Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Seattle, WA, the average full-time nanny earns about $26.81 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,072/week or $4,647/month. Most Seattle families pay somewhere in the $17–$36/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$26.81/hr · Seattle average

These numbers come from 319 live full-time nanny listings in Seattle on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$1,072
$4,647
$55,765

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What drives the price

Most Seattle families pay somewhere in the $17–$36/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 $25.11/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $29.27/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$26.81
2 kids~$27.81
3+ kids~$28.81+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$27.45/hr
Live-inSet by family$25.86/hr

Live-in arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the full-time nanny.

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

Seattle is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.

Hiring full-time nannies in Seattle, WA typically costs about 19% more than the Washington average of $22/hour and 34% more than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Seattle, WA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA$27/hr—
Washington$22/hr-16%
United States$20/hr-26%

Where Seattle, WA fits among nearby cities

9 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.30/hour in Kennewick to $26.81/hour in Seattle.

Below: how each compares to the Seattle, WA average of $26.81/hour — Seattle, WA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

9 cities near Seattle, WA ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Seattle, WA
Seattle$26.81—
2Everett$25.35-5%
3Bellingham$22.29-17%
4Puyallup$22.23-17%
5Tacoma$22.14-17%
6Vancouver$21.92-18%
7Olympia$21.67-19%
8Spokane$19.97-26%
9Kennewick$19.30-28%
● Most expensive nearby: Seattle ($26.81)● Least expensive nearby: Kennewick ($19.30)

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 Seattle, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA

319 active listings in Seattle

Annika H. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Annika

Seattle, WA
$26 - $31/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a recent UCSB graduate who’s back home in Seattle! I love art, sports, reading, cooking, and spending time outside. I have plenty of childcare experience and genuinely enjoy being around kids. I’m responsible, clean, and organized, and I’m happy to help with cooking, tidying up, and keeping kids active and entertained.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Molly N. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Molly

Seattle, WA
$27 - $35/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Molly. I grew up in Illinois, but have been in Seattle since 2023.

I have a Master of Education and spent 3 years as a classroom teacher. I am a strong believer in letting curiosity guide children's learning, especially through exploring the natural world. I'm an amateur naturalist, who loves tide-pooling, birding, and crouching to look for bugs. I think kids have the coolest way of seeing the world and love getting to experience the world through their wonder.

I think most children should have limited screen-time, so if you share that belief I could be a great fit for you. I'm an avid reader and crafter, who loves to share these hobbies.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Molly C. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Molly

Seattle, WA
$30 - $35/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Molly, a childcare professional looking for full time work in Seattle! I have been nannying for 7 years (part time during college, full time since graduation) for ages newborn - 6 years old. I have my own car, I’m comfortable with pets and light housework/meal prep for kiddos. I can make bottles, do naptime, and have introduced solids and potty training (including elimination communication with infants). I prefer working with infants but am comfortable caring for kids up to elementary school age!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Fiona R. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Fiona

Seattle, WA
$26/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am 26 years old and I just moved to Seattle from Whidbey Island! I’ve been a private nanny for several families for 6 years and for the past two I have worked as a teacher in an early learning center primarily with kids aged 1-3. I love working with kids and learning the best ways to support each of their unique developing minds. Outside of work, I enjoy live music, art markets, crafting, and just enjoying the outdoors as much as possible! I look forward to meeting you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gloribeth G. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Gloribeth

Seattle, WA
$27/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hola me llamo glori tengo 5 años de experiencia trabajando con niños en daycare soy de Venezuela y me gustaría cambiar el ambiente laboral por algo más tranquilo

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Chloe M. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Chloe

Seattle, WA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a responsible, kind, determined individual with a background in childcare and behavioral health. I love to knit, spend time with my dog, scrapbook, and read! I'm passionate about mental health and I have a deep understanding of the importance of one's childhood and the impact it has on them later in life.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Anne V. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Anne

Seattle, WA
$27 - $40/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am a retired school teacher and mom of adult children who loves caring for children. I am currently working as lead teacher in a childcare center with infants (3mo-16mo). I am an excellent communicator with families who is experienced in child development, patient, flexible and fun.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gwendolyn T. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Gwendolyn

Seattle, WA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Gwendolyn and I am 42 years old, recently moved to Seattle, and looking for new opportunities here! I have 2 kids myself (16 and 11) that live in Ohio. Caring for your children allows me to continue giving love and guidance to our future!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Jasinda R. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Jasinda

Seattle, WA
$35 - $45/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I am a dedicated nanny/babysitter with over 10 years of experience. I pride myself on being a caretaker, as well as a private chef as I did attend both business and culinary school! I look forward to meeting your little ones and being a sense of support for your home.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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