How much does a nanny cost in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2026?
$20/hrOttawa median
$18 typical low
$27 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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa
Post your job, nannies come to you →Nanny rates by arrangement in Ottawa
Live in rate$18/hr
See 4,065 live in nannies in Ottawa →Live out rate$20/hr
See 4,943 live out nannies in Ottawa →Full-time rate$20/hr
See 5,116 full-time nannies in Ottawa →Part-time rate$20/hr
See 3,663 part-time nannies in Ottawa →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 Ottawa
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$20
Full-time$20
Part-time$20
Summer only$20
Occasional$20
Long term$20
Short term$20
Overnight care$20
Overnight care providers average $2/hr more than live in.
Child Age Group
Newborn$20
Infant$20
Toddler$20
Early school$20
Primary school$20
Preteen/teen$20
Additional Responsibilities
Pet care$20
Housekeeping$20
Swim supervision$21
Meal prep$20
Groceries$20
Homework help$20
Errands$20
Laundry$20
Gardening$20
Swim supervision providers average $1/hr more than pet care.
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 Ottawa average
Active profiles charging close to the median rate.
Shanice N
$20.00/hrI am 18 years old and currently in school. I have a genuine passion for caring for and spending time with children, and I believe children will feel happy, safe, and comfortable in my care.
I have experience caring for my younger sister since she was born. She is now 10 years old, and taking care of her has taught me to be patient, responsible, caring, and attentive to a child’s needs. My mother used to work day and night, so I often helped look after my sister and make sure she was well cared for.
I truly enjoy being around children, playing with them, helping them, and making sure they feel loved and supported. I am responsible, patient, and willing to learn, and I would be happy to provide children with the care and attention they deserve
View Shanice N’s profile →
Ann Y
$20.00/hrHello! My name is Ann, and I'm a dedicated and caring nanny based in Ottawa, Ontario. With a focus on providing excellent care for children aged 2 to 6, I offer a nurturing and engaging environment tailored to each child's individual needs.
I am currently seeking a live-out, part-time nanny position where I can bring my skills and passion for childcare to a wonderful family. My services are available at the rate of $20 per hour, offering flexibility and quality care that you can trust.
In addition to childcare, I am happy to assist with pet care, ensuring your beloved pets receive the attention and care they deserve. Safety is a top priority for me, and I am CPR certified, giving you peace of mind that your children are in capable hands.
If you are interested in learning more about how I can be a part of your family's journey, please feel free to send me a message. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you and provide exceptional care for your children.
View Ann Y’s profile →
Ellie M
$25.00/hrHello! My name is Ellie, and I am a dedicated nanny available in Ottawa, Ontario. I specialize in caring for infants and children up to primary school age. I have experience with children ages 0-12. I understand the importance of providing a nurturing and safe environment for your little ones.
I offer part-time, live-out nanny services, allowing your family to enjoy flexible scheduling. My experience includes engaging children in fun and educational activities, ensuring they develop skills while having a great time.
In addition to childcare, I am happy to provide pet care if your family has furry friends that need attention and love. I believe that a holistic approach to caregiving includes every member of the family, even the pets!
Safety is my top priority, and I am CPR and first-aid certified, so you can have peace of mind while I care for your children.
If you are looking for a reliable and caring nanny, I invite you to message me. Let's discuss how I can support your family's needs!
I charge $25 per hour and would love to connect with you soon.
View Ellie M’s profile →How Ottawa compares
| Location | Median rate | Vs Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | $20/hr | – |
| Toronto nannies cost | $20/hr0% vs Ottawa | 0% |
| Brampton nannies cost | $18/hr−10% vs Ottawa | −10% |
| North York nannies cost | $20/hr0% vs Ottawa | 0% |
| Scarborough nannies cost | $18/hr−10% vs Ottawa | −10% |
| Mississauga nannies cost | $19/hr−5% vs Ottawa | −5% |
Families hiring nannies in Ottawa, ON can expect to pay approximately 5% above Ontario's median rate of $19/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 Ottawa?
The median is $20/hr in Ottawa, with most nannies charging between $18 and $27/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 nanny costs in your area
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Find the right nanny in Ottawa