Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Harrisonburg, VA in 2026?

In Harrisonburg, VA, the average nanny earns about $16.29 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $652/week or $2,824/month. Most Harrisonburg families pay somewhere in the $12–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.29/hr · Harrisonburg average

These numbers come from 46 live nanny listings in Harrisonburg on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$652
$2,824
$33,883

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What drives the price

Most Harrisonburg families pay somewhere in the $12–$20/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$16.29
2 kids~$17.29
3+ kids~$18.29+

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
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
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 Harrisonburg nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Harrisonburg runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring nannies in Harrisonburg, VA typically costs about 13% less than the Virginia average of $19/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Harrisonburg, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Harrisonburg, VA
Harrisonburg, VA$16/hr
Virginia$19/hr+15%
United States$19/hr+17%

Where Harrisonburg, VA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.08/hour in Lynchburg to $22.43/hour in Arlington.

Below: how each compares to the Harrisonburg, VA average of $16.29/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Harrisonburg, VA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Harrisonburg, VA
1Arlington$22.43+38%
2Alexandria$21.23+30%
3Charlottesville$20.18+24%
4Woodbridge$19.32+19%
5Richmond$18.90+16%
6Norfolk$17.97+10%
7Virginia Beach$17.90+10%
8Fredericksburg$17.60+8%
9Chesapeake$17.37+7%
10Lynchburg$16.08-1%
Most expensive nearby: Arlington ($22.43) Least expensive nearby: Lynchburg ($16.08)

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Harrisonburg, VA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Harrisonburg, VA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 Harrisonburg, VA

46 active listings in Harrisonburg

Alexes M. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Alexes

Harrisonburg, VA
$16.15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Alexis. I love children. I am 19 right now. I am looking to watch kids. I do not have a vehicle right now. Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Lilly G. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Lilly

Harrisonburg, VA
$16/hr
Part-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

I truly enjoy working with children, and being a positive role model for them. I am looking to help more families that are in need of childcare. As a current sophomore at James Madison University, I am a part of the Honors College, Best Buddies Club, and Greek Life. I pride myself on my positive attitude, time management, patience, problem solving skills, reliability, and kindness!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Eliah D. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Eliah

Harrisonburg, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I have 5 years of basic babysitting experience, 3 years of part-time nannying, and 1 year of daycare experience. I am CPR/First Aid certified. I am a Senior and James Madison University majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. During this major I have taken multiple classes pertaining to child language and development.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Avery D. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Avery

Harrisonburg, VA
$17/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Avery and I am a junior at JMU. I’m looking for a summer gig that could maybe roll into the school year if needed.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Peyten M. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Peyten

Harrisonburg, VA
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Peyten and i'm a junior in high school! I am graduating early this year as I only have 1 class total to complete. I have held a steady job for 2 years and have been working since i was 14 with a workers permit. I was working in a job where i felt unappreciated and I wasn't getting to do something I love. You may be wondering how I came to the conclusion to move on to child care. Well, I absolutely love children!!! I can't wait to be a mother one day. I was the firstborn so I've always been the oldest out of the kids. I have so many little cousins and have taken care of so many kids from infants to younger teenagers almost my whole life. I enjoy playing games, going on walks, watching movies, or even doing chores with kids. My little brother is about to turn 10 and i've helped raise him his entire life. I hope I catch your eye when looking for a babysitter! and I hope to meet some amazing kids and parents through this program!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Alexia V. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Alexia

Harrisonburg, VA
$16/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Alexia, I am a JMU graduate. I've worked at summer camps with children and I adore them! Im looking to be a night-time babysitter. I'm great for if the parents what a night to themselves! I know how to cook, clean, and more importantly make sure your child/children will have fun! I can also tutor in some subjects depending on the grade level! I have helped children in English, History, Math, Science and Writing!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexis H. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Alexis

Harrisonburg, VA
$16/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Alexis. I'm currently a student at James Madison University with a major in Communications and a concentration in Public Relations. I am looking for a summer babysitting/nanny job as I love working with kids. I have two younger siblings, a 6 year old sister and an 12 year old brother, who I love spending my time with when I'm home from school.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kiarra W. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Kiarra

Harrisonburg, VA
$17/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am a JMU college student hoping to find a family close by that needs child care! I am EMT/ CPR/ First Aid certified

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gabrielle L. - Seeking Work in Harrisonburg

Nanny Gabrielle

Harrisonburg, VA
$15/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Gabrielle Litchko, I am a college student at James Madison University looking to make some extra money to support myself! I love to spend time with children and have a lot of experience as an aunt to two nieces and three nephews.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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