Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Bellingham, WA in 2026?

In Bellingham, WA, the average full-time nanny earns about $19.53 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $781/week or $3,385/month. Most Bellingham families pay somewhere in the $17–$27/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$19.53/hr · Bellingham average

These numbers come from 169 live full-time nanny listings in Bellingham on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$781
$3,385
$40,622

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What drives the price

Most Bellingham families pay somewhere in the $17–$27/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)$19.53
2 kids~$20.53
3+ kids~$21.53+

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 Bellingham full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring full-time nannies in Bellingham, WA typically costs about 3% less than the Washington average of $20/hour and 13% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Bellingham, WA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, WA$20/hr
Washington$20/hr+3%
United States$17/hr-11%

Where Bellingham, WA fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for full-time nannies near Bellingham, WA is Seattle at $22.48/hour; the least expensive is Yakima at $17.62/hour.

Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Bellingham, WA and how each compares to Bellingham, WA's average of $19.53/hour.

Bellingham, WAranks #17 of 32 · $19.53/hr · mid-pack

Most expensive cities near Bellingham, WA

Top 10 most expensive cities near Bellingham, WA for hiring a full-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Bellingham, WA
1Seattle$22.48+15%
2Redmond$22.20+14%
3Bothell$22.02+13%
4Edmonds$21.95+12%
5Kirkland$21.93+12%
6Bellevue$21.89+12%
7Issaquah$21.70+11%
8Snohomish$21.35+9%
9Lynnwood$20.96+7%
10Gig Harbor$20.30+4%

Least expensive cities near Bellingham, WA

Top 10 least expensive cities near Bellingham, WA for hiring a full-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Bellingham, WA
1Yakima$17.62-10%
2Spokane Valley$17.97-8%
3Spokane$18.07-7%
4Lacey$18.20-7%
5Richland$18.23-7%
6Bremerton$18.45-6%
7Vancouver$18.45-6%
8Lakewood$18.55-5%
9Tacoma$18.87-3%
10Olympia$18.87-3%

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 Bellingham, WA

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 Bellingham, WA

    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 Bellingham, WA

169 active listings in Bellingham

Ava G. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Ava

Bellingham, WA
$17 - $21/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello Families!
My name is Ava Geracie. I am a student at Western Washington University, where I am majoring in education. I work part-time at Dancing For Joy Dance Studio in Bellingham, where I teach classes weekly for ages 4-10. I have ample experience babysitting/ nannying for various different ages, and I would love to be of help to your family!!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Claire R. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Claire

Bellingham, WA
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Claire and I am a first-year student at Gonzaga University studying Psychology! I love spending time with kids and working to cultivate meaningful and healthy relationships with children and between their peers. I would love the opportunity to help out your family and support your kid(s) during the summer!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Melanie H. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Melanie

Bellingham, WA
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! Im Melanie. I’m a caring, dependable, and creative nanny with over 10 years of childcare experience working with children from newborns through high school age. I also have 5+ years of experience running and leading youth camps, where I planned activities, supported social and emotional growth, and created safe, positive spaces for kids to learn and have fun. I hold a degree in Recreation Management and Leadership, which strengthened my skills in communication, organization, and creating engaging, age-appropriate experiences. I love encouraging creativity, outdoor play, and confidence while keeping routines consistent so children feel secure and supported. Families often describe me as patient, attentive, and easy to trust. My goal is to build strong, supportive relationships with both children and parents while helping kids feel happy, safe, and excited to grow every day.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Arianna W. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Arianna

Bellingham, WA
$19/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Being the oldest out of five siblings I'd say I'm a great for childcare. I enjoy being around children and watching them learn and grow into great little humans. I have many years of babysitting jobs, from siblings to a couple kids whose parents needed a small break. I'm from Alaska and have lived in Bellingham for a little over a year now and looking forward to meeting many new people!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Olivia M. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Olivia

Bellingham, WA
$20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Olivia, and I've been looking to work in childcare here in Bellingham. I'm originally from Colorado and Wyoming. I have been working with kids for a few years now at camps and education centers, where I came to love Washington. I am very outdoorsy and love letting kids explore their sense of Wonder in nature. I am certified in first aid and CPR, and will be training next for an EMT license. I have a wilderness background in medical safety as well.
I love playing silly games, exploring local areas, and making fun crafts and stories. I am happy to keep spaces organized and meal prep when needed.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Margaret D. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Margaret

Bellingham, WA
$20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I was a Children's Librarian for a while! I love crafts, stories, and spending time caring for children. I am an older sibling, and thus have been in positions of babysitting for most of my life. I can help tutor, supervise, and provide support and guidance to your children. I hope you consider me! I haven't had a child dislike me yet!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Casey O. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Casey

Bellingham, WA
$19/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Casey! I’m 19 years old with 2 years of babysitting experience, caring for children ages 2, 5, 8, and 12 at the same time. I’m comfortable managing multiple kids. I’m familiar with handling allergies, as I have celiac myself, so I understand the importance of being careful and attentive with food and health needs. I’ve also helped with tutoring and love supporting kids with homework and learning. I love arts and crafts, music, and finding fun activities to do with the kids. I’m very reliable, good with communication, and available to fit your family’s needs.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Olivia B. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Olivia

Bellingham, WA
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi i’m olivia and I work at a before and after school care program, therefore im required to be AED certified aswell as CPR certified and pool safety certified. Aswell as helping kids learn cheer at cheer camps. I also babysit for many family’s. I love crafts, skiing, hiking, swimming, anything outdoors. I would love to meet your kiddos!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lexi B. - Seeking Work in Bellingham

Nanny Lexi

Bellingham, WA
$18.66/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Lexi and I’ve proudly called Bellingham home my whole life. I’m an experienced nanny with a true love for children and a heart for creating safe, engaging, and joyful environments for them to grow in. With a background of hands-on childcare and a natural nurturing spirit, I bring reliability, patience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to support families. Whether it’s helping with routines, planning fun activities, or just being a steady, caring presence, I’m here to make life a little easier and a lot brighter for both kids and parents. I'm currently studying at WCC pursuing a career in Visual Communications.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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