Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Cary, NC in 2026?

In Cary, NC, the average nanny earns about $19.85 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $794/week or $3,441/month. Most Cary families pay somewhere in the $10–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$19.85/hr · Cary average

These numbers come from 112 live nanny listings in Cary on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$794
$3,441
$41,288

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What drives the price

Most Cary families pay somewhere in the $10–$28/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to nanny rates in Cary, NC. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $20.36/hour, and the most experienced (6-10 yrs) come in at a similar $21.30/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)$19.85
2 kids~$20.85
3+ kids~$21.85+

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$21.36/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$21.04/hr
Live-inSet by family$19.96/hr

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 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 Cary nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Cary sits close to the national average for nanny rates.

Hiring nannies in Cary, NC typically costs about 12% more than the North Carolina average of $18/hour and 2% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Cary, NC and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Cary, NC
Cary, NC$20/hr—
North Carolina$18/hr-11%
United States$19/hr-2%

Where Cary, NC fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Cary, NC is Asheville at $21.82/hour; the least expensive is Jacksonville at $14.96/hour.

Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Cary, NC and how each compares to Cary, NC's average of $19.85/hour.

Most expensive cities near Cary, NC

Top 5 most expensive cities near Cary, NC for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Cary, NC
1Asheville$21.82+10%
2Charlotte$20.44+3%
3Durham$19.76—
4Raleigh$19.67-1%
5Wilmington$18.70-6%

Least expensive cities near Cary, NC

Top 5 least expensive cities near Cary, NC for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Cary, NC
1Jacksonville$14.96-25%
2Fayetteville$15.13-24%
3Greenville$15.36-23%
4Greensboro$17.14-14%
5Winston Salem$17.61-11%

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 Cary, NC

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 Cary, NC

    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 Cary, NC

112 active listings in Cary

Jessica G. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Jessica

Cary, NC
$18 - $24/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Jessica Guyadeen. I'm interested in the nanny position with your family. A mother of three children, which has given me many years of hands-on experience caring for children and managing their daily needs. I also have the experience of babysitting for friends & family and was paid for it.

For the past eight years, I have worked as a senior care provider, offering compassionate, dependable, and attentive care. Working with elders has strengthen my patience, responsibility, communication skills, and ability to handle daily routines calmly & professionally.

I have a certificate of completion in Standard CPR and AED. Would truly love the opportunity to learn more about your family

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Daniela F. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Daniela

Cary, NC
$18 - $27/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Experienced caregiver and house manager with 9+ years supporting families. My experience includes caring for infants and toddlers, while maintaining a safe, calm and organized home. I am comfortable with meal preparation, laundry, tidying, organization and household errands. I am dependable, attentive and proactive and I enjoy helping families keep both their children and household well cared for.
Happy to answer any other questions,
Graciously,
Daniela

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Katelynd C. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Katelynd

Cary, NC
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Kate!

I have been nannying on and off for about three years as I completed my Bachelors Degree and Juris Doctorate.

I worked full-time for two years with a family with one child (aged one), and later part-time, for about a year, with a family with two small children (aged 6 months and three years).

I am looking to connect with a family who needs full-time work, but would be open to part-time work as well! I am more than happy to nanny for any age, and as one of six children in my own family, would be more than open to nannying for several children.

Please do not hesitate to reach out, I am more than happy to share more details about myself and experience!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Jules B. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Jules

Cary, NC
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I am Julia. I have 3 + plus years in childcare experience and lots of babysitting. I absolutely love kids and I am cpr certified.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Janiyah W. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Janiyah

Cary, NC
$18 - $20/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a kind, reliable, and energetic caregiver who truly enjoys spending time with children. I love arts and crafts, reading stories, outdoor activities, and helping kids reach new milestones. My goal is to make every child feel safe, happy, and cared for.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Maggie S. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Maggie

Cary, NC
$17 - $30/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there families! I am a 23 year old Teaching assistant for first grade and I absolutely love working with kiddos! I have been a nanny for one summer, a TA for a year, and got my bachelors in psychology with a developmental specialty. I love to be outside and help children learn the most that they can (even on summer break!)

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Caylee H. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Caylee

Cary, NC
$17 - $23/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Caylee and I am a college student looking for babysitting and nannying work for the summer. I love working with kids and have experience both as a paid baby sitter and as a volunteer daycare and camp worker. I am flexible with various schedules, comfortable with pets, can do housework, and have a car!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Reagan A. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Reagan

Cary, NC
$20/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 24 years old and i have a 9.5 month old daughter! I have worked with ages 3 months to 9 years old! Children have always been a passion of mine and I would love to find the perfect family!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zamiyah L. - Seeking Work in Cary

Nanny Zamiyah

Cary, NC
$20/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Z, and I’m an experienced and enthusiastic caregiver currently preparing to attend UNC Wilmington this fall, where I’ll be studying psychology with a focus on the childhood development pathway.
I’ve been working with kids as a babysitter on and off since middle school, building strong, lasting relationships with families and gaining experience with a wide range of ages. I also spent several summers at a sleepaway camp that I attended as a camper myself, where I later became a trainee and then a camp counselor. Those experiences helped me develop skills in leadership, patience, creativity, and managing groups of children in fun and engaging ways.
I’m passionate about working with children and am excited to continue learning through my psychology studies. I’m also currently working toward getting my driver’s license and have my permit.
I would love the opportunity to support your family and provide a caring, reliable, and fun environment for your kids!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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