Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Portsmouth, VA, the average nanny earns about $16.71 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $668/week or $2,896/month. Most Portsmouth families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.71/hr · Portsmouth average

These numbers come from 34 live nanny listings in Portsmouth on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$668
$2,896
$34,757

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What drives the price

Most Portsmouth families pay somewhere in the $12–$22/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)$16.71
2 kids~$17.71
3+ kids~$18.71+

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 Portsmouth nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Portsmouth, VA typically costs about 11% less than the Virginia average of $19/hour and 13% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Portsmouth, VA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, VA$17/hr
Virginia$19/hr+12%
United States$19/hr+14%

Where Portsmouth, VA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.36/hour in Lynchburg to $22.60/hour in Arlington.

Below: how each compares to the Portsmouth, VA average of $16.71/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Portsmouth, VA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Portsmouth, VA
1Arlington$22.60+35%
2Alexandria$21.52+29%
3Charlottesville$20.28+21%
4Woodbridge$19.46+16%
5Richmond$18.96+13%
6Virginia Beach$18.00+8%
7Norfolk$17.92+7%
8Fredericksburg$17.92+7%
9Chesapeake$17.52+5%
10Lynchburg$16.36-2%
Most expensive nearby: Arlington ($22.60) Least expensive nearby: Lynchburg ($16.36)

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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, VA

34 active listings in Portsmouth

Ashley L. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ashley

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m a nurturing and dependable caregiver with experience working with children at a stay-away camp, as well as raising my own 5-year-old. I genuinely enjoy helping kids learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and structured environment. I’m patient, attentive, and love creating engaging activities while maintaining routines that help children feel secure.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Jaelyn C. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Jaelyn

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jaelyn. I have experience working in a daycare with all different ages! I’m CPR and first aid certified! I do my absolute best to create a safe and loving energy and environment!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gabriella G. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Gabriella

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m Gabby Greene. I am passionate and eager to work with children and teaching them developmental skills, social/emotional skills, fine/gross motor skills, and giving them a safe nurturing environment to thrive in. I have 10+ years of babysitting experience, as well as two years of childcare center experience. I am CPR and first aid certified, and am up to date on all trainings covering childcare essentials, licensing procedures, and developmental milestone needs. I would love to become an addition to your family! If you have any questions, please reach out! I cannot wait to hear from you :))

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brooklyn V. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Brooklyn

Portsmouth, VA
$17/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Brooklyn, and I’m a caring, reliable, and energetic nanny with a strong passion for working with children. I have experience supporting families by creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where kids can learn and grow. I’m skilled in child development, communication, and maintaining routines that help children feel secure and happy. My goal is to make each day positive, structured, and full of learning opportunities.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Ananda L. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ananda

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I just graduated from college for IT support and I am currently looking for roles in the IT/customer service field. Until I do though I am looking for work in childcare. I have my CPR/FirstAide Certification, my health training certifications, and childcare certifications.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ty F. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Ty

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is TyShawn Davis, I am a 21 year old currently working as an Lead teacher with 4 years of experience in the childcare setting. I specialize with school-age children but have tons of experience within the 1-4/5 age group, as well as some infant experience. I have worked with special needs children as well, more closely with those with level 1 autism and some level 2.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lutricia B. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Lutricia

Portsmouth, VA
$16/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am experienced, responsible, reliable, and loving. I enjoy helping families ease the workload by helping with their children and everyday daily needs. I simply love children. I am passionate about the development of children and their families. Let's learn and grow together! I am currently a PreK teacher but I would love to take on this role on the weekends or after hours. I'm here and ready for whatever needs you may have. I will make my schedule fit your needs! See you soon!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Destiny B. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Destiny

Portsmouth, VA
$25 - $32/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I started working with children about 10+ years ago through a private school as a nursery leader and as a gym leader. I then moved onto the YMCA, primarily in the infant and toddler class. I began working as a Certified Private Nanny and a Newborn Care Specialist 4 years ago and have been loving it! I am experienced with multiples and specialize in infants/ newborns and toddlers. I do have experience with children with special needs (Autism, Downs, G-Tube, Diabetes, Food Allergies).

I have an AAS in Early Childhood Education and Development and a college background in Family Psychological Development. I am CPR/ First Aide Certified, Life Guard Certified and have a good reliable vehicle and clean background.

My skills include sign language/ toddler language development, teaching skills for toddlers (color recognition, animal recognition, sensory exploration), cooking, sleep training, cleaning, potty training, developmental milestone advancement, etc.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sylvia E. - Seeking Work in Portsmouth

Nanny Sylvia

Portsmouth, VA
$18/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a seasoned female. I'm a mother and grandmother. I have previously worked for New York City Department of Education, SECEP in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth Public Schools. I have cared for in my home for short periods of time.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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