Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Dover, DE in 2026?
In Dover, DE, the average nanny earns about $17.35 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $694/week or $3,007/month. Most Dover families pay somewhere in the $15–$24/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.35/hr · Dover average
These numbers come from 28 live nanny listings in Dover on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $694
- Monthly
- $3,007
- Annual
- $36,088
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Dover families pay somewhere in the $15–$24/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 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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $17.35 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.35 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.35+ |
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.
How do Dover nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Dover runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Dover, DE typically costs about 7% less than the Delaware average of $19/hour and 9% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | $17/hr | — |
| Delaware | $19/hr | +7% |
| United States | $19/hr | +10% |
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 Dover, DE
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 Dover, DE
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 Dover, DE
28 active listings in Dover
Nanny Ibraheem
Nanny Ibraheem
Dover, DE
$15 - $31/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m 17 years old, I have 7 siblings, 4 of which are younger than myself so I’d say even with no official paid childcare experience I am well versed in that field. I cook for my family daily as well as cleaning (when needed) I have a years worth of experience in the hospitality/retail industry employed as a hospitality assistant at High 5 hospitality/Buffalo Wild wings. I have no car as of yet but I do have reliable transportation to and from my residence to yours.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Marayah
Nanny Marayah
Dover, DE
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name Is Marayah. I am 19 years old and graduated from Polytech Highschool while studying early childhood education. I’ve been working and observing kids for about 4 years. I love helping out and very excited to be support to a family. I am CPR certified. I also hold my para certification and have plenty of experience with any age group. I also hold my lead teacher certification in early childhood education.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Leah
Nanny Leah
Dover, DE
$21 - $40/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello there, I’m Leah! I have about 6 years of childcare experience! I’ve worked with infants to 4 year olds! My preference is infants but can work with multiple ages! I look forward to working with your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kamille
Nanny Kamille
Dover, DE
$18 - $30/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Kamille. I’m 24 years old. I would be great fit for the job because I’m great with kids especially young kids. I have been in TAG classes throughout elementary and middle school, AP and honors classes during high school, all while being a varsity track athlete, with my own freelance business. I have just acquired my bachelors degree in biology. I want to be a pediatric surgeon one day so I love working with kids, I’m smart, athletic, can cook, bake, clean, and I drive. I have experience watching my sister, and other family members and family friends. For the past couple years I have been getting more experience with younger children from my boyfriend’s family, I was also their nanny for a whole summer. I am about to start grad school in august and would love to chat with you more
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Dover, DE
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m a 29 year old who’s looking to change her career to something more meaningful. I have always loved children and wanted to work with them. When I was younger I would always watch my brother who’s special needs for hours when my mom was at work, so I know how to handle a difficult child and entertain them.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny M'Kiyah
Nanny M'Kiyah
Dover, DE
$16/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Although I don’t have nanny experience. I’m very mature, and have 6 siblings that i’ve taken care of, other families small children. I can do laundry, cook, and light cleaning.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Karen
Nanny Karen
Dover, DE
$16/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Karen, I have always worked as a Pharmaceutical Account Specialist until recently when my dept closed. I have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren who I have always taken care of due to my childrens work. We always have a great time and have no issues with babies. I have can babysit in your home or mine but I do have a kitten, I have no problems with pets. I will also send you updates and photos through out the day of your child and keep a log of feedings and naps. I hope you may consider me for your needs.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jaslene
Nanny Jaslene
Dover, DE
$16/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Jaslene Holly, I’m 16 years old, I am a student at Polytech High school, while I have not been paid to babysit i have taken care of multiple kids ranging from the ages of 1 month- 4 years old. I would love to help your family out by being your nanny!!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Octavia
Nanny Octavia
Dover, DE
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Mother of 3. My oldest 2 are adults. My youngest is 1. Im looking help other parents provide safe and loving care for their children. Im also looking for work where I'll be able to have my little one with me. Im great with children of all ages. I love to interact and teach.
Have experience working with
Special Needs