Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Portsmouth, VA in 2026?

In Portsmouth, VA, the average full-time nanny earns about $15.33 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $613/week or $2,657/month. Most Portsmouth families pay somewhere in the $12–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.33/hr · Portsmouth average

These numbers come from 74 live full-time nanny listings in Portsmouth on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$613
$2,657
$31,886

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What drives the price

Most Portsmouth families pay somewhere in the $12–$20/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)$15.33
2 kids~$16.33
3+ kids~$17.33+

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 Portsmouth full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Portsmouth runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring full-time nannies in Portsmouth, VA typically costs about 12% less than the Virginia average of $17/hour and 11% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Portsmouth, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, VA$15/hr
Virginia$17/hr+13%
United States$17/hr+13%

Where Portsmouth, VA fits among nearby cities

The most expensive city for full-time nannies near Portsmouth, VA is Mc Lean at $20.67/hour; the least expensive is Lynchburg at $14.74/hour.

Below are the 10 most and 10 least expensive cities near Portsmouth, VA and how each compares to Portsmouth, VA's average of $15.33/hour.

Most expensive cities near Portsmouth, VA

Top 10 most expensive cities near Portsmouth, VA for hiring a full-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Portsmouth, VA
1Mc Lean$20.67+35%
2Vienna$19.40+27%
3Arlington$19.38+26%
4Leesburg$19.04+24%
5Falls Church$18.63+22%
6Charlottesville$18.36+20%
7Annandale$18.33+20%
8Herndon$18.24+19%
9Fairfax$17.94+17%
10Alexandria$17.78+16%

Least expensive cities near Portsmouth, VA

Top 10 least expensive cities near Portsmouth, VA for hiring a full-time nanny, ranked by average hourly rate.
#City$/hrvs. Portsmouth, VA
1Lynchburg$14.74-4%
2Hampton$14.76-4%
3Norfolk$14.81-3%
4Roanoke$14.90-3%
5Chesapeake$14.98-2%
6Newport News$15.09-2%
PortsmouthThis city$15.14-1%
8Fredericksburg$15.30
9Winchester$15.33
10Virginia Beach$15.51+1%

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 Portsmouth, VA

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 Portsmouth, VA

    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 Portsmouth, VA

74 active listings in Portsmouth

Ashley L. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ashley

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m a nurturing and dependable caregiver with experience working with children at a stay-away camp, as well as raising my own 5-year-old. I genuinely enjoy helping kids learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and structured environment. I’m patient, attentive, and love creating engaging activities while maintaining routines that help children feel secure.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jaelyn C. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Jaelyn

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jaelyn. I have experience working in a daycare with all different ages! I’m CPR and first aid certified! I do my absolute best to create a safe and loving energy and environment!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gabriella G. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Gabriella

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m Gabby Greene. I am passionate and eager to work with children and teaching them developmental skills, social/emotional skills, fine/gross motor skills, and giving them a safe nurturing environment to thrive in. I have 10+ years of babysitting experience, as well as two years of childcare center experience. I am CPR and first aid certified, and am up to date on all trainings covering childcare essentials, licensing procedures, and developmental milestone needs. I would love to become an addition to your family! If you have any questions, please reach out! I cannot wait to hear from you :))

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Amber C. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Amber

Portsmouth, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, I’m Amber! I am a mom of three kiddos and recently worked for two years in a private school working with children ages 8 weeks old up to four years old.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ananda L. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ananda

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I just graduated from college for IT support and I am currently looking for roles in the IT/customer service field. Until I do though I am looking for work in childcare. I have my CPR/FirstAide Certification, my health training certifications, and childcare certifications.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ty F. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ty

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is TyShawn Davis, I am a 21 year old currently working as an Lead teacher with 4 years of experience in the childcare setting. I specialize with school-age children but have tons of experience within the 1-4/5 age group, as well as some infant experience. I have worked with special needs children as well, more closely with those with level 1 autism and some level 2.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Keshaira C. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Keshaira

Portsmouth, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I am currently a new high school graduate that is looking for a potential sitting job before I go off to college in the fall! I work well with kids from doing light babysitting jobs in the past in addition to having 2 toddler siblings.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jessyca A. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Jessyca

Portsmouth, VA
$15/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jessyca and I’m an experienced and responsible babysitter with 5 years of experience working with children. I’m an organized and reliable person who takes direction well. I’m confident and passionate about ensuring each child is safe at all times

Have experience working with

Infants
Angela C. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Angela

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Angela I’m 21 years old and 2 beautiful step-sons that I ADORE, I'm looking into childcare because I love to work with kids and help another parent out when it needs it! I love a good nature day or just a chill in the house movie day or anything in between, most of my friends call me goofy and sweet but thats for you to judge!❤️❤️

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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