Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Princeton, NJ in 2026?

In Princeton, NJ, the average nanny earns about $24.58 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $983/week or $4,261/month. Most Princeton families pay somewhere in the $15–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$24.58/hr · Princeton average

These numbers come from 46 live nanny listings in Princeton on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$983
$4,261
$51,126

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What drives the price

Most Princeton families pay somewhere in the $15–$35/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a nanny's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

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)$24.58
2 kids~$25.58
3+ kids~$26.58+

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.

How do Princeton nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Princeton is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.

Hiring nannies in Princeton, NJ typically costs about 14% more than the New Jersey average of $21/hour and 27% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Princeton, NJ and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Princeton, NJ
Princeton, NJ$25/hr—
New Jersey$21/hr-13%
United States$19/hr-21%

Where Princeton, NJ fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for nannies near Princeton, NJ is Hoboken at $24.09/hour; the least expensive is Paterson at $19.76/hour.

Below are the 6 most and 6 least expensive cities near Princeton, NJ and how each compares to Princeton, NJ's average of $24.58/hour.

Most expensive cities near Princeton, NJ

Top 6 most expensive cities near Princeton, NJ for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Princeton, NJ
1Hoboken$24.09-2%
2Montclair$23.32-5%
3Union$22.95-7%
4Union City$22.27-9%
5Toms River$21.71-12%
6Jersey City$21.53-12%

Least expensive cities near Princeton, NJ

Top 6 least expensive cities near Princeton, NJ for hiring a nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Princeton, NJ
1Paterson$19.76-20%
2Elizabeth$20.74-16%
3North Bergen$20.79-15%
4Bayonne$20.93-15%
5Newark$21.00-15%
6East Orange$21.02-14%

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 Princeton, NJ

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 Princeton, NJ

    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 Princeton, NJ

46 active listings in Princeton

Jacqueline K. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Jacqueline

Princeton, NJ
$25/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Jackie, and I am originally from South Africa. I am a career nanny with over 18 years of experience and I love working with kids and supporting parents on their journey to raising kids. I have alot of experience working with infants and toddlers and pre schoolers. I look forward to hearing from you!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Liubov Y. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Liubov

Princeton, NJ
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I have experience working with families as a nanny and caregiver. I am reliable, organized, and attentive, and I always try to create a safe, supportive. And positive environment for children.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Barrie aka Bunny M. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Barrie aka Bunny

Princeton, NJ
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Barrie but everyone calls me Bunny and I grew up in Princeton. I am a certified ProDoula Postpartum Doula, Infant Feeding Educator, Newborn Care Specialist, and Pediatric Sleep consultant. I have taken care of dozens of newborns and also work as a night baby nurse for newborns. I am certified in Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid. I have a clear background as well as 29 five star reviews on CaredotCom.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Caitlin B. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Caitlin

Princeton, NJ
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am a long time homeschooling mom of 5 whose kids have all moved on to public school. I during our homeschooling time I also owned and operated Root & Wild Schoolhouse which was a homeschool enrichment program for kids ages 5-13 and worked as an apprentice at Raritan Learning Cooperative where I currently volunteer on their Board of Trustees. I was also a nanny for 5 kids ages 0-9 while I was going to college from [phone number hidden]. I love getting creative, having fun outdoors and am very good with pets. I have experience with food allergies and special needs.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ana P. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Ana

Princeton, NJ
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello parents, my name is Ana María, I’m 28, I’m from Colombia and I moved to the USA 2.5 years ago. I used to be an au pair for 1.5 years but now I’m living whit my husband and our cute dog called coda. I’m very experienced whit kids between 0 to 15 years old, I’m responsible, hard working and easy going person, and I like to provide a fun and safe environment for the children I take care for, I’m CPR certified, I have a clean driving record.
I’m currently working as a full time nanny taking care of a sweet 1 year old boy in Robinsville, but my job whit this family ends on August, I’m looking for a full time position and I can provide references.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alica L. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Alica

Princeton, NJ
$23/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is AJ and I’m a compassionate, loving, go-with-the-flow mom who truly adores children. I have a three-year-old of my own, so I understand firsthand how much patience, creativity, and care little ones need as they grow and learn.

I’ve worked as a Head Teacher in a Montessori environment, guiding young children through hands-on experiences that build confidence, independence, and joy in learning. I hold an Infant and Toddler Montessori Certificate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development.

I love bringing my background in early education into everyday life—through art, dance, nature walks, and meaningful routines that help children feel secure and happy. I believe in letting kids express themselves, make choices, and have fun while learning respect, kindness, and responsibility.

If you have any questions about me or my experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Rosy E. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Rosy

Princeton, NJ
$20 - $30/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Pacie Hello parents, my name is Maria , I’m 38 and I’m from Guatemala. I moved to the USA 5 years ago. I live whit my husband and my 10 years old daughter, we live in the princeton area. I’m very experienced whit kids between 0 to 15 years old, I’m responsible, hard working and easy going person, and I like to provide a fun and safe environment for the children I take care for, I have a clean driving record. I’m looking for a full time position and I can provide references.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Rusha K. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Rusha

Princeton, NJ
$17 - $22/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm a college student with experience working in the culinary sector! I am good at meal prep and making healthy foods as well as tutoring, if necessary! I have experience in the service sector working at a dining hall, so additional housekeeping will be excellent!
Nadia S. - Seeking Work in Princeton

Nanny Nadia

Princeton, NJ
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Nadia and I have my bachelors in elementary education and my masters in special education! I have worked in a daycare before with the 3's and 4's and during the school year I am a middle school special education teacher. I am 24 years old and I love all types of animals!

Certification

CPR
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