Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Downey, CA in 2026?

In Downey, CA, the average nanny earns about $19.29 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $772/week or $3,344/month. Most Downey families pay somewhere in the $17–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$19.29/hr · Downey average

These numbers come from 119 live nanny listings in Downey on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$772
$3,344
$40,123

Find nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Downey families pay somewhere in the $17–$25/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 nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $18.66/hour, while the most experienced (3-5 yrs) charge around $20.98/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)$19.29
2 kids~$20.29
3+ kids~$21.29+

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 nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$20.49/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$19.18/hr

Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.

Browse nannies

How do Downey nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Downey runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring nannies in Downey, CA typically costs about 5% less than the California average of $20/hour and 15% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Downey, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Downey, CA
Downey, CA$19/hr
California$20/hr+5%
United States$17/hr-13%

Where Downey, CA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.55/hour in Fresno to $25.24/hour in San Francisco.

Below: how each compares to the Downey, CA average of $19.29/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Downey, CA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Downey, CA
1San Francisco$25.24+31%
2San Jose$22.92+19%
3Los Angeles$21.78+13%
4San Diego$21.05+9%
5Long Beach$20.53+6%
6Sacramento$19.18-1%
7Stockton$18.53-4%
8Riverside$18.26-5%
9Bakersfield$17.81-8%
10Fresno$17.55-9%
Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($25.24) Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($17.55)

Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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 nanny in Downey, CA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Downey, CA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your nanny

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available nannies in Downey, CA

119 active listings in Downey

Delilah J. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Delilah

Downey, CA
$20 - $21/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Delilah, I'm a 19-year-old with a huge heart and a passion for childcare. Having twin siblings has given me hands-on experience and a real understanding of what it takes to care for kids. Also making my career of being a nicu nurse.. I'm excited to bring my energy and experience to your family!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Lael O. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Lael

Downey, CA
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

hey guys! my name is lael. i am 18 years old and currently attending college in pursuit of working as a physician assistant in pediatrics. my love for the younger ones inspires me to continue to push past my limit, and i think this position is a great way to become more comfortable. i am a huge animal person, and i love meeting new animals and pets. I'm active and enjoy many hobbies. i hope i can be a match for you and your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mariela A. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Mariela

Downey, CA
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Spanish-speaking nanny with 15+ years’ experience, specializing in newborn and toddler care. Reliable, caring, and attentive. Flexible schedule and great references available.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Genesis V. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Genesis

Downey, CA
$20/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there, My name is Genesis. Mom of 4 who i adore. I have all boys so i am used to craziness. I miss having littles and love the newborn stage. I would like to offer help for new moms and or moms that just need that night time break. Looking forward to helping mommies and daddies in need.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mya A. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Mya

Downey, CA
$19.68/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello!! My name is Mya I am a 19 year old
college student. I have 4 younger siblings and 3 older siblings. I am a very active and talkative person. I am going to college to become a pediatric nurse so being in a field with kids is not too far off this experience !😇

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Adriana R. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Adriana

Downey, CA
$20/hr
Part-time
9 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Adriana, I am looking for a part-time job. I speak English and Spanish. I love taking care of children. I am a mother of 3 children aged 8, 9 and 19, so I have experience with different ages. I am a clean, caring, kind, loving person. I like to cook and my best friend is patience.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Carmen A. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Carmen

Downey, CA
$20/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Soy Carmen nanny con 5 años de experiencia, responsable, puntual, dulce amorosa, amo mi trabajo ! Tengo paciencia con los niños y sobre todo le doy mucho amor aprendizaje en juegos Didácticos, mi trabajo habla por mí !

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Allysha H. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Allysha

Downey, CA
$19/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a college student who is home on my winter break! I also am on the women’s bowling team at Fairleigh Dickinson University! I am a collegiate athlete who can do it all!! I played basketball my whole life! I love football and can throw really well!! So I am very athletic and love to have fun! I can cook as well! I’ve learned from the best cook in my life which my mom!! She cooks everything from all genres of food and I got to learn from her! I am here for the break and would love to make some money and take care of those that are next to take charge of the world soon!!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Iyanna S. - Seeking Work in Downey

Nanny Iyanna

Downey, CA
$19.83/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

hello my name is iyanna and i’m 18 years old. i love babysitting and im really good with kids of all ages. i love reading and music

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Downey CA

Popular services in Downey, CA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect nanny

Get Started