Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Washington, DC in 2026?
In Washington, DC, the average full-time nanny earns about $24.25 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $970/week or $4,203/month. Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$32/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$24.25/hr · Washington average
These numbers come from 221 live full-time nanny listings in Washington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $970
- Monthly
- $4,203
- Annual
- $50,440
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$32/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 full-time 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) | $24.25 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.25 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.25+ |
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 Washington full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Washington is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in Washington, DC typically costs about the same as the District of Columbia average of $24/hour and 24% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $24/hr | — |
| District of Columbia | $24/hr | 0% |
| United States | $20/hr | -19% |
Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-time 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 full-time 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 full-time nanny in Washington, DC
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Washington, DC
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the full-time 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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your full-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available full-time nannies in Washington, DC
221 active listings in Washington
Nanny Azsaray
Nanny Azsaray
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Azsaray Hines. I am 22 years old and recently graduated from high school. I have two wonderful children of my own a 5 month-old and a 3 year-old which has given me valuable experience caring for young children. I truly love working with kids and enjoy helping them learn, grow, and have fun. I am a patient, caring, and dependable person who enjoys playing games, going on adventures, and creating a safe, positive environment where children can feel happy and comfortable. I would love the opportunity to care for your children and treat them with the same kindness and attention I give my own.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Salima
Nanny Salima
Washington, DC
$30 - $36/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Salima Mohamed,
I am currently with my employer of almost 8 years, which will be ending at the ending of June so I’m looking to start early July looking for a full-time Nanny position. I am a well-rounded loving caring all of the above. I have CPR and first aid experience. I have three adult daughters of my own whom are 36 years old 33 years old 27 years old I have 25+ years of experience might said that early on I am working with a great family who are willing to share about me. I have great references. I am very well known in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Chevy Chase Connecticut Avenue DC area. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number hidden] or my email address is HAIMAN [email hidden]. Thank you so much looking forward to hearing.
I am currently with my employer of almost 8 years, which will be ending at the ending of June so I’m looking to start early July looking for a full-time Nanny position. I am a well-rounded loving caring all of the above. I have CPR and first aid experience. I have three adult daughters of my own whom are 36 years old 33 years old 27 years old I have 25+ years of experience might said that early on I am working with a great family who are willing to share about me. I have great references. I am very well known in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Chevy Chase Connecticut Avenue DC area. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number hidden] or my email address is HAIMAN [email hidden]. Thank you so much looking forward to hearing.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Marleni
Nanny Marleni
Washington, DC
$25 - $26/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I have experience in childcare and preschool settings, and I love creating a fun, structured, and nurturing environment for children. I enjoy planning activities that support learning, creativity, and emotional development—making each day engaging and meaningful.
*CPR Certified
*Preschool & early childhood experience *Structured routines & creative activities
*Focus on development, independence & social skills
I'm caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids. I speak English and Spanish.
*CPR Certified
*Preschool & early childhood experience *Structured routines & creative activities
*Focus on development, independence & social skills
I'm caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids. I speak English and Spanish.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Olivia
Nanny Olivia
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I graduated from college two years ago and recently moved to the area for a new job. While my long‑term goal is to attend law school in a few years, I am currently looking for work that allows me to earn income while maintaining flexibility to study. I have several years of experience as a nanny and am the oldest of two siblings, so I am very comfortable in family‑oriented environments and always willing to help where needed. I also have experience with cooking and household support.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jala
Nanny Jala
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a well-rounded individual, having served as a child development specialist, AmeriCorps after school program coordinator in the past, and currently a part-time community wellness and mental health curator, and full-time government consultant.
I’m looking to remove my myself fully from the government space, and pour more of my energy into supporting community and families especially during these transitional times.
I’m looking to remove my myself fully from the government space, and pour more of my energy into supporting community and families especially during these transitional times.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Alejandra
Nanny Alejandra
Washington, DC
Active Now
$24/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi families! My name is Alejandra, I’m 26 and originally from Colombia. I have 6 years of experience working with children, starting in my adolescence and later in a company supporting wellness and development programs for employees’ children. I’ve worked with newborns to 6 years old, helping with language development, potty training, sleep routines, and structured schedules. I am patient, nurturing, responsible, and deeply committed to creating a safe and loving environment where children feel secure and happy. I am CPR and First Aid certified, have a driver’s license, and strong references available. I am looking for a respectful family where we can build trust through open communication and teamwork while supporting the children’s growth and well-being.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Madeleine
Nanny Madeleine
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a childcare and education professional who has been working with children for the past three years. Whether in the classroom or in the home, I bring enthusiasm, inclusion, and connection with each child.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Ashley
Nanny Ashley
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Ashley dependable, caring, and great with kids. I have a strong customer service background that’s taught me patience, responsibility, and how to create a positive, supportive environment. I’m attentive, organized, and love helping children feel safe, happy, and engaged. Currently based in the DC area and excited to support a wonderful family!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Kamden
Nanny Kamden
Washington, DC
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello!! My name is Kamden Doss (Kami) for short. I am 47 years old, a mom of 2 adult daughters, and 3 grandchildren. I stay in the DMV area with my own transportation. I recently retired from serving and decided that this career may be a good fit for me since I love children. I am trustworthy and dependable. I work full-time from home for a university which gives me the freedom to have open availability. I am available anytime and have a clean clearance record. If you are in a crunch and want to leave your children worry free so you can work at ease give me a call!
Have experience working with
Infants