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 $26.29 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,052/week or $4,557/month. Most San Jose families pay somewhere in the $17–$38/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$26.29/hr · San Jose average

These numbers come from 143 live full-time nanny listings in San Jose on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$1,052
$4,557
$54,683

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What drives the price

Most San Jose families pay somewhere in the $17–$38/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)$26.29
2 kids~$27.29
3+ kids~$28.29+

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 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 $23/hour and 35% more than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across San Jose, CA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA$26/hr
California$23/hr-12%
United States$20/hr-26%

Where San Jose, CA fits among nearby cities

9 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $18.98/hour in Fresno to $28.03/hour in San Francisco.

Below: how each compares to the San Jose, CA average of $26.29/hour — San Jose, CA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

9 cities near San Jose, CA ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. San Jose, CA
1San Francisco$28.03+7%
San Jose$26.29
3Oakland$25.39-3%
4Los Angeles$25.14-4%
5San Diego$23.89-9%
6Sacramento$21.60-18%
7Stockton$19.64-25%
8Bakersfield$19.16-27%
9Fresno$18.98-28%
Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.03) Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($18.98)

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 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:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time nanny profiles in San Jose, CA

    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 San Jose, CA

143 active listings in San Jose

Isabella G. - Seeking Work in San Jose

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
Monica G. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Monica

San Jose, CA
$26 - $40/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Soy una niñera cariñosa, responsable y paciente, con experiencia cuidando niños de diferentes edades. Disfruto mucho crear un ambiente seguro, divertido y lleno de amor, donde los niños puedan aprender, jugar y sentirse cómodos. Soy una persona confiable, organizada y atenta a las necesidades de cada niño. Me gustan actividades como las manualidades, la lectura, la música, los juegos al aire libre y ayudar con las rutinas diarias. También entiendo la importancia de la comunicación y la confianza con las familias.
Mi idioma nativo es el español y actualmente estoy aprendiendo inglés asistiendo a la escuela y practicando cada día. Aunque aún no soy fluida en inglés, siempre hago mi mayor esfuerzo para comunicarme con claridad, aprender rápido y brindar un excelente cuidado. Soy amable, respetuosa, trabajadora y apasionada por trabajar con niños. Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de apoyar a su familia y cuidar a sus pequeños con amor y dedicación.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brielle R. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Brielle

San Jose, CA
$40 - $50/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am located in Almaden. I used to babysit for numerous families but have switched to being a preschool teacher in south San Jose for the past year. I also have an 8 year old sister and a 13 year old brother!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Raquel R. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Raquel

San Jose, CA
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Raquel Ralda. I have 4 years of experience working with families. I have worked with babies, toddlers, and young children ranging from the ages of 6 months to 10 years old. I am able to be active, entertain, follow a schedule, help with homework, etc. I am more than happy to answer any questions at [phone number hidden].

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tina N. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Tina

San Jose, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Tina and I am a 47 year old woman. I have been a preschool teacher for over 25 years, I have also been a nanny in that time frame . I am currently looking to be a nanny again as I feel it’s time to slow it down with 1-2 children vs 24 students in a classroom. I am loving and caring and very active, I love watching children learn, laugh and play.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ingrid R. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Ingrid

San Jose, CA
$27/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello families! My name is Ingrid. I am originally from Colombia I live in San José California. I was previously a garden assistant, I am fluent in Spanish. I am currently taking English classes online. I am a very cheerful, respectful, positive and affectionate person. Taking care of children is my passion, I have a beautiful 7-year-old daughter. I have been working as a babysitter since I was 16 years old, assisting my cousins ​​and relatives. That was an excellent experience, my first job was at the age of 18 when I started working in a kindergarten. I previously looked after three children with the previous family. I have experience caring for children with special needs and I especially love taking care of newborns and toddlers. I love the outdoors, pets, cooking, and I have no problem doing some light housework, like picking up after the kids.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Joyce S. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Joyce

San Jose, CA
$35 - $40/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My over 29 years of paid experience (nanny jobs) and adoration for innocent and amusing little people. I have great patience for the little ones that count on me to meet their every need. Also, I just enjoy the everyday routine that goes along with caring for infants and toddlers. Prefer 3 months to 24 months max.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Laila S. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Laila

San Jose, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Laila and I am a recent college graduate! I patient, reliable, and trustworthy. I am looking for a summer job before I start grad school in the fall!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Natali A. - Seeking Work in San Jose

Nanny Natali

San Jose, CA
$25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am a mother of 2 children, aged 8 and 10. I have been a nanny for 1 year to a child who was 4 months old when I met her and is now walking! I have loved every minute with her. I take care of her and help her parents by doing the laundry and light cleaning around the house. I am CPR & First Aid certified and am fluent in Spanish.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Natali was a Godsend to our family. I had to go back to work after maternity leave and hated the idea of leaving my baby in day care with strangers. We met Natali through a mutual friend and the connection she had with my daughter was instant. They truly love each other and it has given me such comfort and peace of mind when I leave the house each day knowing my daughter has Natali. Natali sings songs and plays music, reads stories, and is constantly next to our daughter wherever she goes. She does our daughter's laundry and washes the dishes. When the baby is sleeping, she'll dust or mop or vacuum, generally cleaning up around the house, which is so helpful. She was always on time, usually early, and very flexible if I had to work late. She uses public transportation, which I know makes her day very long, so if I did have to work late I would offer to drive her home. She's been a great blessing to us and we will miss her now that I get to stay home. Happy to share more info"
- Megan Allende
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