Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in San Diego, CA in 2026?
In San Diego, CA, the average nanny earns about $21.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $842/week or $3,649/month. Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$21.05/hr · San Diego average
These numbers come from 1,607 live nanny listings in San Diego on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $842
- Monthly
- $3,649
- Annual
- $43,784
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$30/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 $19.97/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $24.81/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $21.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$22.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$23.05+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $22.32/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $21.12/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $21.96/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do San Diego nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
San Diego is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in San Diego, CA typically costs about 3% more than the California average of $20/hour and 26% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $21/hr | — |
| California | $20/hr | -3% |
| United States | $17/hr | -20% |
Where San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA average of $21.05/hour — San Diego, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. San Diego, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $25.24 | +20% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $22.92 | +9% | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $21.78 | +3% | |
| 4 | San Diego | $21.05 | — | |
| 5 | Long Beach | $20.53 | -2% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $19.18 | -9% | |
| 7 | Stockton | $18.53 | -12% | |
| 8 | Riverside | $18.26 | -13% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $17.81 | -15% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $17.55 | -17% |
● 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in San Diego, 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:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in San Diego, CA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 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 San Diego, CA
1,607 active listings in San Diego
Nanny Lily
Nanny Lily
San Diego, CA
$22/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Lily, and I am very passionate about working with young children! I have a degree in Child and Family Development, and my favorite part of working in this field is making a meaningful impact on the future generation! I also love when I get the opportunity to be a part in making memories that last a lifetime for the children.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lizbeth
Nanny Lizbeth
San Diego, CA
$21 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Lizbeth. I am 21 years old, and I have experience working with children ranging from ages 5-12, grades tk-6 for 3 years. I am bls/cpr/first aid certified. I enjoy working with children and will be study child development in college to pursue a career in Child Development Specialist. I have full open availability and willing to work weekends if necessary.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Reese
Nanny Reese
San Diego, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Reese Lamp. I am from El Cajon and am 20 years old. I am the second of six children which has given me lots of experience with children of all ages. My four younger siblings are ages 8-15 and I have helped them grow up and taken care of them. I babysit a lot and love being with kids. I am attending college in Utah but will be home for the summer from June 22 to August 15 and am looking to work as much as possible. I have a car and am willing to drive and be flexible with my schedule.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Emily
Nanny Emily
San Diego, CA
Active Now
$25 - $26/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Emily, a dependable nanny with experience caring for both infants and toddlers. Through my childcare experience, I’ve developed patience, strong communication skills, and an understanding of each child’s unique needs and routines.
In addition to my childcare background, I also have experience as a lifeguard with first aid training, giving me the ability to stay calm, attentive, and safety-focused in any situation. I enjoy creating a fun, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel comfortable every day. My goal is to provide families with reliable care and peace of mind while helping children feel happy, safe, and encouraged.
In addition to my childcare background, I also have experience as a lifeguard with first aid training, giving me the ability to stay calm, attentive, and safety-focused in any situation. I enjoy creating a fun, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel comfortable every day. My goal is to provide families with reliable care and peace of mind while helping children feel happy, safe, and encouraged.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lily
Nanny Lily
San Diego, CA
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a student at SDSU! I love kids and I was born and raised here in San Diego. I love any kinds of activities, and am super outgoing!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Abigail
Nanny Abigail
San Diego, CA
$22/hr
Part-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi!! My name is Abby Steger, and I am a senior at the University of San Diego studying Communication with minors in Marketing and Changemaking. I have over 8 years of babysitting and childcare experience working with children of all ages, from infants to middle schoolers. Over the years, I have worked as both a babysitter and a nanny for multiple families, helping with everything from school pickups and homework to meal prep, bedtime routines, and creating fun activities for kids.
In addition to nannying, I have worked as a summer camp counselor each summer. I truly love building relationships with families and creating a fun, positive, and dependable environment for the kids I work with.
I am very outgoing, active, and reliable, and I always strive to be someone parents can trust and children feel comfortable around! Hope to connect soon!!
In addition to nannying, I have worked as a summer camp counselor each summer. I truly love building relationships with families and creating a fun, positive, and dependable environment for the kids I work with.
I am very outgoing, active, and reliable, and I always strive to be someone parents can trust and children feel comfortable around! Hope to connect soon!!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Aline
Nanny Aline
San Diego, CA
$35 - $55/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Aline. I’m an experienced nanny with a fun, patient, and caring approach. I enjoy creating a safe and positive environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and happy. I especially value emotional awareness, creativity, outdoor activities, and supporting each child’s growth and development based on their individual needs and personality.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
San Diego, CA
$21/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I’m an experienced nanny and the oldest of four, with more than a decade of hands‑on childcare under my belt. I’ve cared for children of all ages, from infants to preteens, and even managed a household for three months while the parent was abroad. I’m CPR and First Aid certified, passionate about helping kids learn and grow, and excited to support a family that values kindness, creativity, and consistency. I love creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment for every child I work with.
I’m also very comfortable around animals — my family has chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats — so pets are never a problem and always a bonus.
I’m also very comfortable around animals — my family has chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats — so pets are never a problem and always a bonus.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Siriyakorn
Nanny Siriyakorn
San Diego, CA
$30 - $45/hr
Full-time
Part-time
9 years experience
A little bit about me
A dedicated nanny with 9 years of experience working with children. Create engaging activities that incorporate learning through play and build children's social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Highly organized and able to care for multiple children at once with safety. Love all outdoor activities and find them useful with numerous benefits for children's mental and physical development.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid