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.
These numbers come from 118 live nanny listings in Wilmington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $776
- Monthly
- $3,361
- Annual
- $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.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $19.39 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$20.39 |
| 3+ kids | ~$21.39+ |
Hours & 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
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $20.81/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $19.37/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.80/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 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.
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.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. 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
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Wilmington, DE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | $19.57 | +1% | |
| 2 | Wilmington | $19.39 | — | |
| 3 | Bear | $19.31 | — | |
| 4 | Middletown | $18.98 | -2% | |
| 5 | New Castle | $18.69 | -4% | |
| 6 | Milford | $18.62 | -4% | |
| 7 | Millsboro | $18.54 | -4% | |
| 8 | Dover | $17.97 | -7% |
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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
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:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Wilmington, DE
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 Wilmington, DE
118 active listings in Wilmington
Nanny Unique
Nanny Unique
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Nataleigh
Nanny Nataleigh
A little bit about me
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
Certifications
Nanny Martha
Nanny Martha
A little bit about me
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.