1. Nanny Cost
  2. Canada

How much does a nanny cost in Canada?

An image of a mother playing with her two daughters on the floor of their living room
Hiring a nanny can be a game-changer, especially for busy parents who need a professional touch in taking care of their young ones. However, understanding the associated costs can be challenging. Between up-front costs of hiring and the recurring costs of wages and activities, navigating the financial side of hiring a nanny can be overwhelming, even more so for first time parents. In general, nanny rates depend on the number of children you have and the duties required by the nanny. These duties can include preparing meals, taking the kids to school, doing laundry, etc. Nannies can also provide nighttime or newborn care if that is what you're searching for. But not to fear! In this article, we’ll dive into the details around different factors that impact the costs to hiring and what you can expect throughout the hiring stages.
So how much does a nanny cost? From our research, on average they charge $18.00 an hour in Canada.

Nanny rates in Canada

Lowest costAverage costHighest cost
Hour$16.50$18.00$22.00
* Rate information as of March 19, 2024
Dani H
Dani H
Hi! My name is Dani and I am a dedicated and caring nanny currently looking for a wonderful family to work with in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. I am available for both full-time and part-time positions, and I am committed to providing exceptional care and support to your little ones. As a self acclaimed neat freak and pretty decent home cook, I also offer cleaning and meal prep. I can also provide pet care, as I have experience in pet sitting everything from large dogs to cats to tarantulas. I charge $20.00 hourly and am dedicated to ensuring that your children are well-cared for and supported in their growth and development. If you are seeking a reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate nanny, message me to discuss how I can help meet your family's needs. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with a wonderful family and provide the best care for your little ones.
16.50/hour
Tia V
Tia V
Hello! I'm Tia, a dedicated nanny in Sarnia, Ontario, seeking a part-time live-out position with a wonderful family. I have a passion for caring for children, I am excited to offer my services to a family in need of a nurturing and responsible caregiver. Having worked in a primary school setting, I have gained valuable experience in providing educational support and creating engaging activities for children. I understand the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for young minds to thrive, and I am committed to ensuring the well-being and development of the children under my care. I am available to provide reliable and attentive childcare starting March 2024 and throughout the summer. My hourly rate is $18.0, and I am open to discussing flexible scheduling options to accommodate your family's needs. If you are seeking a caring and capable sitter for your children, please feel free to message me to discuss how I can be of assistance to your family. I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with a wonderful family.
18.00/hour
Igho M
Igho M
Hello there! I'm Igho, an experienced nanny based in Calgary, Alberta. I have a passion for working with children and have extensive experience in providing exceptional care for families. With a background in primary school education, I'm equipped to assist with homework, engage in educational activities, and ensure the overall well-being of the children under my care. Currently, I'm seeking a full-time position as a live-in or live-out nanny, where I can not only care for the children but also assist with housekeeping duties. My hourly rate is $22.0, and I bring dedication and reliability to every aspect of my work. If you're in need of a nurturing and reliable nanny who can provide top-notch care for your little ones while also managing housekeeping tasks, feel free to message me to discuss further. I'd love to find a family where I can make a positive impact and help create a harmonious and loving environment for everyone involved. Let's connect and see if we're the perfect fit for each other!
22.00/hour

Factors That Impact Your Nanny's Rate

Firstly, let's start by talking about the things that directly impact the hourly rate set by a nanny. Understanding how much you'll be paying a nanny largely depends on several key factors.

Location

Where you live plays an enormous role in how much a nanny will cost and is one of the largest factors. If you're residing in high cost of living areas like New York City, or Los Angeles, be ready to budget a bit more than if you lived in a smaller, less expensive city or town.

Experience

Nannies with more years of experience or relevant education backing them tend to command higher rates. A seasoned nanny will likely charge a higher wage because of their experience and childcare skills.

Number of Children

This is often one of the first things a nanny will ask in the interview process, and rightly so. The more kids you need care for, the more work it is for the nanny and the higher they'll charge. Every nanny has their own way of factoring this in, so it's not quite as simple as taking the hourly wage and multiplying it by the number of children you have.

Duties and Responsibilities

Many families that choose to hire nannies oftentimes need help in areas other than childcare. Responsibilities like light housekeeping and cooking are pretty common from our experience. That being said, additional responsibilities typically lead to additional costs.

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Factors That Impact Your Costs

Aside from the nanny's hourly rate, other factors will impact your overall costs. We've categorized these as costs that come with hiring a nanny but aren't a huge part of how they set their hourly rate.

Hours and Schedule

Just like with a traditional office job, the hours worked per week is the biggest part of overall pay. But unlike a traditional nine-to-five, nanny schedules can vary from week to week depending on the needs of the family. We recommend both you and your nanny track worked hours to keep things humming smoothly.

Daily Activities

If you'd like your nanny to take the kids on outings, to lessons or clubs, remember to factor in these extra costs. Entry fees and transport costs can add up!

Taxes

As an employer, you'll be required to pay employment taxes. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand all the obligations. Need some more help? We've partnered with Canada's leading domestic payroll provider, HeartPayroll, to provide a seamless transition between finding, hiring, and paying your nanny.

Benefits, Perks, and Bonuses

Providing your nanny with vacation days, health insurance, allowances, and other benefits may increase your total costs. These additions also help keep your job competitive in cities with higher nanny demand. However, some of these things, like additional vacation days, may be able to be offered in exchange for a lower hourly rate.

Other Costs You Might Not Have Thought Of

There are a few sometimes overlooked costs that come with hiring a nanny.

Background Check

Ensuring the safety of your child is paramount. A thorough background check is advisable for any potential nanny, although it comes with a cost.

Finding a Nanny

Using a nanny agency or an online service can save you time, but will also be an added expense. Nonetheless, the peace of mind you get knowing you've hired a qualified professional may be worth it.

Certifications

Many families may choose to require their nanny to obtain certain certifications as part of the interview process which are typically reimbursed by the family upon hiring. These include certifications such as CPR and First Aid, Water-safety and age-specific courses (like Newborn Care).

Now that you have detailed insights into the costs associated with hiring a nanny, you're better equipped to make an informed decision. Be sure to maintain open and honest communication with potential nannies about compensation and expectations around duties and responsibilities. Remember, while it's necessary to manage your finances responsibly, the safety, happiness, and well-being of your children is the foremost priority!