Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in San Francisco, CA in 2026?
In San Francisco, CA, the average nanny earns about $28.18 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $1,127/week or $4,885/month. Most San Francisco families pay somewhere in the $17–$41/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$28.18/hr · San Francisco average
These numbers come from 568 live nanny listings in San Francisco on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $1,127
- Monthly
- $4,885
- Annual
- $58,614
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most San Francisco families pay somewhere in the $17–$41/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 $27.23/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $31.64/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) | $28.18 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$29.18 |
| 3+ kids | ~$30.18+ |
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 | $30.02/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $28.35/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $28.83/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 Francisco nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
San Francisco is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in San Francisco, CA typically costs about 23% more than the California average of $23/hour and 45% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $28/hr | — |
| California | $23/hr | -19% |
| United States | $19/hr | -31% |
Where San Francisco, CA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $19.08/hour in Fresno to $28.18/hour in San Francisco.
Below: how each compares to the San Francisco, CA average of $28.18/hour — San Francisco, CA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. San Francisco, CA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | $28.18 | — | |
| 2 | Oakland | $25.62 | -9% | |
| 3 | San Jose | $25.47 | -10% | |
| 4 | Los Angeles | $24.94 | -11% | |
| 5 | San Diego | $23.93 | -15% | |
| 6 | Sacramento | $21.24 | -25% | |
| 7 | Riverside | $20.08 | -29% | |
| 8 | Stockton | $19.76 | -30% | |
| 9 | Bakersfield | $19.11 | -32% | |
| 10 | Fresno | $19.08 | -32% |
● Most expensive nearby: San Francisco ($28.18)● Least expensive nearby: Fresno ($19.08)
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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
568 active listings in San Francisco
Nanny Laura
Nanny Laura
San Francisco, CA
$32 - $35/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a mother of teenage boys, taking time to be at home for them and remain available to help my aging parents. In past lives, I have been a nanny, a lawyer, a tutor for elementary school kids with learning challenges, and a paraeducator in SFUSD. I love being with children, teaching and learning. The very individual process of learning makes working with children continually interesting and delightful to me, whether digging in the sand together, exploring the natural world around us, baking cookies, learning math or writing stories.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kalkidan
Nanny Kalkidan
San Francisco, CA
$40 - $60/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Fostering a child's growth and development is my true passion, and I find immense joy in making a positive impact on young lives. With many years of experience helping raise my nephews and nieces , I offer a patient, calm, and approachable presence for children ranging from infants to pre-teens. I hold a graduate degree, which informs my thoughtful approach to care. I maintain First Aid Training and CPR Training to ensure safety at all times.
I love engaging children through outdoor sports and physical games. I am happy to assist with simple cooking, carpooling, light housekeeping, and travel. I follow your lead regarding household rules and am happy to provide updates via your preferred communication method.
I am a patient, educated caregiver dedicated to supporting your child's development through active play and reliable assistance.
P.s I also a drive for Lyft/Uber since 2017 and over 4.5 k rides, so I can assist with pickups and dropoffs as well.
Thank you,
Kali ( Kalkidan)
I love engaging children through outdoor sports and physical games. I am happy to assist with simple cooking, carpooling, light housekeeping, and travel. I follow your lead regarding household rules and am happy to provide updates via your preferred communication method.
I am a patient, educated caregiver dedicated to supporting your child's development through active play and reliable assistance.
P.s I also a drive for Lyft/Uber since 2017 and over 4.5 k rides, so I can assist with pickups and dropoffs as well.
Thank you,
Kali ( Kalkidan)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Leidy laura
Nanny Leidy laura
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I consider myself someone with a strong calling for childcare; I am patient, creative, and highly responsible.
My approach goes beyond ensuring your children’s daily safety and well-being—I also focus on fostering their learning and providing entertainment through educational games and homework support. I would love to arrange an interview so we can meet, discuss how I can support your family dynamic, and—as an added benefit—I am a Spanish speaker.
Me considero una persona con una gran I consider myself someone with a strong calling for childcare; I am patient, creative, and highly responsible.
My approach goes beyond ensuring your children’s daily safety and well-being—I also focus on fostering their learning and providing entertainment through educational games and homework support. I would love to arrange an interview so we can meet, discuss how I can support your family dynamic, and—as an added benefit—I am a Spanish speaker.
My approach goes beyond ensuring your children’s daily safety and well-being—I also focus on fostering their learning and providing entertainment through educational games and homework support. I would love to arrange an interview so we can meet, discuss how I can support your family dynamic, and—as an added benefit—I am a Spanish speaker.
Me considero una persona con una gran I consider myself someone with a strong calling for childcare; I am patient, creative, and highly responsible.
My approach goes beyond ensuring your children’s daily safety and well-being—I also focus on fostering their learning and providing entertainment through educational games and homework support. I would love to arrange an interview so we can meet, discuss how I can support your family dynamic, and—as an added benefit—I am a Spanish speaker.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Darice
Nanny Darice
San Francisco, CA
$30 - $45/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I’m a loving, family oriented mom of two daughters, ages 17 and 24, who has always had a passion for children. I’m the fun person in the family who loves making holidays magical, creating special memories, and bringing joy to the little ones around me. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, exploring new restaurants, and cooking foods from around the world. I love creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, loved, and free to learn, explore, and have fun.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Caitlyn
Nanny Caitlyn
San Francisco, CA
$35 - $40/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there families! I am currently looking for a full-time nanny position in the bay area. I'm a caring, patient, and dependable nanny/caretaker with experience in both private childcare and daycare settings. I love creating a fun, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. I look forward to connecting with a wonderful family.
-Caity P.
-Caity P.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Nina
Nanny Nina
San Francisco, CA
$35 - $45/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
I am 24 years old looking for a full time nanny job! I am originally from Oregon, and a recent grad in Psychology from the University of Oregon. I love spending time with kids, and some of my past experience working with children includes babysitting, working as a camp counselor, and interning on the pediatric ward of a hospital. I also previously worked as an intake coordinator at an ADHD clinic, where I would spend tons of time interacting with children and families. My friends would describe me as responsible, friendly, and calm.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Alliy
Nanny Alliy
San Francisco, CA
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Allison (or Alliy). I’m a college student looking for childcare work. I hope to find a great family I can help out while i get my degree. I love working with kids and have been doing so since I was 16! I have experience with tutoring, coaching, babysitting, etc. I am both first aid and CPR certified. Please feel free to message me!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lea
Nanny Lea
San Francisco, CA
$25 - $30/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Lea, and I have been doing seasonal work and traveling for the past few years, but I am settling down in San Francisco this fall. I am currently working as an assistant musher on a remote camp outside of Juneau, Alaska and caring for 38 dogs daily. My two great passions are working with animals and working with kids. I have over 4 years of working experience with children. I love working with kids and animals because they are so open to connect with others and the world around them. I want to give children a caretaker who is patient, kind, and firm. I love to mold curious and confident kids. I have been extensively trained on behavior management, and modeling healthy emotional regulation for children is something I am passionate about. I hope to find a family who is a good match!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Marykate
Nanny Marykate
San Francisco, CA
$30 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! I'm a warm and dependable nanny excited to support a family in the San Francisco area. I currently work as an infant teacher, but I miss the more personalized care I can give as a nanny.
I have 8 years of childcare experience, and I'm currently majoring in Early Childhood Education.
My approach is centered around providing a safe, loving environment where children are able to grow into their happiest selves.
In addition to childcare, I can help out with housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, and planning weekly activities. I'm also available for hours for parents' weekend date nights!
I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and adaptable to families' ever-changing needs. I look forward to partnering with you to support your child's development and well-being!
I have 8 years of childcare experience, and I'm currently majoring in Early Childhood Education.
My approach is centered around providing a safe, loving environment where children are able to grow into their happiest selves.
In addition to childcare, I can help out with housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, and planning weekly activities. I'm also available for hours for parents' weekend date nights!
I pride myself on being reliable, communicative, and adaptable to families' ever-changing needs. I look forward to partnering with you to support your child's development and well-being!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Related costs in San Francisco CA
Other services in San Francisco, 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