Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Boulder, CO in 2026?

In Boulder, CO, the average nanny earns about $20.83 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $833/week or $3,611/month. Most Boulder families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$20.83/hr · Boulder average

These numbers come from 202 live nanny listings in Boulder on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$833
$3,611
$43,326

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What drives the price

Most Boulder families pay somewhere in the $15–$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 $19.83/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $23.40/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)$20.83
2 kids~$21.83
3+ kids~$22.83+

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$22.99/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$20.26/hr
Live-inSet by family$20.88/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.

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 nanny.

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

Boulder is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.

Hiring nannies in Boulder, CO typically costs about 8% more than the Colorado average of $19/hour and 24% more than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Boulder, CO and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Boulder, CO
Boulder, CO$21/hr
Colorado$19/hr-7%
United States$17/hr-20%

Where Boulder, CO fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.94/hour in Pueblo to $20.83/hour in Boulder.

Below: how each compares to the Boulder, CO average of $20.83/hour — Boulder, CO is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Boulder, CO ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Boulder, CO
Boulder$20.83
2Denver$20.56-1%
3Littleton$20.51-2%
4Westminster$19.89-5%
5Aurora$18.95-9%
6Fort Collins$18.58-11%
7Colorado Springs$17.66-15%
8Greeley$17.18-18%
9Grand Junction$16.94-19%
10Pueblo$15.94-23%
Most expensive nearby: Boulder ($20.83) Least expensive nearby: Pueblo ($15.94)

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 Boulder, CO

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 Boulder, CO

    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 Boulder, CO

202 active listings in Boulder

Camille A. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Camille

Boulder, CO
$25 - $35/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Camille, and I’m a 21-year-old student at the University of Colorado Boulder. I’ve been babysitting for the past 5 years and have worked with many families, caring for children ranging from 6 months old to 7 years old. I love working with kids and creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where they can learn, play, and feel supported.

I’m responsible, reliable, have a valid driver’s license, and am comfortable helping with activities, outings, meal preparation, and maintaining routines. I enjoy spending time outdoors, staying active, and finding creative ways to keep children engaged. I take childcare seriously and strive to be someone both parents and children can trust and feel comfortable with

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Atenaida Y. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Atenaida

Boulder, CO
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a caring, responsible, and energetic childcare provider with over 1, 500 hours of experience caring for children, especially infants and toddlers. I truly enjoy creating a safe, loving, and fun environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and supported. I am very patient, affectionate, and attentive to each child's individual needs.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Molly F. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Molly

Boulder, CO
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Molly, a reliable and energetic nanny with a background in teaching dance and working with kids of all ages through children’s theater and creative programs. I love creating a fun, positive environment where kids feel supported, active, and engaged. I’m organized, patient, and enjoy helping with everything from crafts and outdoor activities to homework and daily routines. I value building strong relationships with both kids and parents and always aim to bring warmth, creativity, and dependability to every family I work with.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Delaney S. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Delaney

Boulder, CO
$20/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Delaney, I’m 21 years old, and I currently live in Boulder, CO! I studied esthetics and am looking into going back to school to be full cosmetology. I have about five years of childcare under my belt two of which were spent teaching swim lessons and being a lifeguard. I am CPR and first aid certified, can provide my own mode of transportation, pet friendly, and am willing to do tasks around the house if needed! I’m looking forward to meeting you and your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ansley H. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Ansley

Boulder, CO
$20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is ansley hartley and I am born and raised in boulder colorado! I have been babysitting for 2 years and I am 17 years old! I am looking for a steady weekend babysitting job as well as weeknights!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ashley M. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Ashley

Boulder, CO
$29 - $36/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

I am an artsy, creative, book-loving nanny with over 8 years of nanny experience. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in education, and greatly enjoy working with children!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mia M. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Mia

Boulder, CO
$20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I'm Mia Matthews! I'm a student at the university of colorado boulder, I'm a sophomore. I was studying ENVD, but over the summer changed my major to education! My dream is to teach middle school math. I've been a camp counselor at Geneva Glen camp for the past two summers and have fallen in love with working with kids! I would love to babysit/nanny to make some extra money and to continue to grow my experience, but I am a full time student and am willing to be as flexible as my schedule allows! I'm super excited for this opportunity to grow connections, help out, and make lasting memories with kids while keeping things fun and safe!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lacey F. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Lacey

Boulder, CO
$20/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello 👋 Im Lacey

I spealize in infant care. Im a certified birth and postpartum doula. I have over ten years experience working with newborns and infants. I also have experience as a night nanny. And I have amazing references.

Even though I spealize in infants I love working with kids of all ages. I have been an enrichment teacher for before and after school programs. I love learning and art! I have taught creative writing and storytelling as well as improv to kids.

I am an active listener and I believe babies and children deserve to be heard and honored. I love educational adventures and taking kids into nature.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tess H. - Seeking Work in Boulder

Nanny Tess

Boulder, CO
$20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Tess, and I am currently a senior at CU. I am originally from Hermosa Beach, California, but I absolutely fell in love with Colorado when I came to school. I love spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, and swimming. I also enjoy reading, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. I am very people-oriented and love to get to know new people! I have two years of babysitting experience with kids from the ages of 9 months to 10 years old.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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