How much does a nanny cost in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, in 2026?
$20/hrDartmouth 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 Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
Post your job, nannies come to you →Nanny rates by arrangement in Dartmouth
Live in rate$18/hr
See 223 live in nannies in Dartmouth →Live out rate$19/hr
See 473 live out nannies in Dartmouth →Full-time rate$19/hr
See 333 full-time nannies in Dartmouth →Part-time rate$19/hr
See 375 part-time nannies in Dartmouth →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 Dartmouth
Years of experience
0–2 years$18
3–5 years$20
6+ years$20
6+ years providers average $2/hr more than 0–2 years.
Work Arrangement
Live in$18
Live out$19
Full-time$19
Part-time$19
Summer only$18
Occasional$19
Long term$20
Short term$20
Overnight care$20
Overnight care providers average $2/hr more than live in.
Child Age Group
Newborn$19
Infant$19
Toddler$20
Early school$20
Primary school$19
Preteen/teen$20
Preteen/teen providers average $1/hr more than newborn.
Additional Responsibilities
Pet care$18.5
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 housekeeping.
A few things affect the rate that don't appear in the table above:
- 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 Dartmouth 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 →
Janella R
$20.00/hrIn addition to providing attentive and compassionate childcare, I also offer housekeeping, meal preparation, overnight care, and pet care to help keep your household running smoothly. My goal is to create a clean, organized, and supportive environment where your family feels cared for.
I am currently in my last semester of nursing school, where I have gained valuable hands-on experience caring for people of all ages. Nursing has strengthened my skills in communication, patience, safety, and responding calmly in a variety of situations. Caring for others is something I genuinely love, and I bring that same compassion and dedication to every family I work with.
I am CPR certified and committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun. I strive to build trusting relationships with both children and parents, ensuring you feel confident that your loved ones are in caring and capable hands.
If you're looking for a reliable, responsible, and caring nanny to support your family, I'd love to hear from you. My rate is $25 per hour, and I'd be happy to discuss how I can best meet your family's needs. Thank you for considering me!
View Janella R’s profile →
Timiya S
$25.00/hrHello! My name is Timiya, and I am an experienced nanny based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, eager to find the perfect family to care for. I specialize in providing attentive care for infants and newborns, ensuring their needs are met with love and attention.
I offer part-time, live-out services and have experience with children up to primary school age. I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and safe environment for your little ones as they grow and explore.
In addition to childcare, I can assist with light housekeeping and meal prep, making your daily routine smoother and more manageable. I also have experience with pet care, ensuring that your furry family members are well taken care of.
As a certified professional, I hold a CPR certification, providing peace of mind for families. I charge $25 per hour for my services. If you are looking for a reliable and dedicated nanny, please feel free to message me. I look forward to connecting with you!
View Timiya S’s profile →How Dartmouth compares
| Location | Median rate | Vs Dartmouth |
|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth | $20/hr | – |
| Halifax nannies cost | $19/hr−5% vs Dartmouth | −5% |
| Sydney nannies cost | $16/hr−20% vs Dartmouth | −20% |
| Bedford nannies cost | $18/hr−10% vs Dartmouth | −10% |
Families hiring nannies in Dartmouth, NS can expect to pay approximately 11% above Nova Scotia's median rate of $18/hour and 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 Dartmouth?
The median is $20/hr in Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth