Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Washington, DC in 2026?
In Washington, DC, the average full-time nanny earns about $24.67 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $987/week or $4,276/month. Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$24.67/hr · Washington average
These numbers come from 417 live full-time nanny listings in Washington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $987
- Monthly
- $4,276
- Annual
- $51,314
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$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 full-time nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $22.93/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.12/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $24.67 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.67 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.67+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $25.28/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $25.01/hr | See live-in rates → |
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 full-time nanny.
How do Washington full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Washington is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in Washington, DC typically costs about the same as the District of Columbia average of $25/hour and 24% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $25/hr | — |
| District of Columbia | $25/hr | 0% |
| United States | $20/hr | -19% |
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 Washington, DC
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 Washington, DC
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 Washington, DC
417 active listings in Washington
Nanny Nia
Nanny Nia
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello Parents!
I’m a warm, dependable 28-year-old DC caregiver with 6+ years of experience (newborns to toddlers). As an older sister, caring for kids is my passion. I love hands-on fun, coloring, board games, tracing, and outdoor walks, while keeping routines structured and helping around the house so you have full peace of mind.
I’d love to make a positive impact in your child’s life. Send me a message and let's chat!
I’m a warm, dependable 28-year-old DC caregiver with 6+ years of experience (newborns to toddlers). As an older sister, caring for kids is my passion. I love hands-on fun, coloring, board games, tracing, and outdoor walks, while keeping routines structured and helping around the house so you have full peace of mind.
I’d love to make a positive impact in your child’s life. Send me a message and let's chat!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Kalliana
Nanny Kalliana
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Kalliana (or Kalli, if it's easier!) and I am looking for work as a full-time nanny in the D.C. area. I have spent more than 6 years working in childcare, in a wide variety of settings. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Nannying for twin infants, from 8 months through to 2 years; assisting with meal preparation, housekeeping, etc.
- After-school childcare for elementary-aged children; assisting with after-school pickup, tutoring, extracurricular activities
- Late- and overnight babysitting for up to 6 children ages 2-11
- Serving as a summer art camp counselor during the COVID pandemic; assisting with 2D and theater arts curriculum development, providing tailored education and assistance for special needs children
I am CPR and First Aid certified, have a valid driver's license, and am happy to provide references!!
Outside of my love of childcare, I am an avid cook and love to read and travel!
- Nannying for twin infants, from 8 months through to 2 years; assisting with meal preparation, housekeeping, etc.
- After-school childcare for elementary-aged children; assisting with after-school pickup, tutoring, extracurricular activities
- Late- and overnight babysitting for up to 6 children ages 2-11
- Serving as a summer art camp counselor during the COVID pandemic; assisting with 2D and theater arts curriculum development, providing tailored education and assistance for special needs children
I am CPR and First Aid certified, have a valid driver's license, and am happy to provide references!!
Outside of my love of childcare, I am an avid cook and love to read and travel!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Leidy
Nanny Leidy
Washington, DC
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I'm Leidy Castillo, a caring and responsible babysitter and proud mom of two. I offer loving, reliable, in-home babysitting.
Why parents trust me:
- Catholic family values
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (pursuing Bachelor's)
- Active CDA & First Aid Certified
- Flexible schedule
- Bilingual: Spanish & English
- References available
📞 [phone number hidden]
�� [email hidden]
Why parents trust me:
- Catholic family values
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (pursuing Bachelor's)
- Active CDA & First Aid Certified
- Flexible schedule
- Bilingual: Spanish & English
- References available
📞 [phone number hidden]
�� [email hidden]
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kathie
Nanny Kathie
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! my name is Katherine but my students call me Ms.Kathie. I have 3 years of experience with little ones ages 3-6 and 7-15 older. I am a D.C. resident but im open to working in DC or northern Virginia. I am super excited to take care of your little ones!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Abril
Nanny Abril
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I love being a sitter because I enjoy creating a safe, caring, and fun environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and able to learn and grow. I have several years of childcare experience, including working as a teacher at a licensed childcare center and as an Au Pair caring full-time for three children. I have experience with children of different ages, including school-aged children, and have cared for homework, daily routines, meals, activities, outdoor play, and extracurricular schedules. I am CPR and First Aid certified and have completed Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Handler, STARS, and the required Washington State childcare training under WAC. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish. I am patient, responsible, organized, attentive, and passionate about providing children with a safe and positive experience while giving parents peace of mind.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Dominique
Nanny Dominique
Washington, DC
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Dominique Davis, I’m 26 years old and based in the Washington, DC area. I’ve been caring for children for years through helping raise and look after my younger cousins, as well as working with children ages 5 and up at the Boys & Girls Club. More recently, I’ve also been helping care for my three-year-old autistic cousin, which has taught me even more about patience, communication, consistency, and understanding each child’s individual needs. Although I don’t have a long history of formal paid nanny experience, caring for children has been a meaningful part of my life for years. I’m responsible, patient, dependable, and comfortable creating a safe and positive environment for children. I genuinely enjoy working with kids and would love the opportunity to bring the same care and attention I give my own family to a nanny position.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Alexa
Nanny Alexa
Washington, DC
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I enjoy working with and supporting families. I'm originally from CA, where I grew up in San Diego. I have Bachelors and Masters in Education Studies and hope to one day become an educator!
I love traveling, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with friends and family!
I love traveling, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with friends and family!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Victoria
Nanny Victoria
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Victoria Somerville, and I am 38 years old. No kids of my own but I have helped my cousins raise there kids & I am god mother of 3 boys that I helped raise as well & still helping to raise them I am very hard worker always on time. I am very easy to get a long with. And I am the type that just like to get the done. And I passionate about everything that I do. And I like to hands with activities doing anything fun.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Devon
Nanny Devon
Washington, DC
$22 - $26/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi My name is Devon Sesay
I’m 41 Years old I currently live in
Washington ,DC. Nannying for a wonder family. As it saddens us all my time has come to an end. Both children are going to school full time.
I have been with my current family 5 yrs come September 7th
I’ve worked in different ranges of childcare industries. I worked in daycare environments with infants, 2’s programs as well as preschool.
As a nanny I’ve worked with children up until 5/6 years old .
I’ve been in this field for 10+ years.
I’m 41 Years old I currently live in
Washington ,DC. Nannying for a wonder family. As it saddens us all my time has come to an end. Both children are going to school full time.
I have been with my current family 5 yrs come September 7th
I’ve worked in different ranges of childcare industries. I worked in daycare environments with infants, 2’s programs as well as preschool.
As a nanny I’ve worked with children up until 5/6 years old .
I’ve been in this field for 10+ years.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Devon is very punctual with her time. She runs a tight shift but a great one of course. My children loved her, she taught them educational lessons instead of just letting them play with toys all day. She also taught my children how to be self sufficient with certain task overall she is phenomenal and would be a great asset to anyone's home."
- Marrell