Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a live-in nanny cost in Boston, MA in 2026?

In Boston, MA, the average live-in nanny earns about $24.20 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $968/week or $4,195/month. Most Boston families pay somewhere in the $15–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$24.20/hr · Boston average

These numbers come from 217 live live-in nanny listings in Boston on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$968
$4,195
$50,336

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What drives the price

Most Boston families pay somewhere in the $15–$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 live-in 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)$24.20
2 kids~$25.20
3+ kids~$26.20+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in live-in nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$25.12/hr
Live-inSet by family$24.67/hr

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 live-in nanny.

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How do Boston live-in nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Boston is one of the more expensive live-in nanny markets in the country.

Hiring live-in nannies in Boston, MA typically costs about 6% more than the Massachusetts average of $23/hour and 26% more than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly live-in nannies rates compared across Boston, MA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Boston, MA
Boston, MA$24/hr—
Massachusetts$23/hr-6%
United States$19/hr-21%

Tips to find a great live-in nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best live-in nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced live-in 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 live-in 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 live-in nanny in Boston, MA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with live-in nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse live-in nanny profiles in Boston, MA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the live-in 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 live-in nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your live-in nanny

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available live-in nannies in Boston, MA

217 active listings in Boston

Virginia G. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Virginia

Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am a single mother of three children. I have a 2-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter. I am currently looking for a job so I can provide for my children and give them a better life.

My children are all in school, and my youngest son is in daycare until 5:30 p.m. I am available and ready to work, and I would truly appreciate an opportunity to become part of your team. I am hardworking, responsible, and willing to learn.

Thank you very much for considering me.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Osamablixx O. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Osamablixx

Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I love kids. I’m really good with babies. I been pretty much babysitting all my life. I pay attention. I make sure everyone is safe respected and loved.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Scarlet S. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Scarlet

Boston, MA
$25/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Cuento con 3 años de experiencia trabajando con niños, incluyendo experiencia en un centro educativo en Santo Domingo. Me caracterizo por ser una persona responsable, paciente, cariñosa y comprometida con el bienestar y desarrollo de los niños. Tengo experiencia apoyando actividades educativas y recreativas, fomentando un ambiente seguro, positivo y adecuado para el aprendizaje. Además, cuento con certificación de la EEC (Early Education and Care).
Entre mis principales habilidades para el cuidado infantil se encuentran la paciencia, la responsabilidad, la empatía y la capacidad de crear un ambiente seguro y agradable para los niños. Tengo facilidad para establecer vínculos de confianza con ellos y para comunicarme de manera afectuosa y respetuosa.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Savannah D. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Savannah

Boston, MA
$22 - $35/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello families! My name is Savannah and I am looking for a full-time, long-term position. I have lifelong experience of caring for young kids as I am an older sister to two boys! While my grandma took us in, they were my responsibility to take care of as I am 8+ years older than them. Professionally, I have nannied for 1 family consisting of three young children and have experience in cooking experience (Cowboy Butter Steak Bites is my most requested dish currently!) and can bake as well if needed. I am well-versed in working many roles in the household! While kids are at school, I can "reset" the house and lightly clean high traffic areas, do laundry (wash, fold and iron if needed and put away/hang up), I can run errands like grocery shop, pick up dry cleaning, and handle vendor tasks as well if needed for house or vehicle maintenance.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Madilyn V. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Madilyn

Boston, MA
$22 - $32/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am 18 years old and recently graduated from high school. I live in Utah and am interested in moving to a new place to work as a nanny. I have always enjoyed taking care of kids and would like to become a PA someday. I have 3 siblings. I have a Christian background and live Christian values.
I love adventure and fun and am very active. I have danced and played piano since a young age and am an All American clogger.
I'm responsible and hard working and am excited for a new adventure.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ayanna H. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Ayanna

Boston, MA
$25 - $45/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I'm Ayanna and I've lived in Boston my whole life. I have two little brothers and lots of younger cousins, so since I was little I've been helping out with kids, whether on family vacation, at my church's Sunday school, or on my parent's date nights. As I got older, I began babysitting and have loved getting to know and spend time with so many different families for over six years. When I'm not babysitting or studying, I dedicate my time to social justice initiatives as the Co-Head of the Micah Conference, as an action group leader for my anti-human trafficking awareness group, and as the Trinity Institute Prefect for Leadership and Social Justice.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid

Recent reference

"Ayanna has been an incredible babysitter for our family, and we highly recommend her to anyone looking for dependable childcare. She started babysitting our two boys after her older sister went away to college, and the transition was seamless. Since she is also our neighbor, she has been a trusted and familiar presence in our children’s lives. Our boys are 2 and 4 years old and extremely high energy, but Ayanna handles them with patience, confidence, and kindness. She is fully capable of managing dinner time, bath time, bedtime, and everything in between. Our kids love spending time with her because she is engaging, creative, and genuinely attentive. She keeps them active with games, outdoor play, crafts, and reading while also making sure they stay safe and on schedule. Ayanna is responsible, mature, communicative, punctual, and has earned our complete trust with our children and in our home"
- Zack
Jacquelinne L. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Jacquelinne

Boston, MA
Active Now
$25 - $26/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Jacquelinne Lugo, and I’ll be arriving in Boston in mid-July. I’m looking for a live-in nanny position. I’m responsible, organized, caring, and passionate about working with children. I can also help with household tasks and create a safe, positive, and loving daily environment for your family.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Dominique Z. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Dominique

Boston, MA
$23 - $25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Compassionate and dependable childcare professional seeking a Live-In Nanny position with a family where I can provide attentive care, create a safe and nurturing environment, and support children’s daily development through patience, organization, and positive engagement.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Lauren H. - Seeking Work in Boston

Nanny Lauren

Boston, MA
$25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am graduating Umass Boston in may, with an International Business Degree and a minor in marketing. I have always baby sat and i’m looking to nanny through the summer.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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