Question 1

How much does a nanny cost compared to daycare?

Accepted Answer

In Seattle, a full-time nanny for one child typically costs $30-32/hour, which works out to roughly $5,200-5,550/month for 40 hours a week before employer taxes. Center-based daycare for the same child ranges from about $1,800-2,800/month depending on age. Daycare is usually cheaper on paper, but the gap narrows or reverses once you add sick days, closures, backup care, and multiple children.

Question 2

When is a nanny cheaper than daycare?

Accepted Answer

Typically with two or more children. A nanny's hourly rate increases only modestly for a second child (usually $2-4/hour), while daycare tuition nearly doubles. For two kids under three in Seattle, a nanny often costs less than two daycare spots once you include the employer's share of taxes.

Question 3

Do I have to pay taxes for a nanny?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you pay a household employee more than $2,800 in a calendar year (2025 IRS threshold), you owe Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes as the employer. The employer share adds roughly 7.65% on top of wages, plus state unemployment. Failing to pay nanny taxes is illegal and disqualifies both parties from future benefits.

Question 4

What is a nanny share and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A nanny share is when two families employ one nanny to care for both of their children together. Share rates in Seattle typically run $35-40/hour total, so each family pays $17.50-20/hour — significantly less than a dedicated nanny. The tradeoff is less scheduling flexibility and shared decisions with another family.

Question 5

How many sick days does a nanny get?

Accepted Answer

Washington state requires paid sick leave for nannies at 1 hour per 40 hours worked, or roughly 6-8 days per year for full-time. Most Seattle nanny contracts offer 10-14 paid days (sick plus PTO combined). On top of paid leave, nannies also miss unscheduled days for illness, family emergencies, and vacations. Parents should budget for 15-20 days per year of backup care.

Question 6

How many days a year does daycare close?

Accepted Answer

Most Seattle centers close 8-12 days per year for federal holidays, staff training, and winter/summer breaks — plus unplanned closures for illness or weather. Parents without flexible leave should budget 3-5 backup care days on top of scheduled closures.

Question 7

What is the real cost of a nanny after taxes?

Accepted Answer

Add roughly 10-12% to the base wage: 7.65% for the employer's share of Social Security and Medicare, plus federal and state unemployment (around 2-4% depending on state). For a $32/hour nanny working 40 hours a week, the all-in cost is closer to $35.50/hour, or about $6,150/month.

Question 8

How much does backup childcare cost?

Accepted Answer

Drop-in rates at Seattle daycare centers range from $100-180/day. Nanny backup services typically cost $20-30/hour with a 4-hour minimum, so $80-120 per day. Over a year, 10 backup days can add $1,000-1,800 to a family's childcare budget.

Question 9

How much does infant daycare cost in Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Infant rooms (0-12 months) are the most expensive age tier because of the state-required 1:4 ratio. Seattle infant tuition typically runs $2,400-3,200/month for full-time center care. Home daycares often charge $400-800/month less than centers but have longer waitlists.

Question 10

Is a nanny share a good idea?

Accepted Answer

It works when both families have compatible schedules, similar parenting approaches, and flexibility to handle one family's vacation or illness without dropping the nanny. It saves each family roughly 35-45% versus a dedicated nanny. The risk: if one family leaves, the other usually has to cover the full cost until a replacement is found.

Childcare Cost: Nanny vs. Daycare Calculator

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