tending to there school schedule and before/after school meals and homework. I loved working for children, I’m a hands on, attentive caregiver with many fun activities and a happy loving personality. I genuinely care for people and kids, babysitting is more then just watching your child while your away it’s being that role model and a person to care for them who they can trust and rely on.
Before opening my daycare I cared for a 17 year old boy with special needs for 3 years. This experience taught me how important it is to always be alert and tools to care for all types personalities and needs.
Over the last 5 years iv enjoyed working in school cafeteria at an elementary level.
Before opening my daycare I cared for a 17 year old boy with special needs for 3 years. This experience taught me how important it is to always be alert and tools to care for all types personalities and needs.
Over the last 5 years iv enjoyed working in school cafeteria at an elementary level.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Aleyda
Nanny Aleyda
Santa Ana, CA
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Soy Aleyda tengo experiencia en bebes de 0 a 5 años ablo español me gusta mi trabajo lo amo con mucha dedicacion
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brisa
Nanny Brisa
Santa Ana, CA
$19 - $20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 18 years old. I graduated from high school early and I’ve been searching for a job. I wanted to give this a shot because I do believe I have plenty experience. I have been taking care and dealing with kids and babies my whole life. I have a lot of siblings so it’s something I am really used and comfortable too. I have been taking care and looking after my 4 year old brother and 10 year old sister for 6 months now. I do everything to make sure there taken care of well. I meal prep to make sure there fed. I take them and provide assistance when needed to go potty. I have them dressed and entertained, while also cleaning and tidying up the house. I love being around babies/kids.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Danika
Nanny Danika
Santa Ana, CA
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a dedicated, patient, and loving individual with experience working with children, including high school-aged kids. I bring a fun and positive energy to my caregiving, always aiming to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment. I truly enjoy helping kids grow, learn, and feel confident, and I’m committed to being a dependable and caring presence in their lives.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Dora
Nanny Dora
Santa Ana, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have over 20 years of experience. I can help with carpool, crafts and Light things having to do with the well-being of your child. I am gentle and caring with the kids . I spend time with them playing and taking them outside. I like to keep them clean as well. I have recommendations upon request.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Julianne
Nanny Julianne
Santa Ana, CA
$21/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Julianne, I’m currently a nursing student at Riverside City College. I have experience working with children in the autism spectrum through my job as a Registered Behavior Technician. I have worked with children ages 1-6 years old and am CPR/First Aid Certified. I’m also registered as a caregiver through TrustLine and have passed my background checks.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rachelle
Nanny Rachelle
Santa Ana, CA
$21/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I love children of all ages and adults with disabilities. I've worked with adults with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries. I'm a kid at heart and love staying active, playing sports and practicing yoga. I also love cooking and baking.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Rachel
Nanny Rachel
Santa Ana, CA
$24 - $26/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Rachel, and I am a hardworking and motivated person who enjoys learning, helping others, and taking on new opportunities. I have experience working with children, customer service, and office-related tasks. I recently earned associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Liberal Arts and plan to continue my education. I am responsible, dependable, a fast learner, and always willing to grow both personally and professionally.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lesli
Nanny Lesli
Santa Ana, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I consider myself a calm and kind person. I like to learn new things and do activities such as painting or creating new things. I like to read and spend time making recipes
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid