The Hidden Costs of Paying a Nanny in Los Angeles
The hourly rate is only part of what a nanny actually costs. Here is the full picture so you can budget accurately before you start your search.
What you pay on top of the hourly rate
As a household employer in California, you are responsible for: Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), California UI (up to 6.2% on first $7,000), and California SDI (0.9%). That adds roughly 10–12% on top of gross wages.
A nanny earning $35/hr for 40 hours a week costs roughly $1,400/week in wages plus ~$168 in employer taxes — before any benefits.
California overtime rules for household employees
California nanny overtime kicks in after 9 hours/day or 45 hours/week — earlier than standard federal law. Overtime is 1.5x the regular rate. If your nanny works 10 hours one day, that extra hour is billed at time-and-a-half.
Guaranteed hours clauses (common in written agreements) mean you pay for the agreed minimum even if you send your nanny home early. Plan your schedule with this in mind.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hire a nanny in Los Angeles?
Most full-time placements take 4 to 8 weeks from first consultation to start date. Part-time and temporary roles can move faster. Specialized roles like ROTA or newborn care typically take longer due to a smaller candidate pool.
Do you place nannies outside Los Angeles?
Our primary focus is Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We occasionally place for families with out-of-area or travel needs. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need to pay a placement fee to hire a nanny?
Yes. Placement agencies charge a fee, typically 15 to 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary. This covers candidate sourcing, vetting, TrustLine verification, reference checks, and the placement process. The fee is paid by the family after a successful placement.
What does Los Angeles Nannies charge for a placement?
Our placement fee is 20% of the nanny's first-year gross salary, paid once at hire. If we do not place a candidate within 30 days of starting the search, the search fee is refunded.
How long does hiring a nanny in Los Angeles take?
Most families working through a placement agency in Los Angeles complete a hire within four to eight weeks. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly the family can schedule interviews and whether they have a clear sense of what they are looking for before the search begins.
What are the real costs of hiring a nanny in Los Angeles?
Beyond hourly pay, expect: employer payroll taxes (roughly 10 to 12% of gross wages), paid sick leave (required by California law), 10 days paid vacation (competitive standard), and potentially a health contribution. Placement agency fees are typically 20% of first-year gross salary.
How do I keep a great nanny long-term?
Competitive pay, consistent communication, clear boundaries, and genuine appreciation are the biggest factors. Annual raises (3 to 5% is standard), acknowledging milestones, and giving adequate notice of schedule changes all contribute to long-term retention.
Should I hire a nanny through an agency or a job board?
An agency pre-screens candidates and presents only those who are a realistic match. A job board gives you a larger unfiltered pool to manage yourself. For first-time household employers or families who want the process handled properly, an agency is strongly recommended.
What should a nanny work agreement include in California?
A California nanny work agreement should include the hourly rate, pay schedule, guaranteed hours, overtime terms (1.5x after 9 hours per day or 45 per week), sick leave (5 days minimum required by law), duties, confidentiality terms, notice period, and termination conditions.
What is the difference between a nanny and a babysitter?
A nanny is a professional caregiver employed on a regular ongoing schedule with formal employment terms. A babysitter provides occasional, informal care. In California, nannies are household employees with legal obligations around pay, taxes, and benefits. Babysitters typically are not.
Ready to find the right nanny?
We handle sourcing, screening, background checks, and introductions. You only meet candidates worth your time.
No hire within 30 days — your search fee is refunded.