Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Washington, DC in 2026?
In Washington, DC, the average full-time nanny earns about $22.72 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $909/week or $3,938/month. Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$22.72/hr · Washington average
These numbers come from 555 live full-time nanny listings in Washington on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $909
- Monthly
- $3,938
- Annual
- $47,258
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Washington families pay somewhere in the $18–$30/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 $22.74/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $25.11/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) | $22.72 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$23.72 |
| 3+ kids | ~$24.72+ |
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 | $23.78/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $23.89/hr | See live-in rates → |
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the full-time nanny.
How do Washington full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Washington is one of the more expensive full-time nanny markets in the country.
Hiring full-time nannies in Washington, DC typically costs about the same as the District of Columbia average of $23/hour and 31% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $23/hr | — |
| District of Columbia | $23/hr | 0% |
| United States | $17/hr | -24% |
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 Washington, DC
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 Washington, DC
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 Washington, DC
555 active listings in Washington
Nanny Khayla
Nanny Khayla
Washington, DC
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I'm Khayla!
Though I've worked with children of all ages for as long as I can remember, I have 2 1/2 years of professional experience in early childhood education, as a lead teacher in a toddler classroom, as well as a co-teacher in a Junior Pre-K Classroom. I also have experience with kiddos from my side business as a babysitter. I have worked with children of all abilities and talents, including children on the Autism spectrum.
Though I've loved working in a class setting, I am seeking to work on a more personalized level in a home. I believe that all children, especially in the early stages of 0 to 5 years, need one on one nurturing and attention as they develop. I am so excited to use my experience and professional certifications to a family like yours!
It would be my privilege to connect and get to know if I could be a good fit for a family like yours.
Though I've worked with children of all ages for as long as I can remember, I have 2 1/2 years of professional experience in early childhood education, as a lead teacher in a toddler classroom, as well as a co-teacher in a Junior Pre-K Classroom. I also have experience with kiddos from my side business as a babysitter. I have worked with children of all abilities and talents, including children on the Autism spectrum.
Though I've loved working in a class setting, I am seeking to work on a more personalized level in a home. I believe that all children, especially in the early stages of 0 to 5 years, need one on one nurturing and attention as they develop. I am so excited to use my experience and professional certifications to a family like yours!
It would be my privilege to connect and get to know if I could be a good fit for a family like yours.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Salima
Nanny Salima
Washington, DC
$30 - $36/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Salima Mohamed,
I am currently with my employer of almost 8 years, which will be ending at the ending of June so I’m looking to start early July looking for a full-time Nanny position. I am a well-rounded loving caring all of the above. I have CPR and first aid experience. I have three adult daughters of my own whom are 36 years old 33 years old 27 years old I have 25+ years of experience might said that early on I am working with a great family who are willing to share about me. I have great references. I am very well known in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Chevy Chase Connecticut Avenue DC area. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number hidden] or my email address is HAIMAN [email hidden]. Thank you so much looking forward to hearing.
I am currently with my employer of almost 8 years, which will be ending at the ending of June so I’m looking to start early July looking for a full-time Nanny position. I am a well-rounded loving caring all of the above. I have CPR and first aid experience. I have three adult daughters of my own whom are 36 years old 33 years old 27 years old I have 25+ years of experience might said that early on I am working with a great family who are willing to share about me. I have great references. I am very well known in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Chevy Chase Connecticut Avenue DC area. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number hidden] or my email address is HAIMAN [email hidden]. Thank you so much looking forward to hearing.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Hanane
Nanny Hanane
Washington, DC
$22/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm a babysitter with a 6-month-old baby and I live in northwest Washington, D.C. I'm posting this ad for families looking for someone to care for their infant or toddler.
Please feel free to contact me
Please feel free to contact me
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Chrishaunda
Nanny Chrishaunda
Washington, DC
$22/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, I am Chrishaunda “ Shaunny “ for short. I am 31 years old with years of child care experience. From working in childcare centers to elementary school to working with children with disabilities, summer camps and after school programs my love for children is very passionate. I would love to hear from families soon.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Danica
Nanny Danica
Washington, DC
$22/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm a substitute teacher, getting my teaching license in the fall- looking for extra work over the summer!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Marleni
Nanny Marleni
Washington, DC
$25 - $26/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I have experience in childcare and preschool settings, and I love creating a fun, structured, and nurturing environment for children. I enjoy planning activities that support learning, creativity, and emotional development—making each day engaging and meaningful.
*CPR Certified
*Preschool & early childhood experience *Structured routines & creative activities
*Focus on development, independence & social skills
I'm caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids. I speak English and Spanish.
*CPR Certified
*Preschool & early childhood experience *Structured routines & creative activities
*Focus on development, independence & social skills
I'm caring, responsible, and truly passionate about working with kids. I speak English and Spanish.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Nae
Nanny Nae
Washington, DC
$22.50/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a fun loving mom of 1 who is looking for a more flexible hours. I also enjoy working with kids from ages newborn to early elementary school age. I look forward to working with you and your children
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mayra
Nanny Mayra
Washington, DC
$22/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I was born in El Salvador. I have lived 22 years in USA. I love children , I take them out to the park , to walk , to the library, do actives with them , I cook for them , I have a very good experience with kids, I'm caring & loving & I'm 49 years old.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Alejandra
Nanny Alejandra
Washington, DC
$22/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
✨ Nanny Available in DC – Immediate Start!
Hello families! My name is Alejandra, and I am looking for a Part-Time or full-time nanny position.
✅ 5 years of experience caring for children (from 3 months to 6 years old)
✅ Native Spanish & learning English
✅ Knowledge of Montessori education
✅ Fun activities, crafts, and learning through play
✅ Support with light household chores
✅ Animal lover 🐾
✅ CPR & First Aid certified
✅ Punctual, responsible, and non-smoker
✅ Fully vaccinated 💉
✅ References available
✅ Authorized to work in the U.S
💖 Your child’s well-being will always be my top priority. I provide responsible, respectful, and loving care. If you’d like your children to begin learning a second language while being raised in a nurturing and caring environment, please feel free to send me a DM to connect!
Looking forward to meeting you!
— Ale
Hello families! My name is Alejandra, and I am looking for a Part-Time or full-time nanny position.
✅ 5 years of experience caring for children (from 3 months to 6 years old)
✅ Native Spanish & learning English
✅ Knowledge of Montessori education
✅ Fun activities, crafts, and learning through play
✅ Support with light household chores
✅ Animal lover 🐾
✅ CPR & First Aid certified
✅ Punctual, responsible, and non-smoker
✅ Fully vaccinated 💉
✅ References available
✅ Authorized to work in the U.S
💖 Your child’s well-being will always be my top priority. I provide responsible, respectful, and loving care. If you’d like your children to begin learning a second language while being raised in a nurturing and caring environment, please feel free to send me a DM to connect!
Looking forward to meeting you!
— Ale
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid