Making the decision to become a night nanny is one thing. Figuring your overnight nanny rates is another. While night nannies and day nannies have different duties, their rates vary widely and a number of factors can influence what you charge.
“When it comes to being a night nanny, different areas of the country have different rates, but something to keep in mind is night nanny rates are lower than newborn care specialist (NCS) rates or postpartum doula rates,” says Tonya Sakowicz, a master newborn care specialist and owner and director of education for Newborn Care Solutions. “In the lowest paid areas, night nanny rates start at around $16-$18 an hour; in moderate markets, it’s about $18-$22; and $25 an hour and up in higher paid markets.”
“In the lowest paid areas, night nanny rates start at around $16-$18 an hour; in moderate markets, it’s about $18-$22; and $25 an hour and up in higher paid markets.”
— Tonya Sakowicz, owner and director of education, Newborn Care Solutions
In addition to your location, there are a few things that can influence the rate you set. Here, experts break down night nanny rates and offer insight about raises.
How much do night nannies make?
While each night nanny position has their own unique set of circumstances that will affect the rate (more on this shortly), Wendy Sjaardema, the 2021 International Nanny Association (INA) Nanny of the Year and owner of Nanny Consultants, notes that infant-focused night nannies, on average, make around $20-25 an hour.
That said, a few things to keep in mind about this rate:
- Night nannies who focus on older babies make less. “For older children with well-established sleeping patterns, the nationwide average is similar to nanny rates for each individual area,” Sjaardema says. “This could be anywhere from $15-30 an hour, with most likely falling in the $18-22 range. Newborn or infant care will always come at a higher price overnight due to their lack of consistent sleep.”
- No certifications equal less pay. The $20-25 an hour average is for nannies working overnight. “For those with special training, like NCS or postpartum doulas, the rate can be much higher.”
What to consider when setting night nanny pay rates
Once you’ve determined your living wage as a professional caregiver, here’s what else to consider when setting your overnight nanny rate.
Location
Location is always a factor when it comes to child care services, and night nannying is no different. “Busy metropolitan areas are considerably more expensive, especially where the demand for care is greater than the supply of caregivers,” Sjaardema explains. “Historically, San Francisco sees the highest rates nationwide, with the East Coast closely following, as well as other large markets like Denver, Chicago, Seattle and Austin.”
To see examples of going nanny rates based on location, check out Care’s Cost of Care Calculator.
Experience
Just as more experience can boost your rate as a daytime nanny, the same goes for night nannying. “Location, experience and education are the biggest influencers of rate expectations of night nannies,” notes Sakowicz. “Many people who work as night nannies come to this with a lot of baby experience, which then warrants a higher rate.”
“Many people who work as night nannies come to this with a lot of baby experience, which then warrants a higher rate.”
— Tonya Sakowicz, owner and director of education, Newborn Care Solutions
Education and certifications
As Sakowicz notes, general night nanny certifications don’t exist (hence, the rates being similar to daytime nanny rates), but there are other certifications that will increase your knowledge and allow you to set a higher rate.
“Legitimate certifications equal more pay,” Sakowicz says, adding that two of the most popular certifications that can involve overnight care — NCS and postpartum doula — warrant an average of “$30-40+ an hour, with some charging over $60 an hour.”
Sjaardema adds: “A newborn care specialist or postpartum doula charges more for overnight services due to their increased levels of experience and training, in addition to the extra knowledge and services they provide such as parent education, lactation support, knowledge of development, sleep training experience, etc.”
To learn more about both certifications, check out:
How becoming a newborn care specialist can help you earn more on the job
Schedule
Your schedule can also affect what you’re paid, according to Sjaardema. “Shorter shifts or shifts with very late starts or very early ends will come at a higher price per hour,” she says. “Also, if ‘awake care’ is requested — meaning, you’re not allowed to rest when the child rests — that’s typically a much higher fee, as well. It can actually be up to double the regular fee.”
“If ‘awake care’ is requested — meaning, you’re not allowed to rest when the child rests — that’s typically a much higher fee …”
— Wendy Sjaardema, owner of Nanny Consultants
What additional services warrant more pay?
When you’re hired as a night nanny, your job should essentially boil down to one thing, according to Sakowicz: caring for the baby. Duties that fall outside this scope should mean higher or extra pay.
“A night nanny is there solely for the care of the baby,” says Sakowicz. “They may, if time allows, be willing to assist with other things, but that is not part of their job description and should not be expected of them. If they are requested and the night nanny is willing to do these extra tasks, extra pay is absolutely warranted and appropriate.”
Here are a few things families may ask of night nannies that should warrant more pay, according to Sakowicz and Sjaardema:
- Baby laundry.
- Sibling care.
- Pet care.
- Family meal preparation.
- Cleaning.
- Nursery cleaning and organization.
- Sleep training.
When — and how — to ask for a raise as a night nanny
Generally, overnight positions, such as night nannies, NCS and postpartum doulas, don’t see cost-of-living raises, as the positions are short term. However, if a night nanny is working long term, raises should be expected annually as with a typical nanny position, says Sjaardema.
“Night nannies should request the raise during an annual sit-down where they also renew contractual terms,” Sjaardema says. Other occasions where a raise would be appropriate, according to Sjaardema, are:
- A change in duties.
- A change in location.
- A drastic change in schedule.
- A previously unknown medical issue.
- An extension to the original nanny contract.
In general, night nannies are with families for shorter periods of time, during which they’re gaining experience and improving their education. “Then, over time,” Sakowicz says, “they may increase their rate with their next client.”
