Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in San Jose, CA in 2026?
In San Jose, CA, the average full-time nanny earns about $27.11 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,084/week or $4,699/month. Most San Jose families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$27.11/hr · San Jose average
These numbers come from 258 live full-time nanny listings in San Jose on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,084
- Monthly
- $4,699
- Annual
- $56,389
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most San Jose families pay somewhere in the $17–$40/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 full-time nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $24.98/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $30.47/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) | $27.11 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$28.11 |
| 3+ kids | ~$29.11+ |
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 full-time nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $27.47/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $25.94/hr | See live-in rates → |
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 full-time nanny.
How do San Jose full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
San Jose is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in San Jose, CA typically costs about 14% more than the California average of $24/hour and 35% more than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $27/hr | — |
| California | $24/hr | -13% |
| United States | $20/hr | -26% |
Where San Jose, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.30/hour in Bakersfield to $29.14/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the San Jose, CA average of $27.11/hour — San Jose, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. San Jose, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $29.14 | +7% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $27.11 | — | |
| 3 | Los Angeles | $26.22 | -3% | |
| 4 | Oakland | $25.81 | -5% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $24.59 | -9% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.85 | -19% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.48 | -24% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $20.14 | -26% | |
| 9 | Fresno | $19.64 | -28% | |
| 10 | Bakersfield | $19.30 | -29% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($29.14)● Least expensive nearby: Bakersfield ($19.30)
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 San Jose, CA
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 San Jose, CA
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 San Jose, CA
258 active listings in San Jose
Nanny Ingrid
Nanny Ingrid
San Jose, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Ingrid, and I am a caring, responsible, and patient person who genuinely enjoys spending time with children.
As a mother myself, I understand how important it is to provide children with a safe, loving, and supportive environment where they feel comfortable and happy. I enjoy engaging children in creative activities, reading stories, playing games, helping with daily routines, and encouraging learning through play.
I am organized, reliable, attentive, and dedicated to making sure children feel cared for and safe. I would love the opportunity to support a family and become someone they can trust and depend on.
I look forward to meeting your family!
As a mother myself, I understand how important it is to provide children with a safe, loving, and supportive environment where they feel comfortable and happy. I enjoy engaging children in creative activities, reading stories, playing games, helping with daily routines, and encouraging learning through play.
I am organized, reliable, attentive, and dedicated to making sure children feel cared for and safe. I would love the opportunity to support a family and become someone they can trust and depend on.
I look forward to meeting your family!
Nanny Violet
Nanny Violet
San Jose, CA
$22 - $30/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m Violet, I’m a dedicated and compassionate caregiver with about 7 years of experience working with children. I believe in creating a supportive environment where kids feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. From helping with homework and meal prep to encouraging active, imaginative play, I’m excited to support your family and keep things running smoothly!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Martha
Nanny Martha
San Jose, CA
$26 - $33/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I am a Latina high school teacher from 1887 to 2020 with experience in schools with children from preschool, nursery and primary through grade 5 primary school. Here in the United States, I have not yet exercised, I was only Nani for two years of a beautiful 2-year-old girl. I love working with children and will get my certificate of CPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Daisy
Nanny Daisy
San Jose, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Daisy! I am a patient, hardworking, and caring person who enjoys spending time with others. In my free time, I love dancing and spending time with my family and friends. I'm someone who values kindness and making others feel comfortable and cared for.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Roma
Nanny Roma
San Jose, CA
$28/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Roma, and I am a dependable, caring, and patient person who genuinely enjoys working with children. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of creating a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
San Jose, CA
$35 - $40/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) who transitioned into professional childcare, bringing 4 years of private baby nanny experience and 3 years of preschool teaching experience. I just completed an 18-month nanny position in Los Altos (the child started school) and am currently open to work. I maintain a very healthy and dependable lifestyle as a non-smoker, non-drinker, and licensed driver with a clean driving record. I have multiple recommendation and thank-you letters from past employers available to share and am committed to providing the highest standards of safety, health, and development for your little one.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Isabella
Nanny Isabella
San Jose, CA
$27 - $37/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Isabella, and I am 22 years old. I am currently looking for a full-time, long-term position with a wonderful family where I can pursue my passion for working with children. I previously worked as a caregiver, but through my experience working with children, I discovered that childcare is truly where my heart is. Helping children learn, grow, and thrive is one of the things that brings me the greatest happiness and fulfillment. I am artistic, friendly, playful, energetic, patient, and calm. I love animals, have a cat of my own, and enjoy arts and crafts, creative projects, and other artistic activities that can be shared with children.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Maria
Nanny Maria
San Jose, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Maria Villanueva and I’m currently going into my third year at San Jose State University majoring in Child and Adolescent Development. I have experience caring for both boys and girls ranging from 6 months old to 10 years old. I’ve also worked with children with Down syndrome which has helped me grow my patience, understanding, and ability to support children with different needs and backgrounds. I’m currently studying to become a Child Life Specialist because I genuinely enjoy working with kids and helping them feel safe, supported, and comfortable. I love creating positive relationships with children and families and learning about different backgrounds and personalities along the way!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Abigail
Nanny Abigail
San Jose, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I'm Abi! I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCSC & 3 years of supporting children's growth.
My goal is to serve as a safe and trusted figure in children's lives, guiding their growth, resilience, and expansion of their skill sets for long-term development.
In my previous roles as a Preschool Teacher's Aide, Special Education Paraeducator, and Behavior Technician, I gained skills & experiences in supporting those from diverse backgrounds with unique needs.
Working closely with those with learning and behavioral difficulties gave me opportunities to expand my adaptability, behavior management, and creating supportive, structured routines based on families’ needs.
I know how to balance being fun & laidback with rigidity and following through with rules & expectations. I am creative & art-oriented, so I like to incorporate children's interests and passions into hands-on games and activities to build their creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
My goal is to serve as a safe and trusted figure in children's lives, guiding their growth, resilience, and expansion of their skill sets for long-term development.
In my previous roles as a Preschool Teacher's Aide, Special Education Paraeducator, and Behavior Technician, I gained skills & experiences in supporting those from diverse backgrounds with unique needs.
Working closely with those with learning and behavioral difficulties gave me opportunities to expand my adaptability, behavior management, and creating supportive, structured routines based on families’ needs.
I know how to balance being fun & laidback with rigidity and following through with rules & expectations. I am creative & art-oriented, so I like to incorporate children's interests and passions into hands-on games and activities to build their creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid