Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Traverse City, MI in 2026?
In Traverse City, MI, the average nanny earns about $18.77 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $751/week or $3,253/month. Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$18.77/hr · Traverse City average
These numbers come from 38 live nanny listings in Traverse City on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $751
- Monthly
- $3,253
- Annual
- $39,042
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Traverse City families pay somewhere in the $12–$25/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) | $18.77 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$19.77 |
| 3+ kids | ~$20.77+ |
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 Traverse City nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Traverse City sits close to the national average for nanny rates.
Hiring nannies in Traverse City, MI typically costs about 7% more than the Michigan average of $18/hour and 1% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $19/hr | — |
| Michigan | $18/hr | -7% |
| United States | $19/hr | +1% |
Where Traverse City, MI fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.67/hour in Flint to $20.28/hour in Ann Arbor.
Below: how each compares to the Traverse City, MI average of $18.77/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Traverse City, MI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Arbor | $20.28 | +8% | |
| 2 | Wyoming | $18.38 | -2% | |
| 3 | Grand Rapids | $18.35 | -2% | |
| 4 | Holland | $17.43 | -7% | |
| 5 | Detroit | $17.32 | -8% | |
| 6 | Warren | $17.12 | -9% | |
| 7 | East Lansing | $16.89 | -10% | |
| 8 | Lansing | $16.48 | -12% | |
| 9 | Kalamazoo | $16.28 | -13% | |
| 10 | Flint | $15.67 | -17% |
● Most expensive nearby: Ann Arbor ($20.28)● Least expensive nearby: Flint ($15.67)
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI
38 active listings in Traverse City
Nanny Shona
Nanny Shona
Traverse City, MI
$25 - $30/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Shona and I have over 20+ years of experience working with children. I’m the teacher during the school year and I’ve worked with a variety of ages and multi ages. I have my early childhood associates degree and ZA endorsement along with my elementary degree and a masters. I have infant experience and love working with them toddler and elementary. I’m not only an educator but I am a teaching artist as well. I am looking for a summer job working with children. I'm from Ann Arbor but relocate to Traverse City in the summer. Part-time is best for me. I am very responsible, knowledgeable and loving.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Ryan
Nanny Ryan
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Mack and I am a college student studying government with intentions of becoming a lawyer after grad school. I am completely first aid and CPR certified in adults, children, and infants. I speak a little Spanish as well as some baby sign language. I have 4 siblings so I've grown up taking care of little ones. I've always tested above average and pride myself on intelligence, and have also tutored kids in the past.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Emory
Nanny Emory
Traverse City, MI
$18/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Emory, I am 19 years old and am looking for an opportunity to work as a full-time or part-time nanny! I’ve worked as a lifeguard for the past four years so I am CPR and First Aid trained. I love kids, and have 5 siblings, as well as a bit of babysitting experience with family friends. I enjoy tidying and keeping things clean as well as being creative. I am very patient and understanding especially with children and want them to have the most positive experiences can provide!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Paige
Nanny Paige
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello my name is Paige I am 18 years old and looking for a nanny job. I love kids and have worked with them quite a bit. I am CPR certified as well. I am currently finishing up my degree in college, as well as attending esthetician school. I am currently employed at Loco Boys Brewing company as a food runner. I love pets and the outdoors as well!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Mary
Nanny Mary
Traverse City, MI
$19/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Mia, I’m a mama myself to an amazing two year old boy. I specialize in play and love to bake and cook healthy meals. I’m hoping to find a family that’s comfortable with me bringing my son to tag along.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR
Nanny Madison
Nanny Madison
Traverse City, MI
$20/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Madison and I am 23 years old. I am very passionate about caring for young minds and giving them a safe place to learn and explore. I have taught for a total of four years in a daycare setting. I have also nannied and been a camp counselor for one year! I enjoy being hands on with the children and making creative activities. When I am not working with your child I love to spend time with my friends or outside . You can always find me running, camping, or fishing!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Sierra
Nanny Sierra
Traverse City, MI
$20/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hello, my name is Sierra and I am a caring, dependable childcare provider with a genuine passion for supporting children’s growth, curiosity, and confidence. With experience creating safe, nurturing routines and engaging activities, I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with both children and families. I take pride in being patient, organized, and attentive to each child’s individual needs while fostering a positive, fun, and structured environment. My goal as a nanny is to provide consistent, loving support that helps children feel secure, encouraged, and excited to learn each day.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Savanna
Nanny Savanna
Traverse City, MI
$20/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello - I’m Savanna, I am a freshman at Michigan State and am currently a Pilates instructor. I’m looking to help nanny over breaks and during the summer as well!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Mallory
Nanny Mallory
Traverse City, MI
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello!! Im Mallory, i’ve worked as a nanny for about a year now and i love it. I’m very passionate about my love for kids, i’d also describe myself as an organized person who doesn’t mind helping out around the house. i’ve watched children as young as 3 months and as old at 10. I’m interested in finding a great family looking for a babysitter or nanny!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid