Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Madison, WI in 2026?

In Madison, WI, the average full-time nanny earns about $20.45 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $818/week or $3,545/month. Most Madison families pay somewhere in the $8–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$20.45/hr · Madison average

These numbers come from 77 live full-time nanny listings in Madison on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$818
$3,545
$42,536

Find full-time nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Madison families pay somewhere in the $8–$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 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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$20.45
2 kids~$21.45
3+ kids~$22.45+

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 Madison full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Madison sits close to the national average for full-time nanny rates.

Hiring full-time nannies in Madison, WI typically costs about 14% more than the Wisconsin average of $18/hour and 5% more than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Madison, WI and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Madison, WI
Madison, WI$20/hr
Wisconsin$18/hr-13%
United States$20/hr-4%

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Madison, WI

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:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time nanny profiles in Madison, WI

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 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.

  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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Madison, WI

77 active listings in Madison

Quinlan S. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Quinlan

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I just graduated high school and am looking to help a family during the summer before I leave for college!

Have experience working with

Infants
Maeve H. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Maeve

Madison, WI
$18 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I recently graduated from UW with a double major in Gender and Women's Studies and Art History. I love long walks, movies, music, and any kind of craft I can get my hands on!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Addy K. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Addy

Madison, WI
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Addison “Addy” Kempf, and I’m currently a college student living in Madison looking for a nanny position with a kind and welcoming family. I’m outgoing, dependable, patient, and love creating positive, fun environments for kids. I have experience balancing school, work, and caregiving responsibilities, which has helped me become extremely organized and adaptable.

I’ve worked in customer service, serving, bartending, and caregiving roles, all of which strengthened my communication skills and ability to connect with people of all ages. I also grew up around animals and farm life, so I’m very comfortable helping with pets, routines, meals, transportation, and keeping up with busy households. I love being active, spending time outdoors, and being someone children can feel safe and comfortable around.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ruby J. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Ruby

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi!! My name is Ruby and I’m currently a senior in high school. I’m leaving for college in September, and am looking for a full time nannying job over the summer. I have pretty flexible availability too!!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jillian W. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Jillian

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Jill, and I am a passionate early childhood educator with years of experience working with young children and families. I have spent the majority of my career teaching preschool, where I’ve developed a deep love for supporting children during their most important early learning years.
Families describe me as warm, patient, energetic, and highly organized. I love incorporating outdoor exploration, creative arts, early reading experiences, and practical life skills into everyday routines. Whether we’re reading stories, building with blocks, exploring nature, or working through big feelings, I strive to create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.
I feel honored to partner with families and support children as they grow, discover, and build the foundation for lifelong learning.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brinley C. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Brinley

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Brinley Coach, and I’m a recent UW–Madison graduate currently looking for a nanny position and available to start as soon as possible. I’m high-energy, reliable, and love creating a positive, engaging environment where kids feel supported, have fun, and can be themselves.

Have experience working with

Infants
Monikaben P. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Monikaben

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Monika, and I have experience working with children of all ages in both classroom and home settings. I’m passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where kids feel supported, curious, and confident. I enjoy activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play, reading, and simple learning games that keep children engaged and happy. I’m reliable, caring, and committed to being a positive part of a family’s routine.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Victoria H. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Victoria

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Victoria and I bring a caring, dependable, and patient approach to childcare! I have experience working with children of different ages, from infants to school-aged kids, and I enjoy creating safe, fun, and engaging environments for them to learn and grow. Whether it’s helping with homework, organizing creative activities, or simply being a supportive presence, I strive to meet each child’s unique needs! I can’t wait to meet your family :)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Anna L. - Seeking Work in Madison

Nanny Anna

Madison, WI
$20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Anna!
I am a very calm and patient person. I love painting and drawing, and I’m very creative when it comes to games and activities for children. I enjoy making learning fun and keeping kids engaged in a safe and happy environment.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Madison WI

Popular services in Madison, WI

Start your journey towards finding your perfect full-time nanny

Get Started