Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Wilmington, DE in 2026?

In Wilmington, DE, the average nanny earns about $19.39 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $776/week or $3,361/month. Most Wilmington 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$19.39/hr · Wilmington average

These numbers come from 118 live nanny listings in Wilmington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$776
$3,361
$40,331

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What drives the price

Most Wilmington 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 $18.28/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $22.05/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)$19.39
2 kids~$20.39
3+ kids~$21.39+

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$20.81/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$19.37/hr
Live-inSet by family$18.80/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 Wilmington nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Wilmington sits close to the national average for nanny rates.

Hiring nannies in Wilmington, DE typically costs about 3% more than the Delaware average of $19/hour and the same as the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Wilmington, DE and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, DE$19/hr—
Delaware$19/hr-3%
United States$19/hr+0%

Where Wilmington, DE fits among nearby cities

8 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $17.97/hour in Dover to $19.57/hour in Newark.

Below: how each compares to the Wilmington, DE average of $19.39/hour — Wilmington, DE is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

8 cities near Wilmington, DE ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Wilmington, DE
1Newark$19.57+1%
Wilmington$19.39—
3Bear$19.31—
4Middletown$18.98-2%
5New Castle$18.69-4%
6Milford$18.62-4%
7Millsboro$18.54-4%
8Dover$17.97-7%
● Most expensive nearby: Newark ($19.57)● Least expensive nearby: Dover ($17.97)

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 Wilmington, DE

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 Wilmington, DE

    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 Wilmington, DE

118 active listings in Wilmington

Unique W. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Unique

Wilmington, DE
$19/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is unique Williams I’ve been working with children for 4 years now I’ve worked at Goddard school in wilmington for almost 2 years and same at tiny tots. I love working with kids hearing them, making them feel understood, warm and comfortable.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Nataleigh R. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Nataleigh

Wilmington, DE
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey, my name is Nataleigh, I’m 19 I’ll be 20 in December. I have been babysitting and taking care of children since I was 8.
I live in the Wilmington de area. I would describe myself as responsible, kind, and hard working. I love children of all ages, and have previously taken cpr and first aid courses for both adults and children. I’m looking for a full time position as a nanny, live in or commute.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Martha D. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Martha

Wilmington, DE
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I have 20 years of nanny experience with all age children from Infant to elementary age. I have a degree in elementary education, and I love children. I am very patient and affectionate, responsible and trustworthy.
I have cared for several infants over the years and have completed my Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula trainings. I am finishing up my Lactation certification training this fall.
I am experienced and comfortable with breastfeeding and formula feeding, introducing solids, and making homemade baby food. I also have experience as a night nanny and gentle sleep coaching.
I am a happy person, and easy to get along with. As a parent, I have had caregivers myself, and understand the importance of finding the right, qualified person to care for your child. I have excellent references.
I am currently available a few nights/week for night nanny. I will have more availability starting September 2026 for newborn care.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Johnnasha C. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Johnnasha

Wilmington, DE
$18.58/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Johnnasha i went to school for early childhood and work with the preschool kids at my high school

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Shanika P. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Shanika

Wilmington, DE
$20/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Shanika. I am a compassionate and dependable nanny and caregiver with a strong passion for supporting families. I provide attentive childcare while also assisting with caregiving needs such as daily routines, companionship, and personal support. I prioritize safety, patience, and open communication to ensure everyone in my care feels comfortable, respected, and valued. My goal is to create a nurturing and structured environment that gives families peace of mind.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zion W. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Zion

Wilmington, DE
$19/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Zion Wright ,I am a responsible and dependable high school student who takes pride in being patient, attentive, and caring. I enjoy working with children and focus on creating a safe, calm, and positive environment for them. I am respectful, reliable, and able to follow instructions and routines carefully while communicating clearly with parents

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kylie D. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Kylie

Wilmington, DE
$20/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

I have been surrounded by children for as long as I can remember. I come from a family of teachers, daycare providers and nanny’s. In the past I have nannied for 5 children under the age of 5. As well as other families with young children. I provide a nurturing ,caring and understanding care and make sure safety is a number one priority at all moments.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Deanna M. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Deanna

Wilmington, DE
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I absolutely love children! I have over 27 years in experience working with all ages. Im reliable, trustworthy and you will never have a worry!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ruchie C. - Seeking Work in Wilmington

Nanny Ruchie

Wilmington, DE
$20/hr
Part-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Ruchie Carey 39 yrs old. I have 2 kids the older is 5 yrs of age and his autistic. And the younger brother 18mnths old. And I am free while his brother in the school . And i am welling to take care kid for a couple hours . Thank u and godbless.

Have experience working with

Infants
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