How much does a nanny cost in Nova Scotia in 2026?
$20/hrNova Scotia median
$17 typical low
$25 typical high
Weekly · 40 hrs$800
Monthly$3,467
Annual$41,600
So how much does a nanny cost? From our research, on average they charge $20 an hour in Nova Scotia. Rates depend on a nanny's experience and credentials, the number and ages of children, added duties such as housekeeping, live-in vs. live-out, and part-time vs full-time arrangements.
Find the right nanny in Nova Scotia
Post your job, nannies come to you →Nanny rates by arrangement in Nova Scotia
Live in rate$17.5/hr
See 2,048 live in nannies in Nova Scotia →Live out rate$18/hr
See 4,498 live out nannies in Nova Scotia →Full-time rate$18/hr
See 3,048 full-time nannies in Nova Scotia →Part-time rate$18/hr
See 3,531 part-time nannies in Nova Scotia →Full-time nannies cost more overall due to more hours, while part-time nannies often have higher hourly rates. Live-out nannies typically cost more in cash wages because they cover their own housing, while live-in nannies can reduce cash costs through room and board, though provincial rules limit how much can count toward wages. Live-in arrangements also require suitable private space.
What drives the price in Nova Scotia
Years of experience
0–2 years$18
3–5 years$18
6+ years$20
6+ years providers average $2/hr more than 0–2 years.
Work Arrangement
Live in$17.5
Live out$18
Full-time$18
Part-time$18
Summer only$18
Occasional$20
Long term$20
Short term$20
Overnight care$20
Overnight care providers average $2.5/hr more than live in.
Child Age Group
Newborn$18
Infant$18
Toddler$20
Early school$20
Primary school$18
Preteen/teen$20
Preteen/teen providers average $2/hr more than newborn.
Additional Responsibilities
Pet care$18
Housekeeping$18
Swim supervision$20
Meal prep$18
Groceries$20
Homework help$20
Errands$20
Laundry$20
Gardening$20
Gardening providers average $2/hr more than pet care.
A few things affect the rate that don't appear in the table above:
- Location: Where you live plays an enormous role in how much a nanny will cost and is one of the largest factors.
- The number of children (families typically pay $1–4/hr more per additional child).
- Hours and schedule: Regular weekday shifts are the simplest to fill. Rates climb for early starts, nights, weekends, and short-notice work.
- Training: credentials such as ECE increase a nanny's rate.
Real profiles near the Nova Scotia average
Active profiles charging close to the median rate.
Esther A
$18.00/hrHello! My name is Esther, and I am a dedicated nanny based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I’m a caring, responsible, and dependable babysitter with 7 years of hands-on childcare experience. I’ve been babysitting since I was 9, and for the past 3 years, I’ve regularly cared for my two younger siblings, ages 2 and 6, from 6 AM to 6 PM on weekends. I’m experienced with changing diapers, giving baths, preparing meals, keeping children entertained, and helping with daily routines. I’m patient, attentive, and genuinely enjoy spending time with kids. I understand how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust, and I always make children’s safety, comfort, and happiness a priority.
View Esther A’s profile →
Mary R
$25.00/hrHello! My name is Mary, and I am a dedicated nanny seeking a wonderful family in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am a mother of a 14 year old boy named Hernan. I am looking for a family who can provide sponsorship and support for both of us to relocate.
With extensive experience caring for infants and newborns, I am passionate about providing a nurturing and safe environment for children. I offer full-time, live-out nanny services.
IMPORTANT ABOUT MY RATE: My profile shows 19 dollars per hour to be visible in searches, but my real expected rate is 22 to 23 dollars per hour negotiable. 19 dollars is not enough to support two people in Halifax with rent, food and expenses for me and my son. I am looking for a fair rate of 22 to 23 dollars per hour to be able to live with my son. Thank you for understanding.
In addition to childcare, I also provide housekeeping and meal prep services. I am certified in CPR. If you have pets, I am happy to assist. I look forward to hearing from you!
View Mary R’s profile →How Nova Scotia compares
| Location | Median rate | Vs Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $20/hr | – |
| Ontario nannies cost | $19/hr−5% vs Nova Scotia | −5% |
| British Columbia nannies cost | $20/hr0% vs Nova Scotia | 0% |
| Alberta nannies cost | $18/hr−10% vs Nova Scotia | −10% |
| Quebec nannies cost | $19/hr−5% vs Nova Scotia | −5% |
| Saskatchewan nannies cost | $16/hr−20% vs Nova Scotia | −20% |
Families hiring nannies in Nova Scotia can expect to pay approximately 5% above the national median of $19/hour.
How to save on nanny costs
Consider a nanny share
Two families splitting one nanny can cut each family's hourly cost by nearly 40% while keeping nanny-level flexibility.
Guarantee the hours
Nannies often accept a lower rate for a stable weekly schedule than for unpredictable, on-call arrangements.
Compare a few profiles
Rates vary with experience and duties; message two or three caregivers near the median before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the going hourly rate for a nanny in Nova Scotia?
The median is $20/hr in Nova Scotia, with most nannies charging between $17 and $25/hr. Rates rise with experience, extra duties, and the number of children.
Do I have to pay a nanny minimum wage?
Yes. Nannies are employees, so your province's minimum wage is the legal floor, $17.60/hr in Ontario and $18.25/hr in B.C., and overtime applies past your province's weekly threshold (44 hours in Ontario, 40 in B.C.).
What are my payroll obligations when I hire a nanny?
You register with the CRA as an employer, withhold your nanny's income tax, CPP and EI from each pay, add the employer contributions on top, remit monthly, and issue a T4 every year. Our nanny tax & payroll guide covers each step, and HeartPayroll automates all of it.
What's the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross is the rate you agree on; net is what your nanny takes home after deductions. Budget roughly 8% on top of gross for your employer share of CPP and EI, agreeing on gross avoids surprises on both sides.
How does room and board affect a live-in nanny's pay?
Live-in nannies must still earn at least minimum wage, and what you can deduct for room and board is capped by provincial rules, the hourly rate itself is often similar to live-out; the difference is the housing arrangement, not the wage floor.
How much does a nanny share cost?
In a share, two families employ one nanny together, but they don't split a solo rate. The nanny charges a premium for caring for more children, so someone who'd cost $22/hr solo typically asks $28–30/hr for a share, leaving each family paying roughly 60–70% of what they'd pay alone. It's the single biggest lever on nanny cost. The trade-off is flexibility: schedules have to align, the location often alternates, and the arrangement ends if the other family moves or drops out.
How much more does a nanny cost for two children?
Typically $1–4/hr more per additional child, not double, which is why a nanny gets more competitive with every sibling.
Is a nanny or daycare cheaper?
It depends on your province. Six provinces and territories have set $10 a day as a firm cap, and there daycare is usually cheaper for one child, if you can get a spot. In Ontario, B.C., and Alberta, fees are either set well above $10 or left to each provider, so the gap narrows considerably. A nanny closes it further in three ways: infant spots are daycare's scarcest and most expensive, a nanny covers hours daycare doesn't, and the math tips over with two or more children.
Find the right nanny in Nova Scotia