How to Keep a Great Nanny Once You Find One
Finding a great nanny takes weeks. Keeping one takes consistent effort. Here is what the families with low turnover do differently.
It is not just about money
Pay matters — and it needs to be competitive. But the families with the lowest nanny turnover also offer: clear expectations, consistent schedules, respect for their professional role, and genuine recognition when things go well.
Nannies who feel like a valued member of the household operation — not an afterthought — stay. Those who feel invisible leave the moment something better comes along.
What you can do starting today
- Annual raise tied to performance and cost of living
- Guaranteed hours in writing — nannies need financial predictability
- Paid time off that is actually respected (not canceled last minute)
- Regular check-ins where they can raise concerns
- Clear path for schedule changes — advance notice, not same-day asks
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.