Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Boston, MA in 2026?
In Boston, MA, the average nanny earns about $24.88 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $995/week or $4,313/month. Most Boston 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$24.88/hr · Boston average
These numbers come from 678 live nanny listings in Boston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $995
- Monthly
- $4,313
- Annual
- $51,750
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Boston 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
More experienced nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $23.49/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $28.05/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience
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) | $24.88 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$25.88 |
| 3+ kids | ~$26.88+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $26.62/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $24.43/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.67/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 Boston nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Boston is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in Boston, MA typically costs about 6% more than the Massachusetts average of $24/hour and 28% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $25/hr | — |
| Massachusetts | $24/hr | -6% |
| United States | $19/hr | -22% |
Where Boston, MA fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for nannies near Boston, MA is Boston at $24.88/hour; the least expensive is Fall River at $18.80/hour.
Below are the 6 most and 6 least expensive cities near Boston, MA and how each compares to Boston, MA's average of $24.88/hour.
Most expensive cities near Boston, MA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Boston, MA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | $24.88 | — | |
| 2 | Framingham | $23.69 | -5% | |
| 3 | Salem | $23.62 | -5% | |
| 4 | Revere | $23.61 | -5% | |
| 5 | Nantucket | $23.41 | -6% | |
| 6 | Plymouth | $23.30 | -6% |
Least expensive cities near Boston, MA
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Boston, MA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall River | $18.80 | -24% | |
| 2 | Springfield | $19.11 | -23% | |
| 3 | New Bedford | $19.69 | -21% | |
| 4 | Brockton | $20.90 | -16% | |
| 5 | Worcester | $21.69 | -13% | |
| 6 | Lowell | $21.98 | -12% |
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 Boston, MA
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 Boston, MA
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 Boston, MA
678 active listings in Boston
Nanny Payton
Nanny Payton
Boston, MA
$29 - $35/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Payton, I’m 22, and I just moved to South Boston in September! I have a degree in early childhood education, CPR and first aid certification, as well as six years of experience with a wide variety of ages. I’m hoping to find a good fit for me and be a new part of your family.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rosa
Nanny Rosa
Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Rosa. I've been working with kids for almost 20 years. I speak English and Spanish. I've been looking forward to taking care of kids again because I've been doing it my whole life. I am a wife and a mother and I've also taken care of the elderly as well as children.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Virginia
Nanny Virginia
Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I am a single mother of three children. I have a 2-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter. I am currently looking for a job so I can provide for my children and give them a better life.
My children are all in school, and my youngest son is in daycare until 5:30 p.m. I am available and ready to work, and I would truly appreciate an opportunity to become part of your team. I am hardworking, responsible, and willing to learn.
Thank you very much for considering me.
My children are all in school, and my youngest son is in daycare until 5:30 p.m. I am available and ready to work, and I would truly appreciate an opportunity to become part of your team. I am hardworking, responsible, and willing to learn.
Thank you very much for considering me.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Michelle
Nanny Michelle
Boston, MA
$28 - $38/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Michigan! Boston has always been one of my dream cities, so I decided to take the leap and move here.
I’m naturally enthusiastic, caring, and love bringing that energy into the time I spend with kids. I have experience caring for children ages 0-9 and really enjoy getting to know each child and finding activities that they’re excited about. I’m also a native English and Spanish speaker and would love to share my Spanish with your family if you’re interested!
I especially love being outside, exploring, and finding little ways to make everyday activities fun. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and hopefully be a great fit!
I’m naturally enthusiastic, caring, and love bringing that energy into the time I spend with kids. I have experience caring for children ages 0-9 and really enjoy getting to know each child and finding activities that they’re excited about. I’m also a native English and Spanish speaker and would love to share my Spanish with your family if you’re interested!
I especially love being outside, exploring, and finding little ways to make everyday activities fun. I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family and hopefully be a great fit!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Osamablixx
Nanny Osamablixx
Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I love kids. I’m really good with babies. I been pretty much babysitting all my life. I pay attention. I make sure everyone is safe respected and loved.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a recent college graduate with a degree in health, exercise, and sports studies, also with ample coursework in psychology! I have over 4 years of childcare experience working with elementary aged children at a school/summer camp and after school program. I am an energetic, outgoing, patient and fun caregiver who loves to get to know kids of all of different personalities! I have a car, I can cook meals, and I can also teach things like sports, dance, or crafts! I love supporting kids while watching them learn, grow, and flourish!
Nanny Elizabeth
Nanny Elizabeth
Boston, MA
$19 - $22/hr
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Elizabeth , I’m 19 years old, and I’ve been working in childcare for the past three years. I currently attend UMass Boston, where I’m continuing my education while gaining more experience working with children. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who really enjoys creating a fun and comfortable environment for kids. Outside of work and school, I enjoy cooking, dancing, hiking, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m excited to continue growing my experience in childcare and build a great relationship with the families I work with.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anyeli Patricia
Nanny Anyeli Patricia
Boston, MA
$25/hr
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello ?. Im working like pre-k teacher . I have CPR certification. I love work with kids and help to grow up y learns and having fun 🤩
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Katia
Nanny Katia
Boston, MA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m an experienced and caring nanny with about 6 years of professional childcare experience, especially with infants and toddlers. I’m reliable, patient, organized, and truly enjoy helping children learn and grow through play, routines, and age-appropriate activities. I’m a native Spanish speaker and love introducing Spanish naturally through everyday conversation, books, songs, and play. I also have extensive personal experience as a mother of four. I’m looking for a warm family where I can build a trusting, long-term relationship and provide loving, dependable care.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Related costs in Boston MA
Other services in Boston, MA
After-School Nannies • Bilingual Nannies • Full-Time Nannies • Housekeeper Nannies • House Manager/Nannies • Infant Care • Live-In Nannies • Nannies for Twins • Night Nannies • Part-Time Nannies • Short-Term Nannies • Spanish-Speaking Nannies • Special Needs Child Care • Summer Nannies • Toddler Care • Traveling Nannies • Weekend Nannies