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Hiring a nanny in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. With the high cost of living and a competitive job market, it’s important to approach the process methodically. In this two-part guide, we’ll break down the steps so you can hire a nanny in Los Angeles with confidence. Part 1 will cover initial planning, budgeting, and crafting a compelling job post. (Stay tuned for Part 2, which covers screening, interviewing, trials, and making the final offer.)
Before you even post a job ad, take time to plan exactly what you need in a nanny. Decide on the type of nanny that best suits your family’s lifestyle. Do you need a full-time live-out nanny, a live-in nanny, or perhaps just a part-time after-school helper? Los Angeles families have varied needs – some may require a night nanny for newborn support, while others need a daytime nanny for toddlers or school drop-offs. Make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers for candidates. For example, you might require certain qualifications like CPR/First Aid certification, a valid driver’s license with a clean record, or experience with multiple children. It helps to write down all the criteria important to you (education, language skills, scheduling flexibility, etc.) and any firm “no’s” (such as smoking, or lack of transportation). By defining the role clearly, you’ll be able to craft a job description that attracts the right candidates and filters out those who aren’t a fit.
Consider your family’s schedule and routines as well. Are the parents working outside the home, or is one parent working from home (which might mean the nanny should be comfortable with a parent around)? Think about the children’s schedules (school, naps, activities) and what coverage you need. Planning these details in advance will guide everything – from the job post you write to the interview questions you’ll ask. Early planning also helps you decide if you’ll search on your own or use a nanny referral agency. (Many parents in LA opt for a nanny referral agency in Los Angeles to save time – an agency can help with candidate matching and vetting, but it comes with fees.)
Nannies are a significant investment, so it’s crucial to set a realistic budget. Research the going nanny rates in Los Angeles, which tend to be higher than national averages. As of 2025, the average hourly rate for a nanny in Los Angeles is about $25–$35 per hour (this can however fluctuate radically), notably above the U.S. average of around $20/hour. This means a full-time nanny (40 hours/week) might cost roughly $1,000 per week in LA. Keep in mind that rates vary based on experience, duties, and number of children. If you have an infant or multiple kids or require additional tasks (like cooking, driving, or housekeeping), expect to pay on the higher end.
Besides the hourly wage, factor in taxes and benefits. Legally, nannies are household employees, so you’ll need to budget for employer payroll taxes. Many families also provide benefits to attract great candidates – paid time off, sick days, holidays, and even health insurance stipends are common in professional nanny positions. Think about what you can offer: for example, two weeks’ paid vacation (one week at the family’s choosing, one at the nanny’s), some sick days, and paid holidays are standard. If your budget is tight, at minimum plan for the legal requirements (like following minimum wage laws and overtime – in California, domestic workers get overtime pay after 9 hours/day or 45 hours/week).
It’s wise to also plan for raises down the line (we’ll cover raises in a later post). Many families give a cost-of-living or performance-based raise annually (often in the 3–5% range). Also, budget for the little extras: reimbursing gas mileage if the nanny will drive the kids, money for children’s activities or classes, and possibly a year-end bonus (a common practice is a holiday bonus equivalent to one or two weeks’ pay, as a thank-you for a great year). By outlining your budget early, you can communicate salary range and benefits in your job post to set clear expectations.
Now that you know what you need and what you can afford, it’s time to write a nanny job post that attracts top candidates. A well-crafted job description is essential – not only will it draw in qualified nannies, it will also save you time by discouraging those who aren’t a match from applying. Here’s how to make your post stand out:
Use a clear, descriptive title: Include your location and a few key traits. For example, “Experienced, Caring Nanny Needed in Los Angeles (Full-Time, 2 Kids)” tells candidates a lot at a glance. This helps your post appear in searches for hire a nanny in Los Angeles, catching the eye of local caregivers.
Introduce Your Family: In a brief opening, describe your family (“We are a busy family of four in West LA with two children, ages 4 and 7…”). Mention anything notable like pets or a bit of your parenting style. Keep the tone friendly and warm so candidates get a sense of who they’d be working with.
Outline the Schedule and Duties: Be specific about working hours (e.g., “Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM”) and any flexibility or overtime expected. List primary responsibilities: child care tasks (feeding, diapering, school drop-offs, homework help, etc.) and additional duties (meal prep for kids, children’s laundry, tidying play areas, etc.). The more detail the better – top nannies appreciate clarity. For example, instead of saying “light housekeeping,” specify “children’s laundry and keeping the playroom tidy”. Clear expectations ensure candidates know what the job entails.
List Requirements and Qualifications: State the must-haves like experience level (perhaps “3+ years as a nanny or in child care”), any required certifications (CPR/First Aid), education if relevant, and driver’s license/vehicle if the job involves driving. If you need someone comfortable with pets or able to travel with the family, include that too. Also mention any language preferences (for instance, some Los Angeles families seek bilingual nannies who can speak Spanish or another language with the kids).
Describe the Personality Fit: Beyond the technical requirements, describe the type of person who would excel in the role. Maybe you need someone “patient and creative, who loves the outdoors and can plan fun activities,” or “organized and proactive in keeping the household running.” This helps candidates self-select and shows you value the nanny as a person, not just an employee.
Include Compensation and Benefits: Posts that mention pay tend to attract more applicants. You can list a range (e.g., “$23–$27 per hour, DOE (depends on experience)”) to allow for negotiation (themodernhelp.com). Also mention benefits like paid vacation, sick days, holidays, and any insurance or bonus. For example: “Offering 2 weeks paid vacation, 3 sick days, paid major holidays, and a monthly Metro pass.”
Add a Personal Touch: If comfortable, include a friendly note or a glimpse into your family culture. For instance, “We have a playful Golden Retriever, so must love dogs!” or “Our kids love music, so a nanny who can sing or play an instrument would be a plus.” Little details can make your post memorable. Some experts even suggest adding a family photo to online profiles for more engagement – posts with photos get clicked far more often. (On many platforms like Care.com or UrbanSitter, you can upload a photo or verify your profile, which builds trust with applicants.)
Once your job post is written, proofread it and ensure it’s inviting and clear. Use upbeat language and avoid overly lengthy paragraphs – bullet points for duties and requirements make it easier to read. Finally, decide where to post it: popular online platforms include Care.com, Sittercity, UrbanSitter, and local parenting Facebook groups. Given this is for a nanny in Los Angeles, you might also check out local networks (Nextdoor, community boards) or consider using a referral agency’s job board. When you publish, prepare to be responsive – top candidates often get scooped up quickly, so be ready to reply to inquiries and set up initial phone screenings (we’ll cover that in Part 2).
By planning your needs, setting a budget, and writing a stellar job description, you’ve laid the groundwork for a successful nanny hire. In Part 2 of our Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Nanny, we will move on to what happens once the applications roll in: screening candidates, interviewing (with key questions to ask), conducting nanny trials, and making the final hiring decision. With the right preparation from Part 1, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect nanny for your family.
