Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Santa Monica, CA in 2026?
In Santa Monica, CA, the average full-time nanny earns about $28.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,122/week or $4,862/month. Most Santa Monica 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$28.05/hr · Santa Monica average
These numbers come from 82 live full-time nanny listings in Santa Monica on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,122
- Monthly
- $4,862
- Annual
- $58,344
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Santa Monica 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) | $28.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$29.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$30.05+ |
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 Monica full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Santa Monica is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in Santa Monica, CA typically costs about 19% more than the California average of $24/hour and 41% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica, CA | $28/hr | — |
| California | $24/hr | -16% |
| United States | $20/hr | -29% |
Where Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA average of $28.05/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Santa Monica, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $29.16 | +4% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $26.82 | -4% | |
| 3 | Oakland | $26.00 | -7% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $25.66 | -9% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $24.48 | -13% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.82 | -22% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.67 | -26% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $20.08 | -28% | |
| 9 | Fresno | $19.50 | -30% | |
| 10 | Bakersfield | $19.31 | -31% |
● 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA
82 active listings in Santa Monica
Nanny Dawna Lynn
Nanny Dawna Lynn
Santa Monica, CA
$28 - $45/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
At my core, I’m a connector. I love meeting people, building relationships, opening doors, and turning ideas into opportunities. I’m naturally entrepreneurial, highly driven, and comfortable walking into a room where the path isn’t clearly defined and figuring it out.
My career has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of treating people well. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of building a career and a company, and each chapter has made me more determined to create something meaningful.
My career has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of treating people well. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of building a career and a company, and each chapter has made me more determined to create something meaningful.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Angela
Nanny Angela
Santa Monica, CA
$40 - $60/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
I have a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University and several years of experience working with children and families, including autism clinical research. I'm currently taking some time off as I explore a transition into health tech, and I'm excited for the opportunity to spend more time working directly with kids. I'm patient, dependable, and creative, and I enjoy everything from outdoor adventures and arts and crafts to reading, homework help, and imaginative play. My goal is always to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children can thrive. 😊
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Martha
Nanny Martha
Santa Monica, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi families!
I’m Jazmin, a dedicated nanny with broad experience caring for infants and toddlers. My passion for working with children began watching my mom as a preschool teacher and that love has only grown.
I hold a BA in Psychology and have training in child nutrition, sleep safety, language, and newborn care.
I'm CPR & First Aid certified, TrustLine registered (background check), and up to date on vaccinations.
I create fun, educational, and nurturing routines, including developmental activities, crafts, sensory play, outdoor adventures, singing, and reading, while supporting healthy habits like nutritious meals and consistent sleep.
Families describe me as calm, reliable, and caring, and I bring warmth, structure, and love to every day.
I’m Jazmin, a dedicated nanny with broad experience caring for infants and toddlers. My passion for working with children began watching my mom as a preschool teacher and that love has only grown.
I hold a BA in Psychology and have training in child nutrition, sleep safety, language, and newborn care.
I'm CPR & First Aid certified, TrustLine registered (background check), and up to date on vaccinations.
I create fun, educational, and nurturing routines, including developmental activities, crafts, sensory play, outdoor adventures, singing, and reading, while supporting healthy habits like nutritious meals and consistent sleep.
Families describe me as calm, reliable, and caring, and I bring warmth, structure, and love to every day.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Santa Monica, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi I’m Taylor! I’m 18 years old and Canadian by birth. I moved to Houston, Texas when I was 7 years old. I graduated from high school this year in May of 2024 with an A/B average. I am looking to work with a family with young children, birth to 10 ideally. Activities I love to do with kids is socializing with them at parks, visiting museums, amusement parks, the beach, age appropriate walks, crafts, dress up, lego, swimming and using our imaginations! I am looking to earn money to put toward my university education. I will be pursuing a degree in Interior Design. I am CPR/First Aid Certified. I am a cautious driver. I haven’t been in any accidents as a learner or fully permitted driver. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Santa Monica, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m Taylor from Texas. I am looking to relocate as a full time nanny. I have at least 5 years of professional experience but have been taking care of children my whole life. I am very timely and it’s easy to be comfortable around me & have fun!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ilda
Nanny Ilda
Santa Monica, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Lovely charismatic multitask
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Andrea
Nanny Andrea
Santa Monica, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! My name is Andrea and I am a graduate of FGCU with a degree focused in the biological sciences. I've worked in Pediatric Hospitals, as a babysitter, and as a Mother's Helper and Nanny. I currently work as a party princess and a personal trainer!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Noa
Nanny Noa
Santa Monica, CA
$30/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I'm an experienced and dedicated childcare provider with an excellent record of creating excellent environments for over 7 years with children newborn-13 years old for private families. Strong commitment to helping childcare development while being active and engaging with children.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Michelle
Nanny Michelle
Santa Monica, CA
$30/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Since I was a young girl, I enjoyed working with children! Now as an adult, I continue to enjoy working with children. Over the course of eight years, I have cared for children of varying ages including newborn, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary aged children, pre-teens. Over the course of time when I have provided childcare to families, I have fond memories from each of these families. While caring for children, I believe I need to not only care for them in the absence of their parents, but also educate them at whatever level. Through play activities, these children are able to learn and grow physically, educationally, socially and emotionally. I treat each child as an individual and as if they are a part of my own family. As a childcare provider, each child's personal health and safety is of importance to me. My goal as a Nanny is to have the children's best interest in mind, make sure the children are safe and having fun while also learning.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid