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 $17.33 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $693/week or $3,004/month. Most Cary families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 154 live nanny listings in Cary on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $693
- Monthly
- $3,004
- Annual
- $36,046
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What drives the price
Most Cary families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/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) | $17.33 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.33 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.33+ |
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 | $18.38/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $17.19/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $16.66/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 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 $15/hour and 3% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cary, NC | $17/hr | — |
| North Carolina | $15/hr | -11% |
| United States | $17/hr | -3% |
Where Cary, NC fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.78/hour in Jacksonville to $18.50/hour in Asheville.
Below: how each compares to the Cary, NC average of $17.33/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Cary, NC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asheville | $18.50 | +7% | |
| 2 | Charlotte | $17.98 | +4% | |
| 3 | Durham | $17.55 | +1% | |
| 4 | Raleigh | $17.41 | — | |
| 5 | Wilmington | $16.55 | -5% | |
| 6 | Winston Salem | $15.36 | -11% | |
| 7 | Greensboro | $14.70 | -15% | |
| 8 | Fayetteville | $13.67 | -21% | |
| 9 | Greenville | $13.48 | -22% | |
| 10 | Jacksonville | $12.78 | -26% |
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 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:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Cary, NC
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 Cary, NC
154 active listings in Cary
Nanny Caylee
Nanny Caylee
A little bit about me
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Nanny Piper
Nanny Piper
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Certifications
Nanny Annaliese
Nanny Annaliese
A little bit about me
I graduated from Green Level High School and have spent years working with children in various roles. At the YMCA, I worked at Camp Grace, Camp Outer Limits, and Sports Camp, gaining experience with kids of all ages and abilities. I also worked before school at Highcroft Elementary and served as the Site Coordinator at Hortons Creek Elementary. I was a camp counselor for three years before transitioning to a student manager position at the Oval at NC State.
I am a kind, patient, and responsible person who genuinely enjoys helping children grow, learn, and develop confidence. Being a positive role model in a child’s life is something I value deeply.
I would love the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm, experience, and care to your family as a nanny!
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Eliana
Nanny Eliana
A little bit about me
"Hi, my name is Eliana. I'm a dedicated person who loves working with children. I enjoy sharing and teaching them through games and multiple activities, promoting various learning methods. I speak Spanish, which would be a great opportunity for your child to learn another language!"
