How much does a nanny cost in St. Catharines, Ontario, in 2026?

Reviewed by the canadiannanny.ca team, updated September, 2026
$20/hrSt. Catharines median
$18 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 St. Catharines. 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.

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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 St. Catharines

Years of experience

0–2 years$20
3–5 years$20
6+ years$20

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$19
Swim supervision$20
Meal prep$19.5
Groceries$20
Homework help$20
Errands$20
Laundry$20
Gardening$20
Gardening providers average $1/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 St. Catharines average

Active profiles charging close to the median rate.
Aileen S
Aileen S
$20.00/hr
Hi there! I'm Aileen, a dedicated nanny based in St. Catharines, Ontario, with a passion for providing exceptional care to children. With extensive experience in childcare and a CPR certification, I prioritize the safety and well-being of the little ones under my care. I specialize in caring for children in primary school, offering reliable and nurturing support. My services include live-out care on a part-time basis, i can some times do full time, making it convenient for families seeking flexible arrangements. I am proficient in meal preparation, ensuring that your children are provided with nutritious and delicious meals. Additionally, I am more than happy to assist with pet care, recognizing the importance of keeping all family members happy and comfortable. I charge $20.00 per hour for my services and am committed to delivering the highest standard of care. If you're seeking a caring and responsible nanny with a genuine love for children, please feel free to message me. I'd love to discuss how I can support your family's needs. i can charge lower whatever works for you.
View Aileen S’s profile →
Isabel J
Isabel J
$20.00/hr
Hello there! I am an experienced nanny based in St. Catharines, Ontario, with a passion for providing exceptional care to children of all ages. With a special focus on infants and primary school-aged kids, I am well-versed in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for little ones to thrive. I offer live-out, part-time nanny services and have honed my skills in pet care, ensuring that your furry family members receive the attention and love they deserve. Additionally, I am First Aid and CPR certified, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the children under my care at all times. I have much experience in babysitting from ages rooting from 1 years old and up as most of my cousins are young and I am their babysitter whenever needed! My hourly rate is $20.00, and I am committed to delivering top-quality care and support to your family. If you are seeking a reliable, compassionate nanny who is dedicated to creating a positive and enriching experience for your children. I am a student at Brock University, for Child and Youth Studies hence why I am taking on this experience! Feel free to send me a message to discuss how I can be of help to your family. I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with you and provide the best care possible for your little ones.
View Isabel J’s profile →
Kimberley K
Kimberley K
$25.00/hr
Meet The Happiest Nanny on The Block!! I am a nurturing, attentive and joy-filled childcare professional who brings warmth, structure, and developmental expertise to every family I support. Specializing in Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers, Combining heartfelt care with a deep understanding of early childhood development to create a safe, loving and engaging environment where little ones thrive and their parents have peace of mind. My approach is rooted in play-based learning and age-appropriate enrichment, therefore each day includes well planned outings that blend fun, learning and social interaction -whether it's story time at the library, park play, visits to the EarlyOn Center, nature walks, children's farms. Enriching daily excursions are designed to spark curiosity and support milestones, giving your child a dynamic and joyful experience beyond the home. Days spent with me are filled with fresh air, music, books, neighbourhood walks and engaging floor play as well as opportunities for independent play. With a strong focus on establishing predictable routines, I help babies and toddlers feel secure and flourish through a consistent sleep schedule, nourishing meals, and stimulating activities designed just for their stage of growth. A trusted partner to parents, I value open communication and a collaborative approach-I will work closely with you to align on routines, preferences and developmental goals. I respect and adapt to each family's unique parenting style, and politely offer expert insight when invited. I'm adept at juggling and managing the household duties related to caregiving, healthy meal prep, child's laundry and formula prep. As part of my service I provide a thoughtfully curated selection of high-quality educational toys and resources designed to stimulate curiosity, support milestones, and encourage developmental growth throughout play. This includes a variety of books, instruments, balls, puzzles, manipulative items. I rotate the items on a regular basis to keep engagement high. To top it off I am fully equipped with my own collection of top-of-the-line baby gear- clean, safe and carefully selected to make each day easier, smoother and more fun for everyone. (I provide my own UppaBaby Strollers & Mesa Max Infant Carseat, and Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim Convertible Rotating Carseats). If you are looking for a Nanny who brings you peace of mind and in whom you can have confidence, and who will bring your little one joy and give them tender care, I am ready to become a beloved part of your little one's world.
View Kimberley K’s profile →
Browse all 718 nannies in St. Catharines

How St. Catharines compares

LocationMedian rateVs St. Catharines
St. Catharines$20/hr
Toronto nannies cost$20/hr0% vs St. Catharines0%
Brampton nannies cost$18/hr−10% vs St. Catharines−10%
Ottawa nannies cost$20/hr0% vs St. Catharines0%
North York nannies cost$20/hr0% vs St. Catharines0%
Scarborough nannies cost$18/hr−10% vs St. Catharines−10%
Families hiring nannies in St. Catharines, 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 St. Catharines?

The median is $20/hr in St. Catharines, with most nannies charging between $18 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.