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 $24.29 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $972/week or $4,210/month. Most Seattle families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$24.29/hr · Seattle average

These numbers come from 498 live full-time nanny listings in Seattle on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$972
$4,210
$50,523

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What drives the price

Most Seattle families pay somewhere in the $17–$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 $22.16/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.90/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)$24.29
2 kids~$25.29
3+ kids~$26.29+

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$24.77/hr
Live-inSet by family$23.99/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 20% more than the Washington average of $20/hour and 40% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Seattle, WA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA$24/hr
Washington$20/hr-17%
United States$17/hr-29%

Where Seattle, WA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.68/hour in Yakima to $24.29/hour in Seattle.

Below: how each compares to the Seattle, WA average of $24.29/hour — Seattle, WA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

10 cities near Seattle, WA ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Seattle, WA
Seattle$24.29
2Everett$21.71-11%
3Puyallup$20.68-15%
4Bellingham$19.53-20%
5Tacoma$19.53-20%
6Vancouver$19.46-20%
7Olympia$19.32-20%
8Spokane$18.81-23%
9Kennewick$18.13-25%
10Yakima$17.68-27%
Most expensive nearby: Seattle ($24.29) Least expensive nearby: Yakima ($17.68)

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

498 active listings in Seattle

Payton K. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Payton

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

A little bit about me

I have 8 years of child care experience! I work with kids from ages of 3 months old - pre teen. I’m comfortable with routines like meal prep, naps, school pickups, and bedtime. I also love planning engaging activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play, and reading time. I’m patient, attentive, and dependable. I believe in creating a positive environment where kids feel heard and encouraged. I am CPR certified and have a valid drivers license with reliable transportation. Please feel free to message me with any other questions!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Amrita C. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Amrita

Seattle, WA
$27 - $33/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an experienced CBT and work in ABA therapy throughout the school year. I have 6 years of experience working with children of all ages. My passion is working with kids and seeing them grow, learn, and have fun!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ruby S. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Ruby

Seattle, WA
$25/hr
Full-time
9 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Ruby and I am a freshman at Montana State Univeristy but originally from West Seattle! I am home for the summer and would love the opportunity to be your kiddos nanny. I am currently a human development and family science major with a focus in child development, hoping to eventually get to work with kids and families who are undergoing long term care in hospitals. I have always loved working with kids, since I was in 6th grade I have been a babysitter and last summer was a part time nanny, all through high school I taught ski lessons to kids ages 3-10, and I have been a summer camp counselor for little kiddos.
One thing about me is that I am a very outdoorsy person. I love to go out a play with kids, weather that be building sand castles, making daisie chains, playing tag and everything else. I also love to do fun crafts and teach the kids new skills. My availability is limited, I am available May 20th to August 1st but am willing to work upwards of 40 hours a week.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ava W. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Ava

Seattle, WA
$24/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Ava, a dependable and caring babysitter who truly enjoys working with kids. I focus on keeping children safe, engaged, and comfortable while making sure parents feel at ease. Whether it’s playtime, homework help, or bedtime routines, I’m happy to help and create a positive experience for your family. I look forward to meeting you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Nura A. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Nura

Seattle, WA
$25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Nura. I am currently a sophomore at Barnard College, a Seattle Academy alum, and a Rainier Scholar, studying English. I plan to go into publishing or public health in the future. I’m excited to work as a nanny because I already have experience working with children—from teaching them to creating curricula focused on youth literacy. I’m also looking forward to returning to Seattle for winter break and connecting with the kids about growing up here; it was truly one of my favorite experiences.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Madeline C. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Madeline

Seattle, WA
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there!

My name is Madeline, and I’m a caring, reliable nanny looking for a full-time position. I love creating safe, fun, and engaging environments where children can learn, play, and grow. I’m patient, organized, and adaptable to each family’s routines.

Outside of childcare, I enjoy baking, hiking, thrifting, discovering new coffee shops, volunteering at humane societies, and spending time with my cat. I bring the same curiosity, energy, and warmth into my work with kids.

I’d love the opportunity to meet your family and provide nurturing, full-time live-in care!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Israel C. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Israel

Seattle, WA
$23.87/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello I’ve worked with children for 3 years. I’m CPR/First-Aid certified. I’m calm, dependable, and focused on safe, creative play and consistent routines. Background check and references available on request.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Raeshanay W. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Raeshanay

Seattle, WA
$24/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a single mother looking for a job to get help us get by. I was raised by a single mom so I love to help others take care of there little ones. I am a creative person and always love an adventure. In my house we love to bake and cook so I don’t mind helping when needed.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lourdes N. - Seeking Work in Seattle

Nanny Lourdes

Seattle, WA
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Lourdes Narvaez, I'm from Ecuador. I have my degree in psychology. I'm a dedicated, responsible, creative, and respectful person.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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