Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Santa Rosa, CA in 2026?

In Santa Rosa, CA, the average full-time nanny earns about $23.91 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $956/week or $4,144/month. Most Santa Rosa families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$23.91/hr · Santa Rosa average

These numbers come from 84 live full-time nanny listings in Santa Rosa on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$956
$4,144
$49,733

Find full-time nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Santa Rosa families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$23.91
2 kids~$24.91
3+ kids~$25.91+

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.

How do Santa Rosa full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Santa Rosa runs above the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring full-time nannies in Santa Rosa, CA typically costs about 1% more than the California average of $24/hour and 20% more than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Santa Rosa, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa, CA$24/hr—
California$24/hr-1%
United States$20/hr-17%

Where Santa Rosa, 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 Rosa, CA average of $23.91/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

10 cities near Santa Rosa, CA ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Santa Rosa, CA
1San Francisco$29.16+22%
2San Jose$26.82+12%
3Oakland$26.00+9%
4Los Angeles$25.66+7%
5San Diego$24.48+2%
6Sacramento$21.82-9%
7Riverside$20.67-14%
8Stockton$20.08-16%
9Fresno$19.50-18%
10Bakersfield$19.31-19%
● 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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Santa Rosa, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time nanny profiles in Santa Rosa, CA

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

  2. 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.

  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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Rosa, CA

84 active listings in Santa Rosa

Lisa A. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Lisa

Santa Rosa, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a warm, caring mom of one teenager with 15+ years of professional experience as a nanny, preschool teacher, home daycare provider, elementary teacher’s assistant, and after school tutor. I have cared for many infants and toddlers and I have excellent references. I truly love children of all ages. I am patient, light-hearted, and easy to get along with. I’m an open book, ask me anything!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kaylee P. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Kaylee

Santa Rosa, CA
$30 - $33/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kaylee, and I’m an experienced toddler and Pre-K teacher with 3½ years of hands-on experience working with young children. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where kids can learn, grow, and feel supported. Through my teaching background, I’ve developed strong skills in child development, classroom management, and age-appropriate activities that encourage learning through play. I truly enjoy building meaningful connections with children and families and supporting each child’s unique needs.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Maggie C. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Maggie

Santa Rosa, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Maggie and I am a 19 year old college student. I am currently going to school to become an elementary school teacher. I have 2 years experience working in a preschool with ages 18m-5 years old on top of 6 years of experience babysitting/nannying from ages 6m-12 years old. I love working with children, building strong connections and watching them grow! I feel that through every activity there is a learning opportunity and that learning should be fun. I also have a deep love caring for animals and organization/cleaning. In my free time i try to go outside on long walks as much as possible with my puppy, reading books, and all forms of art!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Emma M. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Emma

Santa Rosa, CA
$21 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Outgoing and reliable 21 year old nursing student (senior) looking for a part/full time position or occasional babysitting. CPR/BLS/First Aid Certified with experience in child care for preschoolers and grade schoolers. Recently completed pediatric, postpartum, & NICU rotations, confident with newborns, infants, & children alike. Formerly a neighborhood babysitter, camp counselor, & after school worker - experience with group and individual setting child care, activity planning, conflict resolution, making snacks/meals, reading/homework help, general supervision, etc. and I love working with kids of all ages. Love time outdoors & going on walks/nature trips. Happy to help with household chores and pet care (especially dogs)! Up to date background and drug tests per nursing requirements. Responsible driver with a reliable car and clean driving record. Love caring for others regardless of age, currently a caregiver for seniors. Flexible schedule. Looking for a family who's a good match!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Michaela S. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Michaela

Santa Rosa, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Local ABA therapist, CPR certified. I have experience with all ages, specializing in special needs. I am not advertising any services beyond babysitting :)
More than happy to do housework, meal prep,any extra requests.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jessica K. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Jessica

Santa Rosa, CA
$21 - $26/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I was a Paralegal for over 10 yrs, but during lockdown, I decided to go back to school for early childhood education. I obtained my Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) Certification to teach children on the autism spectrum and pursued that new career path at ACES. My first month on the job, I was awarded Employee of the Month. My second month, they honored me with “Most Creative”.

I use natural opportunities to promote education through playtime. I am always teaching… they just might not know it!

If you are looking for an experienced and reliable caregiver with a great work ethic, attitude, and unyielding patience, I may be the right fit for you! I have a ‘way’ with children. Always have.

I have experience with sleep-training, breast-to-bottle transitioning, and sibling rivalry.

I am flexible. I work WITH you and your child to provide the best support and care possible. I will happily accept direction to better align with your parenting style. Communication is everything!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR

Recent reference

"I’m very happy to write this reference for Jessi, who has been our nanny for the past two years. She joined our family when my child was an infant and has been an incredibly important part of our lives ever since. Jessi is deeply engaged with our child and brings so much creativity and thoughtfulness to their days together. She is intentional about play, with a clear focus on development, while still keeping things fun and age-appropriate. It’s obvious how much care she puts into supporting learning, confidence, and emotional growth. Most importantly, Jessi is incredibly loving. Our child feels safe, supported, and truly cared for in her presence, and the bond they’ve built means everything to us. Any family would be very lucky to have her."
- Monica
Jimena O. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Jimena

Santa Rosa, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Jimena, and I’m a caring, responsible, and experienced childcare provider who truly enjoys working with children. I have a degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. I have experience working with children in both classroom and childcare settings, and I love creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where kids feel comfortable and cared for!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Maya P. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Maya

Santa Rosa, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Maya (22) , a dependable, caring, and energetic nanny who loves creating a safe and fun environment for children. I’m patient, responsible, and attentive, and I enjoy helping kids learn, play, and grow. Families can count on me to be reliable, communicative, and genuinely invested in their children’s well-being. My goal is to provide a positive, supportive environment that gives both children and parents peace of mind.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Makereta N. - Seeking Work in Santa Rosa

Nanny Makereta

Santa Rosa, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Maggie, I am 35 years old and caring for others has always been my passion. After high school, I worked as a nanny for three years and became so close with the family that I even traveled with them to China. After moving to Dixon, I spent several years as a caregiver for seniors, providing compassionate care and support with daily living needs.

I’m excited to return to nannying because I love being part of a child’s growth and development. My nieces and nephews are my world, and I enjoy creating fun, safe, and engaging environments where children can learn and thrive. I also serve as a Children Sunday school teacher at my church.

Families describe me as dependable, patient, nurturing, and trustworthy. Whether it’s helping with routines, homework, meals, activities, or providing a caring presence, I strive to make both children and parents feel supported. I look forward to becoming a positive and reliable part of your family’s village!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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