On this page
Nanny at a glance
- Main tasks
- Supervise and care for children during agreed hours, prepare meals and snacks and keep a healthy routine and plan age-appropriate play, crafts, reading and outdoor activities
- Typical entry
- Experience in childcare, for example as nanny, au pair or in a nursery
- Average pay
- $38,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Nanny do?
A Nanny looks after children in a family's home, usually for one family on a regular schedule. Nannies take care of daily routines such as meals, naps, hygiene and getting ready for school, and they plan play, outdoor time and learning activities that suit the child's age. Many also take children to school, activities and appointments. Some nannies live with the family (live-in), others come in for fixed hours (live-out), and some work for two families at once (nanny share).
Nanny duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Nanny job:
- Supervise and care for children during agreed hours
- Prepare meals and snacks and keep a healthy routine
- Plan age-appropriate play, crafts, reading and outdoor activities
- Support homework and early learning
- Take children to school, activities and appointments
- Keep the children's rooms, clothes and toys in order
- Communicate daily with parents about progress and concerns
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Experience in childcare, for example as nanny, au pair or in a nursery
- Childcare or early education training is a plus
- First aid certificate for children (pediatric first aid)
- Driver's license, often required
Skills & requirements
- Background check, as required for work with children
- Patience, warmth and reliability
- Clear communication with parents
- Flexibility around the family's schedule
Nanny salary 2026
The average salary for a Nanny in the U.S. is about $38,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $28,500
- Mid level3-5 years $34,200
- Experienced6-10 years $38,000
- Senior11+ years $41,800
- Top earners20+ years $47,500
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Nanny career path
Many Nannies start as babysitters, au pairs or nursery assistants before working for families on a regular basis.
With experience and references, nannies can work for families with higher demands, as maternity or newborn care specialists, governesses or travel nannies, or move into early childhood education and family services.
Work environment
Nannies work in private homes and spend much of the day on the move: playgrounds, schools, activities and errands.
Hours are agreed with the family and can include early mornings, evenings or travel, especially in live-in positions.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Nanny do?
A Nanny looks after children in a family's home, usually for one family on a regular schedule. Nannies take care of daily routines such as meals, naps, hygiene and getting ready for school, and they plan play, outdoor time and learning activities that suit the child's age. Many also take children to school, activities and appointments.
How much does a Nanny earn?
The average salary for a Nanny in the U.S. is about $38,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $28,500, experienced professionals can reach $47,500 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Nanny?
Typical requirements are: experience in childcare, for example as nanny, au pair or in a nursery, childcare or early education training is a plus, first aid certificate for children (pediatric first aid) and driver's license, often required.
What is the career path for a Nanny?
Many Nannies start as babysitters, au pairs or nursery assistants before working for families on a regular basis. With experience and references, nannies can work for families with higher demands, as maternity or newborn care specialists, governesses or travel nannies, or move into early childhood education and family services.
Where do Nannys work?
Nannies work in private homes and spend much of the day on the move: playgrounds, schools, activities and errands. Hours are agreed with the family and can include early mornings, evenings or travel, especially in live-in positions.
About this profile: This Nanny job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
