Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Santa Monica, CA in 2026?
In Santa Monica, CA, the average nanny earns about $27.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,082/week or $4,689/month. Most Santa Monica families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$27.05/hr · Santa Monica average
These numbers come from 49 live nanny listings in Santa Monica on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,082
- Monthly
- $4,689
- Annual
- $56,264
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Santa Monica families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/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 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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $27.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$28.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$29.05+ |
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.
How do Santa Monica nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Santa Monica is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in Santa Monica, CA typically costs about 19% more than the California average of $23/hour and 40% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica, CA | $27/hr | — |
| California | $23/hr | -16% |
| United States | $19/hr | -29% |
Where Santa Monica, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.88/hour in Fresno to $28.18/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the Santa Monica, CA average of $27.05/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Santa Monica, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $28.18 | +4% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.53 | -6% | |
| 3 | Oakland | $25.44 | -6% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $24.72 | -9% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $23.86 | -12% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.08 | -22% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $19.90 | -26% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.74 | -27% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $19.07 | -30% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $18.88 | -30% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.18)● Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($18.88)
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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA
49 active listings in Santa Monica
Nanny Angela
Nanny Angela
Santa Monica, CA
$40 - $60/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
I have a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University and several years of experience working with children and families, including autism clinical research. I'm currently taking some time off as I explore a transition into health tech, and I'm excited for the opportunity to spend more time working directly with kids. I'm patient, dependable, and creative, and I enjoy everything from outdoor adventures and arts and crafts to reading, homework help, and imaginative play. My goal is always to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children can thrive. 😊
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Taylor
Nanny Taylor
Santa Monica, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m Taylor from Texas. I am looking to relocate as a full time nanny. I have at least 5 years of professional experience but have been taking care of children my whole life. I am very timely and it’s easy to be comfortable around me & have fun!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rachel
Nanny Rachel
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Rachel and I am 23 years old. I recently moved out to Los Angeles from Minnesota. I have always adored children and more than anything, I love helping others. I am highly responsible and a positive influence. Additionally, I am very outgoing and open to almost anything. I look forward to the opportunity to work with a loving family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Carolina
Nanny Carolina
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Carolina Fuentes, I'm 33 years old, I’m experienced and dedicated nanny. I pride myself on being responsible, easygoing, sweet attitude, providing a nurturing environment for children under my supervision.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Delaney
Nanny Delaney
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Delaney and I’m 21 years old. I am an independent nanny adept at taking initiative in creating child - friendly activities. Maintain organized schedules with little parental guidance. Adept in caring for up to nine children while preparing meals and managing personal, medical and educational activities for each child. I am a full time college student who loves working with children! I am a fully qualified preschool teacher as well as cpr and first aid.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rachel
Nanny Rachel
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Rachel! I graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2020 with a bachelors in sociology and education and then moved back home to San Diego. I currently work as a Registered Behavioral Technician for children with autism. I started working with kids about 8 years ago when I started teaching swim lessons. I have specialized in working with kids with special needs for about 4 years, and have nannied for the past 2. I absolutely love working with children and looking forward to meeting yours!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Monique
Nanny Monique
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Monique aka Mo! I enjoy being creative with children by keeping them busy and entertained with arts & crafts, water play, puzzles, reading, legos, exploring the parks and museums. I am happy to do light housekeeping and meal prep and serve dinner if needed. I am honest and dependable along with being flexible with good communication skills.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Esther
Nanny Esther
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have been a nanny for 25 years. I have experience with newborns and all ages, great references, legal, drive, vaccineted,flexible, fun, love to make kids feel love and secure, live in Santa monica, available to start helping families last week of February or first week of March. Monday to Friday from 8am to 2pm
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Moni
Nanny Moni
Santa Monica, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
9 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Monica. I was formerly a nanny from 2000 to 2005 here in Los Angeles. And a preschool ESL teacher from 1991 through 2000 abroad. I am currently volunteering in the children’s ministry at my church. I was raised here in California. I was born in. Guatemala . Came here to the US when I was a child. I have taken some child development classes in college. Also have references from my previous employers. Thank you.