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 $23.28 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $931/week or $4,035/month. Most Portland families pay somewhere in the $15–$34/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$23.28/hr · Portland average
These numbers come from 48 live nanny listings in Portland on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $931
- Monthly
- $4,035
- Annual
- $48,422
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Portland families pay somewhere in the $15–$34/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) | $23.28 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$24.28 |
| 3+ kids | ~$25.28+ |
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 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 $21/hour and 22% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME | $23/hr | — |
| Maine | $21/hr | -10% |
| United States | $19/hr | -18% |
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
48 active listings in Portland
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Portland, ME
$28 - $40/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! I just ended my nannying time with a family who have 2 boys - one 3 and the other 6 years old. Unfortunately, the boys schedules won’t provide the hours I need with them being in full-time summer camp now, so I’m looking for a new family that I can be with long term. We have a great bond and I have a letter of recommendation if you'd like. I love children and have some years beyond my paid experience. I was a ballet instructor for ages 4-9 and previously was a step-mom for 3 years. I’m very good with pets as well. I have a background in the holistic industry as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Polarity/Reiki Practitioner and current Sound Healer. I'm from Falmouth and can navigate driving around Maine well. Ideally, I would love to help with drop offs and pick ups for school, activities/camp and then help around the house in-between to fill in hours - laundry, grocery shopping, dishes, errands etc. Please reach out if you'd like to know more and see if we'd be a good fit!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brooklyn
Nanny Brooklyn
Portland, ME
$23.50/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m a high school graduate with college coursework in Human Services and over four years of hands-on childcare experience. I’m CPR and First Aid certified, and I truly love working with kids of all ages. I enjoy creating a fun, structured, and safe environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn. Whether we’re doing crafts, playing outside, helping with homework, or just having a dance break in the living room, I aim to make each day positive and engaging. My background in human services has helped me develop patience, strong communication skills, and a genuine understanding of child development. I look forward to building trusting relationships with both children and parents!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Caitlyn
Nanny Caitlyn
Portland, ME
$24/hr
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I’m a fun enthusiastic person! I love scheduling our days and finding fun activities that fit the child’s need and interests! I Love spending time outdoors and taking on new challenges.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ella
Nanny Ella
Portland, ME
$25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi all! My name is Ella. I am a farmer, gardener, Cold water swimmer and rock climber. I love to cook meals with my roommate and partner and I’m a musician. I want to help kids express themselves and learn to exist in this ever changing world we live in. Please reach out to me and we can talk to see if I’m a good match.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ella
Nanny Ella
Portland, ME
$25/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My names Ella, I’m 21 and I’m looking for a part-time job while I'm in school. I've worked with infants and toddlers mostly and would love to meet your little one!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Evy
Nanny Evy
Portland, ME
$25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Evy! I’m currently studying education and history, and I’ve been working with children since I was 18. My experience includes roles as a camp counselor teaching children about animal care in shelter settings, a preschool teacher, and a live-in nanny.
I’m passionate about creating nurturing, structured environments where children feel safe and encouraged to grow. In my free time, I enjoy art, crafting, baking, and reading.
I’m passionate about creating nurturing, structured environments where children feel safe and encouraged to grow. In my free time, I enjoy art, crafting, baking, and reading.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Beverly
Nanny Beverly
Portland, ME
$15 - $18/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have a GREAT love got babies & little ones! I have may years of experience as a Child care teacher/provider!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Iris
Nanny Iris
Portland, ME
$25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Kind, loving, fun and and patient nanny, mom of two college kids, with 5 years of infant and toddler care under her belt.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brenna
Nanny Brenna
Portland, ME
$25/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Brenna Thirkell! I’m 24 years old and am currently looking to relocate to the Portland, ME area within the next couple of months (end of October/November 2025). I’ve been in corporate marketing for the last 2.5 years and am looking to take a step back and explore something more meaningful while I work to expand my photography business.
I’ve always loved working with kids. I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, and was very involved in my community and in sports. In high school, I was a youth softball coach from ages 3-12 every winter. I also was a a camp counselor at my local church every summer in high school where I worked with kids from ages 3-15. In college I was an assistant varsity coach (grades 9-12). Outside of my town, I have a large extended family with kids under the age of 11 that I spend lots of time with and take care of when their parents need.
I’ve always loved working with kids. I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, and was very involved in my community and in sports. In high school, I was a youth softball coach from ages 3-12 every winter. I also was a a camp counselor at my local church every summer in high school where I worked with kids from ages 3-15. In college I was an assistant varsity coach (grades 9-12). Outside of my town, I have a large extended family with kids under the age of 11 that I spend lots of time with and take care of when their parents need.
Have experience working with
Special Needs