Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Portland, ME in 2026?
In Portland, ME, the average nanny earns about $20.53 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $821/week or $3,559/month. Most Portland families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$20.53/hr · Portland average
These numbers come from 166 live nanny listings in Portland on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $821
- Monthly
- $3,559
- Annual
- $42,702
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Portland families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/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 $19.70/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $23.36/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) | $20.53 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$21.53 |
| 3+ kids | ~$22.53+ |
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 | $21.71/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $20.19/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $20.22/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 arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do Portland nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Portland is one of the more expensive nanny markets in the country.
Hiring nannies in Portland, ME typically costs about 11% more than the Maine average of $18/hour and 22% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME | $21/hr | — |
| Maine | $18/hr | -10% |
| United States | $17/hr | -18% |
Where Portland, ME fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.78/hour in Waterville to $20.53/hour in Portland.
Below: how each compares to the Portland, ME average of $20.53/hour — Portland, ME is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Portland, ME | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portland | $20.53 | — | |
| 2 | Scarborough | $19.43 | -5% | |
| 3 | Biddeford | $18.53 | -10% | |
| 4 | Westbrook | $18.14 | -12% | |
| 5 | Lewiston | $18.10 | -12% | |
| 6 | South Portland | $17.90 | -13% | |
| 7 | Bangor | $17.89 | -13% | |
| 8 | Auburn | $17.65 | -14% | |
| 9 | Orono | $17.18 | -16% | |
| 10 | Waterville | $16.78 | -18% |
● Most expensive nearby: Portland ($20.53)● Least expensive nearby: Waterville ($16.78)
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 Portland, ME
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 Portland, ME
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 Portland, ME
166 active listings in Portland
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Portland, ME
$30 - $50/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I'm currently a part-time nanny for 2 boys - One 2 years old and the other 5 years old. I'm looking for full-time when their schedules change, however I'm prepared to split my time between two part-time families if need be. I love children and have some years beyond my paid experience with them. I was a ballet instructor for ages 4-9 and previously was a step-mom for 3 years. I have a background in the holistic industry as a licensed Massage Therapist, Polarity/Reiki Practitioner (and currently a Sound Healer). I'd be open to two part-time positions to create a full M-F schedule. My weekend days are for my own small business on the side, however I have evenings open like a Friday or Saturday if you would like babysitting for date-nights. I have 4-years experience in pet-sitting and house sitting for families vacationing who need help with cats and dogs. Pease reach out if you'd like to know more or to see if I'd be a good fit for your family!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Boomer
Nanny Boomer
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello, I am Boomer, I am from a small village in Central Pennsylvania. My upbringing was unique because I was raised with 10 other children. Growing up around many younger children inspired a strong sense of responsibility for their well-being. I learned to be patient with them, taught them to do tasks independently, and helped them understand their emotions and those of others around them. As a result of my care for others, I find the well-being, education, and ethics of future generations of utmost importance. I am empathetic and generous, but I run a tight ship. My main goal is to leave a positive, lasting impression with the kids I meet and care for.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Zalina
Nanny Zalina
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I’m very nice and kind, caring, people say I’m very likable lol, I’m good with kids, I’m gonna be going to college next year, I’m 19 years old, I’m very outgoing. ect
My little sister is in my public profile:)
My little sister is in my public profile:)
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Tamar
Nanny Tamar
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Tamar Friedmann. I've been working with kids for a very long time (majority of my life), and I love every part of it! I'm currently a full time uni student, studying to be a librarian. My interests vary, but I really love readings, as well as long nature walks. I'm open to nanny-ing for any age, although I do have particular experience with younger kids (think 0-3). I'm a bit of a world traveler, and I'm always up for new experiences! I'm a good driver (I come with a car!), and a pretty good cook too, as well as quick learner if other skills are needed. Kids are a passion of mine, and I believe the more the merrier! :)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Recent reference
"Tamar is great with kids! She worked in our camp with our 3 year olds. They adored her. She was able to comfort them when they needed and also knows how to have fun with them. She really made sure all of their needs were taken care of."
- Simone
Nanny Donnelly
Nanny Donnelly
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi I’m Donnelly I’m a south portland highschool student! I play a few sports and enjoy spending time with my family. I’m very skilled in cooking and have straight As in school. Willing to babysit with 1-2 other friends to keep child in company.
Nanny Norah
Nanny Norah
Lincoln, NE
$20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Norah Lockert, and I am from Lincoln, Nebraska. I am just curious and looking at maybe spending a summer in the northeast nannying. I will turn 18 in May! I am currently a freshman at UNL and studying elementary education. I have also worked at a childcare facility for about one year now!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Cordelia
Nanny Cordelia
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Cordelia Williams. Im from Appleton, Maine and I am currently attending college at LSU! I will be home for the summer and am looking for a family to help out for about 3 months! I have tons of prior experience working with kids so I am looking forward to getting to again!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Maegan
Nanny Maegan
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I'm a senor in college studying sociology with a minor in child development and criminal justice. The past two summers I have worked at daycares as a toddler teacher. Occasionally I worked with infants and older children. I love being able to work with kids and see the learn and grow! I'm searching for a full-time summer job until around mid to late August.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Chloe
Nanny Chloe
Portland, ME
$20/hr
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Chloe and I am a 22 year old college student at USM in Portland Maine. I am about to graduate with a general biology major and a biochemistry minor. I have been babysitting and nannying for about 7 years on and off during the summer. I’ve always loved babysitting and like to do hands on projects, interactive activities, and play outside! I am currently available Monday, Wednesday and either early mornings or afternoons on Friday. I look forward to meeting you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR