Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Salem, VA in 2026?
In Salem, VA, the average nanny earns about $14.98 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $599/week or $2,597/month. Most Salem families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$14.98/hr · Salem average
These numbers come from 43 live nanny listings in Salem on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $599
- Monthly
- $2,597
- Annual
- $31,158
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Salem families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $14.98 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$15.98 |
| 3+ kids | ~$16.98+ |
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.
How do Salem nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Salem runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Salem, VA typically costs about 11% less than the Virginia average of $17/hour and 11% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, VA | $15/hr | — |
| Virginia | $17/hr | +13% |
| United States | $17/hr | +12% |
Where Salem, VA fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for nannies near Salem, VA is Mc Lean at $20.67/hour; the least expensive is Hampton at $14.73/hour.
Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Salem, VA and how each compares to Salem, VA's average of $14.98/hour.
Most expensive cities near Salem, VA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Salem, VA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mc Lean | $20.67 | +38% | |
| 2 | Vienna | $19.41 | +30% | |
| 3 | Arlington | $19.39 | +29% | |
| 4 | Leesburg | $19.05 | +27% | |
| 5 | Falls Church | $18.62 | +24% | |
| 6 | Charlottesville | $18.38 | +23% | |
| 7 | Annandale | $18.33 | +22% | |
| 8 | Herndon | $18.24 | +22% | |
| 9 | Fairfax | $17.94 | +20% | |
| 10 | Alexandria | $17.78 | +19% |
Least expensive cities near Salem, VA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Salem, VA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hampton | $14.73 | -2% | |
| 2 | Lynchburg | $14.74 | -2% | |
| 3 | Norfolk | $14.86 | -1% | |
| 4 | Roanoke | $14.88 | -1% | |
| 5 | Chesapeake | $14.98 | — | |
| 6 | Newport News | $15.09 | +1% | |
| 7 | Portsmouth | $15.14 | +1% | |
| 8 | Fredericksburg | $15.30 | +2% | |
| 9 | Winchester | $15.33 | +2% | |
| 10 | Williamsburg | $15.52 | +4% |
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 Salem, VA
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 Salem, VA
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 Salem, VA
43 active listings in Salem
Nanny Niyahh
Nanny Niyahh
Salem, VA
$13 - $15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is niyah and i love being around kids i know how to cook and clean so the kids will be fed and house will be clean
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Bethany
Nanny Bethany
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is bethany rose austin. I am 17 years old, my birthday is december 29th. I am onlined schooled and i am a junior, when i gradauate in 2027 i plan on going into college And becoming a psychiatrist for children. I love meeting new people and making friends and I enjoy helping others and Being there for people. I am really good with children i have a 14 year old brother and a 10 year old sister. Being able to Play with my siblings friends or Seeing Friends and familys kids and playing with them is something i love , i love taking care of others and seeing kids have fun and smile and laugh. I want to be able for every child to have the best childhood possible i miss those memories so much! If you ever need help with your children and want some time to go out and have fun or go to work just reach out for me! Im the person who your kids will love to hang out with and be taken care of when your away doing your own things! I will be there to help !! - Bethany austin
Nanny Allison
Nanny Allison
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I’m a SAHM who homeschools. My children are 11 (boy), 10 (boy), and 8 (girl). They are fairly self sufficient with their work. I would only be able to nanny outside of my home occasionally. Those exceptions would be overnight care while my husband is home with our children. If you’re open to in home care, I would only take one child or siblings. Before homeschooling I taught in public schools for 10+ years. I’ve been the Children’s Director at our church for 2 years, working with children 0-21 years old. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a valid Virginia State Teaching License.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Samantha
Nanny Samantha
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m a 19 year old Nursing student studying at Radford University Carilion. I currently work in the daycare part of the YMCA, and am looking to work with some more kids individually. If you’re looking for someone who loves children, is very dependable, caring, and respectful, I could be the one for you! I can also do light housework, house setting and pet sitting as well. Let me know if you have any questions!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lacey
Nanny Lacey
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am currently living in Salem for college and I am pursuing an elementary education degree. I am also a creative person, I love crocheting and making jewelry. I love spending time with my little cousins and my younger sister. Even though I have not had paid experience as a nanny, I feel that I am well suited for caring for children because of my experience with my younger family members. I have experience with children ranging from infants to 12 years old. My goal after college is to one day own my own daycare or become a kindergarten teacher. I think it's important to provide children with a fun, fulfilling and enriched environment. I am an enthusiastic and responsible person and I look forward to meeting you and your kids!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Micaela
Nanny Micaela
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Micaela and I recently relocated to the Salem area from Richmond. I'm an English major and have 4 years working experience as a Pre-K Teacher. I started doing nannying as a way to provide for myself during the pandemic and worked full time for 2 families during [phone number hidden]. Working with children is a passion of mine along with hiking, music, reading, and crafting!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mackenzie
Nanny Mackenzie
Salem, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Mackenzie I am a 19 year old woman in college. I am going there school online to be a veterinarian technician ( so I am okay with all animals) and I am free all day. I love children of all ages. I do not have professional experience but I have watched many children from helping in an orphanage to baby sitting my nephew and my cousins. I love to watch Disney movies and play dress up with kids. I love to do play in the mud and even do some art work. Although I am not CPR or First AID certified I am a nurses kid and I do know how to do both( I can get licenses if I need to) I hope you will give me the opportunity to work and be part of your family. Thank you so much, I can’t wait.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Leslie
Nanny Leslie
Salem, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Leslie, I love spending time with children and seeing how they grow and interact with everything and everyone they see. I don't have much experience besides my siblings and a high school class I had where we would help preschool class. I do believe I'd do a great job as a baby sitter or nanny.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Ayrissa
Nanny Ayrissa
Salem, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I love taking care of kids I still work at the skating rink that’s when I knew I wanted to work with kids I will have my drivers license next month and I’m 17 almost 18 looking for a long term job