Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in San Diego, CA in 2026?
In San Diego, CA, the average nanny earns about $23.94 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $958/week or $4,150/month. Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$23.94/hr · San Diego average
These numbers come from 941 live nanny listings in San Diego on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $958
- Monthly
- $4,150
- Annual
- $49,795
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most San Diego families pay somewhere in the $17–$35/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 nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $22.61/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $27.06/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) | $23.94 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$24.94 |
| 3+ kids | ~$25.94+ |
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 nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $25.38/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $23.93/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $24.63/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
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 nanny.
How do San Diego nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
San Diego is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in San Diego, CA typically costs about 4% more than the California average of $23/hour and 23% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $24/hr | — |
| California | $23/hr | -4% |
| United States | $19/hr | -19% |
Where San Diego, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.09/hour in Bakersfield to $28.33/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the San Diego, CA average of $23.94/hour — San Diego, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. San Diego, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $28.33 | +18% | |
| 2 | San Jose | $25.64 | +7% | |
| 3 | Oakland | $25.58 | +7% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $25.04 | +5% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $23.94 | — | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.33 | -11% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.12 | -16% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.79 | -17% | |
| 9 | Fresno | $19.15 | -20% | |
| 10 | Bakersfield | $19.09 | -20% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.33)● Least expensive nearby: Bakersfield ($19.09)
Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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 nanny in San Diego, CA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in San Diego, CA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available nannies in San Diego, CA
941 active listings in San Diego
Nanny Mia
Nanny Mia
San Diego, CA
$23/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I am Mia and I’m 21 years old. I’ve been working with children for the past 3 years, my first job was working at a church daycare and ever since then I’ve loved working in the field with kids of all ages. Now I am an assistant supervisor for a after school program and have gained very valuable experience while working alongside different children everyday. I hope to find a second job as well as a lovely family to support and care for to the best of my ability.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Erynn
Nanny Erynn
San Diego, CA
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello. I have experience working in a daycare facility as well as teaching overseas in Korea for 5 years. It is my passion to be a fun, loving, nurturing role model for the sweet babies and it would be an honor to help support your families.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Mayra
Nanny Mayra
San Diego, CA
$23/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Mayra, and I’m excited to introduce myself as a potential nanny for your family! I have over two years of experience working with children through my role as a YMCA PrimeTime Site Supervisor, where I oversee daily activities, ensure children’s safety, support their social and emotional development, and create a fun, nurturing, and structured environment.
I’m patient, responsible, compassionate, and genuinely passionate about working with children. My experience has allowed me to work with different age groups, manage challenging situations, and build meaningful relationships with both children and their families. I’m also bilingual in English and Spanish!
I would love the opportunity to bring my experience, positive energy, and dedication to your family while providing a safe, loving, and engaging environment for your little ones. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
I’m patient, responsible, compassionate, and genuinely passionate about working with children. My experience has allowed me to work with different age groups, manage challenging situations, and build meaningful relationships with both children and their families. I’m also bilingual in English and Spanish!
I would love the opportunity to bring my experience, positive energy, and dedication to your family while providing a safe, loving, and engaging environment for your little ones. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anja
Nanny Anja
San Diego, CA
$20 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a very ambitious person who loves to sing, dance, cook, and most of all laugh! I love working with children of all ages and have over eight years of experience. I am incredibly easy going and always open to learning new things. I am an adventurer at heart but i also enjoy a quiet life. I am social but need occasional alone time, i mean who doesn't? If i could describe myself in one word it would be creative! I am looking for a live in nanny position.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Katie
Nanny Katie
San Diego, CA
$30 - $50/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi families! I’m Katie! ❤️ Caring for children has always been a passion of mine, and I love building meaningful connections with the families I work with!
I have several years of experience nannying, babysitting, teaching pre-K, and providing respite care for children with autism. I love getting to know each child’s unique personality and making everyday moments special through crafts, outdoor adventures, imaginative play, reading, and dance parties!
I’m outgoing, nurturing, playful, and hands-on. My professional leadership background has also made me organized, dependable, patient, and adaptable. I value kindness, creativity, consistency, and creating a fun, safe environment where kids can thrive.
Outside of childcare, I love photography, animals, exploring new places, and being outdoors!
Above all, I want children to feel excited when I arrive and parents to feel confident knowing their little ones are in loving, capable hands. I’d love to become a trusted part of your family!
I have several years of experience nannying, babysitting, teaching pre-K, and providing respite care for children with autism. I love getting to know each child’s unique personality and making everyday moments special through crafts, outdoor adventures, imaginative play, reading, and dance parties!
I’m outgoing, nurturing, playful, and hands-on. My professional leadership background has also made me organized, dependable, patient, and adaptable. I value kindness, creativity, consistency, and creating a fun, safe environment where kids can thrive.
Outside of childcare, I love photography, animals, exploring new places, and being outdoors!
Above all, I want children to feel excited when I arrive and parents to feel confident knowing their little ones are in loving, capable hands. I’d love to become a trusted part of your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jordan
Nanny Jordan
San Diego, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Jordan and I am a 28 year old Southern California native. I graduated from California Baptist University with a bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children in an educational daycare setting for the last two years. My most previous year was spent running a 1-1.5 year old toddler classroom. Tending to the needs and assisting in the growth of little ones is a very rewarding experience. I am looking to work more personally with families in the comfort of their home and to help make their life balance more seamless.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sophia
Nanny Sophia
San Diego, CA
$23/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my names Sophi! I’m responsible, caring, and a patient outgoing person who loves working with kids! I’d be willing to help with meals, house work, as well as homework as I’m also a student attending San Diego State University. I’d love the opportunity to help families and support them in any way I possibly can!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Michelle
Nanny Michelle
San Diego, CA
$35 - $45/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I am a former preschool teacher as well as a former para professional for students with special needs. I am currently special needs nanny. I am available for a part time weekday position. I look forward to hearing from you.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Gianna
Nanny Gianna
San Diego, CA
$23/hr
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Gianna Hofer and I am looking for a part-time babysitting position in the San Diego area.
A little bit about me:
- I am 20 years old and I am in my 3rd year at San Diego State University.
- I am majoring in Elementary Education and have about 50 hours of experience inside the classroom.
- I have experience working in a summer camp setting at the YMCA for two years.
- I have spent a lot of my time working at a slime shop and working with children while helping them through the process of making slime.
- I have my Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification
- I have reliable transportation and am willing to commute through the San Diego area.
- I am comfortable with pets!
- I have experience working as an aide for children with disabilities.
- I am originally from Oceanside, San Diego.
If you’re looking for a reliable, responsible, and caring babysitter, feel free to send a message!
A little bit about me:
- I am 20 years old and I am in my 3rd year at San Diego State University.
- I am majoring in Elementary Education and have about 50 hours of experience inside the classroom.
- I have experience working in a summer camp setting at the YMCA for two years.
- I have spent a lot of my time working at a slime shop and working with children while helping them through the process of making slime.
- I have my Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification
- I have reliable transportation and am willing to commute through the San Diego area.
- I am comfortable with pets!
- I have experience working as an aide for children with disabilities.
- I am originally from Oceanside, San Diego.
If you’re looking for a reliable, responsible, and caring babysitter, feel free to send a message!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Related costs in San Diego CA
Other services in San Diego, CA
After-School Nannies • Bilingual Nannies • Full-Time Nannies • Housekeeper Nannies • House Manager/Nannies • Infant Care • Live-In Nannies • Nannies for Twins • Night Nannies • Part-Time Nannies • Short-Term Nannies • Spanish-Speaking Nannies • Special Needs Child Care • Summer Nannies • Toddler Care • Traveling Nannies • Weekend Nannies