Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Traverse City, MI in 2026?
In Traverse City, MI, the average full-time nanny earns about $17.74 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $710/week or $3,075/month. Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.74/hr · Traverse City average
These numbers come from 81 live full-time nanny listings in Traverse City on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $710
- Monthly
- $3,075
- Annual
- $36,899
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/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) | $17.74 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.74 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.74+ |
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 Traverse City full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Traverse City sits close to the national average for full-time nanny rates.
Hiring full-time nannies in Traverse City, MI typically costs about 7% more than the Michigan average of $17/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $18/hr | — |
| Michigan | $17/hr | -7% |
| United States | $17/hr | -2% |
Where Traverse City, MI fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for full-time nannies near Traverse City, MI is Ann Arbor at $18.34/hour; the least expensive is Lansing at $14.80/hour.
Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Traverse City, MI and how each compares to Traverse City, MI's average of $17.74/hour.
Most expensive cities near Traverse City, MI
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Traverse City, MI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Arbor | $18.34 | +3% | |
| 2 | Royal Oak | $18.14 | +2% | |
| 3 | Traverse CityThis city | $17.23 | -3% | |
| 4 | Rochester Hills | $17.15 | -3% | |
| 5 | Troy | $16.71 | -6% | |
| 6 | West Bloomfield Township | $16.34 | -8% | |
| 7 | Livonia | $16.26 | -8% | |
| 8 | Novi | $16.17 | -9% | |
| 9 | Farmington Hills | $16.13 | -9% | |
| 10 | Macomb | $16.05 | -10% |
Least expensive cities near Traverse City, MI
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Traverse City, MI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansing | $14.80 | -17% | |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | $15.21 | -14% | |
| 3 | Southfield | $15.43 | -13% | |
| 4 | Holland | $15.55 | -12% | |
| 5 | Kalamazoo | $15.57 | -12% | |
| 6 | Ypsilanti | $15.58 | -12% | |
| 7 | Clinton Township | $15.58 | -12% | |
| 8 | Warren | $15.70 | -11% | |
| 9 | Sterling Heights | $15.76 | -11% | |
| 10 | Dearborn | $15.98 | -10% |
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
81 active listings in Traverse City
Nanny Ryan
Nanny Ryan
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Mack and I am a college student studying government with intentions of becoming a lawyer after grad school. I am completely first aid and CPR certified in adults, children, and infants. I speak a little Spanish as well as some baby sign language. I have 4 siblings so I've grown up taking care of little ones. I've always tested above average and pride myself on intelligence, and have also tutored kids in the past.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emory
Nanny Emory
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Emory, I am 19 years old and am looking for an opportunity to work as a full-time or part-time nanny! I’ve worked as a lifeguard for the past four years so I am CPR and First Aid trained. I love kids, and have 5 siblings, as well as a bit of babysitting experience with family friends. I enjoy tidying and keeping things clean as well as being creative. I am very patient and understanding especially with children and want them to have the most positive experiences can provide!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Julia
Nanny Julia
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
I have been in early childhood education since 16 years old. I have my bachelors degree in education and have worked with all age groups.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Mia, I’m a mama myself to an amazing two year old boy. I specialize in play and love to bake and cook healthy meals. I’m hoping to find a family that’s comfortable with me bringing my son to tag along.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Keeley
Nanny Keeley
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Keeley, i am 26 years old. I am seeking a nanny job where i can also bring my almost two year old daughter with me. I currently work as a dental assistant and server right now.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emery
Nanny Emery
Traverse City, MI
$16/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
my name is Emery and I am 18 years old, I am originally from Northville Michigan, but bought a little condo in Traverse City and will be staying there all summer starting the 9th of june! i’m a very social person and very easy to get along with, I love being around kids and teaching them new things. I’ve been babysitting cousins, friends, and family since I was about 13 and have never stopped enjoying it. I am committed to Western Michigan for college in the fall, but I would be available all through the summer.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lauren
Nanny Lauren
Traverse City, MI
$16/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello!! I am Lauren and am a student at Michigan State University. I have grown up in Traverse City and absolutely love to enjoy the summers up north. I have grown up with plenty of young children in my life and I love to care for them. I enjoy being active, going to the beach, arts/crafts, playing, and anything in between! I also really enjoy cooking/baking. I love animals as well.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mar
Nanny Mar
Traverse City, MI
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hii im samara i use to to babysitting a few years back and im currently looking to start babysitting again im 17 i will be 18 soon and im working on getting CPR certified im really social and good with kids i don’t mind doing any cleaning if needed and i can also meal prep!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Josie
Nanny Josie
Traverse City, MI
$17/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
my name is josie i am about to be 19! i worked with toddlers at my church for a couple years, then became a nanny for a family for a summer, as well as being a teacher at a daycare for 1 to 5 year olds!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid