1. Nanny Cost
  2. Canada
  3. Ontario

How much does a nanny cost in Ontario?

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 $20.00 an hour in Ontario.

Nanny rates in Ontario

Lowest costAverage costHighest cost
Hour$19.00$20.00$25.00
* Rate information as of April 25, 2025
Dikshya B
Dikshya B
Hello, I'm Dikshya, a nurturing and experienced nanny based in Scarborough, Ontario. With a passion for caring for children, I specialize in providing attentive and dedicated support to families with infants, toddlers, and primary school-aged kids. Whether you need a live-in or live-out nanny, part-time or summer-only care, I am here to offer my expertise in childcare. My services extend beyond childcare as I also excel in housekeeping and meal preparation, ensuring that your home is a safe and tidy environment for your little ones. Additionally, I am available for overnight care, providing peace of mind for parents who need assistance during late hours. My hourly rate is $19.00, and I am enthusiastic to connect with families who are seeking a compassionate and reliable caregiver for their children. If you are interested in discussing how I can support your family's needs, feel free to message me. I look forward to the opportunity to provide exceptional care for your little ones and contribute to a harmonious home environment.
19.00/hour
Alice D
Alice D
Hello! My name is Alice, and I’m a caring, creative nanny based in Montreal, seeking a wonderful family in Toronto for a summer placement. I have over five years of experience working with children of all ages through the École de cirque de Verdun, where I’ve been an instructor, accompanist for kids with special needs, and now a supervisor. I offer live-in summer-only arrangements and bring a strong sense of responsibility, creativity, and adaptability to every household. I’m happy to help with light housekeeping and meal prep to ensure a calm and enriching environment for your children. Certified in CPR, I prioritize safety while fostering a playful, inclusive space where kids can grow, explore, and have fun. My background in the circus has taught me how to support development through movement, imagination, and teamwork. If you’re interested or have any questions, I’d love to connect and see how I can be the right fit for your family!
20.00/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!