Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Traverse City, MI in 2026?
In Traverse City, MI, the average nanny earns about $17.50 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $700/week or $3,033/month. Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.50/hr · Traverse City average
These numbers come from 156 live nanny listings in Traverse City on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $700
- Monthly
- $3,033
- Annual
- $36,400
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/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 $17.47/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $20.39/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) | $17.50 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.50 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.50+ |
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 | $18.33/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $18.59/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $18.65/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.
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 Traverse City nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Traverse City sits close to the national average for nanny rates.
Hiring nannies in Traverse City, MI typically costs about 8% more than the Michigan average of $16/hour and 4% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $18/hr | — |
| Michigan | $16/hr | -8% |
| United States | $17/hr | -4% |
Where Traverse City, MI fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for nannies near Traverse City, MI is Ann Arbor at $18.32/hour; the least expensive is Lansing at $14.80/hour.
Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Traverse City, MI and how each compares to Traverse City, MI's average of $17.50/hour.
Most expensive cities near Traverse City, MI
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Traverse City, MI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Arbor | $18.32 | +5% | |
| 2 | Royal Oak | $18.14 | +4% | |
| 3 | Traverse CityThis city | $17.25 | -1% | |
| 4 | Rochester Hills | $17.15 | -2% | |
| 5 | Troy | $16.68 | -5% | |
| 6 | West Bloomfield Township | $16.34 | -7% | |
| 7 | Livonia | $16.26 | -7% | |
| 8 | Novi | $16.18 | -8% | |
| 9 | Farmington Hills | $16.13 | -8% | |
| 10 | Macomb | $16.05 | -8% |
Least expensive cities near Traverse City, MI
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Traverse City, MI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansing | $14.80 | -15% | |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | $15.21 | -13% | |
| 3 | Southfield | $15.43 | -12% | |
| 4 | Holland | $15.55 | -11% | |
| 5 | Kalamazoo | $15.57 | -11% | |
| 6 | Ypsilanti | $15.58 | -11% | |
| 7 | Clinton Township | $15.58 | -11% | |
| 8 | Warren | $15.70 | -10% | |
| 9 | Sterling Heights | $15.76 | -10% | |
| 10 | Dearborn | $15.98 | -9% |
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
156 active listings in Traverse City
Nanny Ryan
Nanny Ryan
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Mack and I am a college student studying government with intentions of becoming a lawyer after grad school. I am completely first aid and CPR certified in adults, children, and infants. I speak a little Spanish as well as some baby sign language. I have 4 siblings so I've grown up taking care of little ones. I've always tested above average and pride myself on intelligence, and have also tutored kids in the past.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emory
Nanny Emory
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Emory, I am 19 years old and am looking for an opportunity to work as a full-time or part-time nanny! I’ve worked as a lifeguard for the past four years so I am CPR and First Aid trained. I love kids, and have 5 siblings, as well as a bit of babysitting experience with family friends. I enjoy tidying and keeping things clean as well as being creative. I am very patient and understanding especially with children and want them to have the most positive experiences can provide!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny London
Nanny London
Traverse City, MI
$17.50/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is London and I am an Early Childhood Education student at NMC in Traverse City. I have always loved being around children! I have 6 youngers siblings, 2 of which have special needs. I started in childcare in 2020 at age 13 as a regular weekly sitter for a family with 2 children, 1 of which has special needs. I continue to still watch their, now 3 children regularly. I grew up with cats and dogs, they are no issue. I love music of all kinds, and spending time friends and family.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Ava
Nanny Ava
Traverse City, MI
$17/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hey my name is ava and I am 17 years old and have baby sat for many of my family and friends. I enjoy helping people out and working with the adorable young ones! I only want the best for the new generation. I am willing to teach them new things and guide them to be the best they can be!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Kierce
Nanny Kierce
Traverse City, MI
$17/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Kierce and I am a full time student at Northwestern Michigan College working toward a degree in Conservation Biology. I am passionate about people and the planet, with a special love for little ones. I have plenty of baby sitting experience with all ages and am looking forward to helping you get that much needed break!
I am available weekdays in the late afternoon and evenings and weekends all day.
I am available weekdays in the late afternoon and evenings and weekends all day.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Amber
Nanny Amber
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have an Early Childhood Education degree, own & taught in my private Preschool from [phone number hidden]. Previously I worked in public schools ranging from aids, lunches, assistant to lead.
I am happily married for 20 years and we have adult 3 children ages 18, 19 & 21. We also have a 15 month little boy.
My care/teaching style is calm, nurturing, and hands-on child-led play. I prioritize spending time outside, reading, outings/play dates, messy play, singing/dancing & being out right silly. I have first aid/CPR certifications and
reliable transportation with no tickets history.
I am happily married for 20 years and we have adult 3 children ages 18, 19 & 21. We also have a 15 month little boy.
My care/teaching style is calm, nurturing, and hands-on child-led play. I prioritize spending time outside, reading, outings/play dates, messy play, singing/dancing & being out right silly. I have first aid/CPR certifications and
reliable transportation with no tickets history.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emily
Nanny Emily
Traverse City, MI
$17/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am currently working remote for Munson Medical Center but love working with children and hope to help a family out, around my work schedule of Monday-Friday from 8am-430pm. I love being outside in all seasons and believe in the importance of an active lifestyle. It's all about making memories! I'm open to discussing weekend opportunities all of my family lives downstate and I do like to visit them from time to time on the weekends.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Madison
Nanny Madison
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Childcare has always been a passion on mine, I have a special place in my heart for infants and toddlers.
When I was 11 years old I started as a 3 night a week babysitter for a 2 and 6-year-old. I continued to babysit and nanny in the summertime for many families over the years until I graduated from high school. From there I worked in daycare for a little over 2 years, the second year I also was an after school nanny for the family that owned the Primrose I was working at.
For the last 3 years I was a nanny for an amazing family, helping to rise their 2 kids and seeing them through many milestones and fun, wonderful trips to Disney world! Unfortunately children grow up and the time has come that I start looking for new littles to love.
I have many personal and professional references and recommendations as well driving history as well as background checks to offer (available on care.com)!
When I was 11 years old I started as a 3 night a week babysitter for a 2 and 6-year-old. I continued to babysit and nanny in the summertime for many families over the years until I graduated from high school. From there I worked in daycare for a little over 2 years, the second year I also was an after school nanny for the family that owned the Primrose I was working at.
For the last 3 years I was a nanny for an amazing family, helping to rise their 2 kids and seeing them through many milestones and fun, wonderful trips to Disney world! Unfortunately children grow up and the time has come that I start looking for new littles to love.
I have many personal and professional references and recommendations as well driving history as well as background checks to offer (available on care.com)!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Paige
Nanny Paige
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Paige I am 18 years old and looking for a nanny job. I love kids and have worked with them quite a bit. I am CPR certified as well. I am currently finishing up my degree in college, as well as attending esthetician school. I am currently employed at Loco Boys Brewing company as a food runner. I love pets and the outdoors as well!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid