Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Fairfax, VA in 2026?

In Fairfax, VA, the average nanny earns about $22.57 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $903/week or $3,912/month. Most Fairfax families pay somewhere in the $12–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$22.57/hr · Fairfax average

These numbers come from 65 live nanny listings in Fairfax on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$903
$3,912
$46,946

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What drives the price

Most Fairfax families pay somewhere in the $12–$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)$22.57
2 kids~$23.57
3+ kids~$24.57+

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 Fairfax nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Fairfax runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.

Hiring nannies in Fairfax, VA typically costs about 21% more than the Virginia average of $19/hour and 19% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Fairfax, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Fairfax, VA
Fairfax, VA$23/hr
Virginia$19/hr-17%
United States$19/hr-16%

Where Fairfax, VA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.08/hour in Lynchburg to $22.43/hour in Arlington.

Below: how each compares to the Fairfax, VA average of $22.57/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Fairfax, VA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Fairfax, VA
1Arlington$22.43-1%
2Alexandria$21.23-6%
3Charlottesville$20.18-11%
4Woodbridge$19.32-14%
5Richmond$18.90-16%
6Norfolk$17.97-20%
7Virginia Beach$17.90-21%
8Fredericksburg$17.60-22%
9Chesapeake$17.37-23%
10Lynchburg$16.08-29%
Most expensive nearby: Arlington ($22.43) Least expensive nearby: Lynchburg ($16.08)

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 Fairfax, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Fairfax, VA

    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 Fairfax, VA

65 active listings in Fairfax

Arianna M. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Arianna

Fairfax, VA
$22 - $35/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Arianna and i'm a 15 and a half year old student starting babysitting as her first job! I have baby-sat a lot in the past, especially as an older sister of 2, so I do have a solid experience with children! Please consider me to watch over your little ones, and this profile is ran by an adult !

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Allison G. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Allison

Fairfax, VA
$35 - $50/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Allie and I have a varied experience in childcare both in daycare settings and in-home settings. I am working towards a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Childhood Development. I have worked with ages 0-9 years old. I am comfortable with any and all animal friends and have experience in working with animals as well. I would be the right fit for a family that is looking for someone fun, calm, and takes a collaborative approach to this role. I have extensive experience and recommendations. Referrals can be provided upon request. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Faiza A. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Faiza

Fairfax, VA
$23/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Faiza!

I have over 10 years of experience caring for children from newborns up to 12 years old. I specialize in infant and toddler care, but I’m comfortable with all ages. I love spending time with kids — they make me happy, and I think they feel happy and comfortable around me too.

I enjoy planning fun and educational activities, including playground and library visits, sensory play for infants, and age-appropriate learning games. I also help with light housekeeping, meal prep, and maintaining routines to keep life running smoothly for families.

I have a clear background check and a good driving record, and I have strong references available upon request. I’m open to house manager nanny roles, nanny share arrangements, and flexible schedules.

I love being around kids. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your great family.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bridgeth U. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Bridgeth

Fairfax, VA
$30 - $35/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Bridgeth!
I'm a 22-year-old who finds joy in volleyball, arts and crafts, and, most importantly, connecting with kids. As a nanny, my journey began caring for my nephews from a young age, leveraging my unique perspective as the youngest in the family with a significant age gap. Growing up surrounded by relatives with kids instilled in me a natural patience, and spending time with children feels more like fun than a job.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Elisabet C. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Elisabet

Fairfax, VA
$22/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my kids call me Ms.Elisabet. A little about my self I started my at home day care since 2004 to present day. I am a child care provider licensed through fairfax county. I have always loved children. I do a lot at home and outside activities. This is all of my experience.
Licensed Child Care Provider through Fairfax County
Instruct basic learning tools
Planned and implemented educational programs for children in the daycare setting.
Responsible for physical and emotional wellbeing for every child.
Lead Teacher

Children World Learning Center - Alexandria, VA
October 1999 to March 2004
Attend to the children's personal needs, and implement related personal programs, including social, health, physical, and hygiene, first aid, and welfare matters.
Encourage children to interact with others and engage in appropriate activities.
Pick up and drop off students from day care to school and back.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Julissa R. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Julissa

Fairfax, VA
$21/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello families, my name is Julissa from Colombia. I'm 23 years old. I was an au pair for two kids ages 2 and 4. I took care of the boy from his first day. My greatest inspiration is my host family, with whom I spent two years and with whom we maintain an excellent relationship.
As for my experience, I've been babysitting for five years. I consider my greatest quality to be patience, which is important when being around children. Honestly, I've always loved babies, and children are something I truly enjoy and easily become attached to.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leila L. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Leila

Fairfax, VA
$22/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Fairfax native interested in looking after any lovely kiddos in the area before I go back to school!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Charlene Antoinette R. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Charlene Antoinette

Fairfax, VA
$23/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Charlene, I enjoy spending time with the children I care for through educational activities; arts and crafts, speech, sounds, etc. I am a 20 year old rising Junior in college and am extremely flexible and adaptable to any sudden changes that may happen.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Sasha Y. - Seeking Work in Fairfax

Nanny Sasha

Fairfax, VA
$22/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Sasha I have 19 years old and I have 3 years of experience with kids from new born to 6 years old I like to spend time with kids, i was studying and working part time and the afternoons after school I have references and I consider myself very patient and loving person

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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