How Much Does a Nanny Cost? A Detailed Breakdown for Seattle, Washington

Seattle families, we see you — balancing work, family, and life in one of the most dynamic cities in the country isn't easy. ☔️
If you're considering bringing a professional nanny into your home, you’re probably wondering: What will this actually cost me?
The answer isn't just an hourly rate — it's about building a solid, legal employment relationship that supports your nanny and protects your family.

Here’s your full, updated guide for 2025!

Average Nanny Pay Rates in Seattle (2025)

In Seattle, you can expect to pay a professional nanny between $30–$35/hour for full-time care.
However, depending on the number of children, complexity of duties (family assistant work, extensive driving, travel flexibility), or required specialized skills, rates can stretch to $50+/hour for top-tier candidates.

Quick breakdown:

• Standard Full-Time Nanny: $30–$40/hour

• Nanny + Household Manager/Family Assistant: $35–$50/hour

• Newborn Care Specialists or Specialized Infant/Twin Care: Typically starts around $40/hour and up

Seattle has one of the most competitive nanny markets in the country — families should plan realistic budgets accordingly to secure high-quality caregivers.

What Does a Full-Time Nanny Cost Annually in Seattle?

Here’s a sample breakdown based on 40 hours per week:

Hourly Wage: $30/hr-$40/hr

Weekly Pay: $1,200$1,600

Annual Gross Salary: $62,400-$83,200

Employer Taxes (approx. 10%): $6,240$8,320

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: $450/year~$450/year

Total Annual Employer Cost: $69,090-$91,970

✅ Reminder: This estimate doesn’t include optional (but highly recommended) benefits like paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, sick leave, or healthcare stipends.

Employer Responsibilities When Hiring a Nanny in Seattle

Families hiring a nanny in Seattle are household employers — meaning you are legally required to:

• Pay employment taxes
  This includes Social Security, Medicare, federal unemployment (FUTA), and Washington State Unemployment (UI).

• Overtime Pay
  Nannies must be paid 1.5x their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 hours/week.

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
  Required by Washington if you have two or more domestic workers, but strongly recommended even for one.
  (Typically costs around $450–$600/year.)

• Seattle Domestic Workers Ordinance
  This law grants your nanny rights like:

  • Retention of personal documents

  • Predictable schedules

  • Protection from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions

👉 Pro Tip: Keeping your nanny on legal payroll ensures compliance and builds trust.
Set up compliant payroll easily with GTM Payroll Services here.

What About Guaranteed Hours, PTO, Paid Holidays, and Sick Days?

In today's market, families offering strong employment packages get the pick of the best candidates. While these are optional, most candidates will request this!

Most full-time nannies expect:

Guaranteed Hours: 40 hours/week minimum (paid even if hours aren't used)

Paid Time Off (PTO): 2–4 weeks per year

Paid Holidays: 6–8 major holidays per year (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's)

Paid Sick Days: 3–5 days per year

Health Insurance Stipend (optional, highly attractive): $150–$500/month

Annual Bonus (Holiday Bonus):Typically 1–2 weeks’ worth of salary

Guaranteed Hours:
If your nanny is "on call" for 40 hours a week, they should be paid for 40 hours — even if you end up not needing them one day.
(Example: If you travel without your nanny, you still pay their normal weekly wages.)

Other (Optional) Extra Costs to Consider:

• Mileage Reimbursement if nanny uses their own car for errands (standard IRS rate ~70¢/mile in 2025)

• CPR/First Aid Certification Renewal (some families offer to cover this yearly)

• Parking or public transit reimbursement (if working downtown)

• Holiday Gifts or Annual Raises (commonly 3–5% per year)

• 401K

Final Thoughts: Hiring a Nanny in Seattle

Hiring a nanny isn’t just about finding someone great with your kids — it’s about becoming a responsible, supportive employer.
When you build a solid employment foundation, you create a long-lasting relationship that truly benefits your children and your household.

Planning ahead for salary, taxes, insurance, and benefits sets you (and your nanny!) up for success.

🎯 Need help making sure you handle everything legally and easily?
Get started with GTM Payroll through The Natural Nanny Collective!

🌟 Want to Find Your Perfect Nanny? Here's How to Get Started

If you're ready to start the process of finding a professional, experienced nanny for your family, we’re here to help!

👉 Fill out our quick Family Application here to get started.

Once we receive your application, our team will reach out to schedule a consultation and help you find the perfect match for your household.

We can’t wait to support your family on this journey!