A nanny’s work schedule is typically 40 to 50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with set start and end times that the family and nanny agree on in advance. However, schedules vary widely: some nannies work part-time (15–30 hours), others live in and work 50–60 hours, and many work evenings or weekends depending on the family’s needs.
What Does a Typical Nanny Schedule Look Like?
Most full-time nannies work a standard daytime schedule, often from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a 1–2 hour break while the children nap or are at school. A common example:
- 7:30 a.m. – Arrive, help with breakfast and getting kids ready
- 9:00 a.m. – School drop-off or morning activities
- 12:00 p.m. – Lunch, nap time, or quiet play
- 3:00 p.m. – School pickup, snacks, homework help
- 5:30 p.m. – Dinner prep, baths, and evening routine
- 6:30 p.m. – Parents return, nanny leaves
Part-time nannies might work only mornings, only afternoons, or a few full days per week. Live-in nannies often have a more flexible schedule because they’re on call during evenings and weekends, but they should have clearly defined off-duty hours.
How Nanny Schedules Are Set
Nanny schedules are almost always negotiated before the job starts and written into a work agreement or contract. Key details include:
- Guaranteed hours: A set number of hours per week that the family pays for, even if they don’t need the nanny for all of them.
- Overtime: In the U.S., nannies are non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act, so hours over 40 per week must be paid at 1.5x the regular rate.
- Flexibility: Some families need occasional evenings or weekends, and the contract should specify how that’s handled (advance notice, extra pay, comp time).
It’s common for families to ask for a consistent schedule, because children thrive on routine. But unexpected changes happen—parents’ work meetings run late, a child gets sick, or a school closes. A good contract includes a plan for last-minute changes and a backup care option.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time vs. Live-In
Each arrangement has different scheduling norms:
- Part-time nannies (under 30 hours/week) often work mornings or afternoons, and may have another job or be students. They’re usually paid a higher hourly rate because they don’t get benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- Full-time nannies (30–50 hours/week) typically receive paid vacation, sick days, and sometimes health insurance. Their schedule is more stable, and they may be eligible for overtime.
- Live-in nannies live in the family’s home and often work 50–60 hours per week, but their schedule can be more fluid. They need guaranteed off-duty time—usually at least 8–10 hours of uninterrupted sleep and one full day off per week.
Live-in nannies are also entitled to overtime pay in most cases, even though they live on-site. The family must track hours carefully and pay for all work time, including being woken up at night if the children need care.
Common Scheduling Problems and Solutions
Even with a clear contract, scheduling conflicts arise. Common issues include:
- Parents running late: If parents are consistently 30 minutes late, the nanny should be paid for that time. Many contracts include a late fee or a policy that the nanny is paid until the parents actually arrive.
- Split shifts: A nanny might work 7–9 a.m. and then 3–6 p.m. This is inefficient for the nanny, and many charge a higher rate or require a minimum number of hours per day.
- Last-minute time off requests: If the family cancels a day, the nanny should still be paid if they have guaranteed hours. If the nanny needs time off, they should give as much notice as possible.
A good solution is to have a monthly calendar shared in advance, with a weekly check-in to confirm any changes. This reduces surprises and helps both sides plan.
How Much Do Nannies Get Paid by Schedule?
Nanny pay varies by location, experience, and number of children, but here are rough U.S. averages (2024):
- Part-time nanny: $18–$25 per hour
- Full-time nanny: $15–$22 per hour (higher in cities like New York or San Francisco)
- Live-in nanny: $12–$18 per hour (plus room and board)
Overtime is legally required for hours over 40 in a week. For example, if a nanny earns $20/hour and works 45 hours, they should get $20 for 40 hours ($800) and $30 for 5 hours ($150), totaling $950 before taxes.
It’s important to pay nannies legally—on the books with taxes withheld—to avoid penalties and to provide the nanny with unemployment and Social Security benefits. Many families use a payroll service, but you can also do it yourself with the IRS’s guidelines.
Nanny Work Schedule Template
Use this template to outline a weekly schedule in a nanny contract. Fill in the blanks with your specific times.
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Tuesday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Wednesday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Thursday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Friday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Saturday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Sunday | ________ | ________ | ________ |
Sample (fictional): For a family in Austin, TX, the nanny works Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 1-hour unpaid lunch. She has guaranteed 40 hours per week and is paid $18/hour. Overtime is paid at $27/hour for any hours over 40.
How to Choose a Schedule That Works for Your Family
When deciding on a nanny schedule, consider:
- Your work hours: Include commute time. If you leave at 7:30 a.m., the nanny should arrive by 7:15 a.m. so you can leave on time.
- Children’s routines: Nap times, school drop-off/pickup, and extracurricular activities. A nanny’s schedule should align with these.
- Budget: More hours cost more, especially with overtime. Calculate the total weekly cost before committing.
- Backup care: What happens if the nanny is sick or on vacation? Have a plan for those days.
It’s also wise to have a trial period (e.g., 1–2 weeks) to see if the schedule works in practice before signing a long-term contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a nanny work a split shift?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. A split shift (e.g., 7–9 a.m. and 3–6 p.m.) means the nanny has a long unpaid break in the middle. Many nannies charge a higher hourly rate or require a minimum of 4–5 hours per day to make it worth their time.
Do nannies get paid for holidays?
It depends on the contract. Many families offer paid federal holidays (like Thanksgiving or New Year’s Day) as part of the nanny’s paid time off. If the nanny works on a holiday, they often receive overtime or holiday pay (e.g., 1.5x or 2x). This should be specified in the agreement.
What if the parents are late?
Parents should pay for the extra time. If they’re late by 15 minutes, the nanny should be paid for those 15 minutes. Some contracts include a grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) and then charge a late fee. It’s best to track actual hours worked and pay accordingly.
Can a nanny set their own schedule?
Some nannies offer flexible scheduling, but most expect a consistent, predictable schedule. If you need a nanny who can adapt, look for someone who explicitly offers flexible hours. Otherwise, assume the schedule is fixed.
How much notice should a nanny give for time off?
Typically, 2–4 weeks’ notice for planned vacation, and as soon as possible for sick days. The contract should state how many paid days off the nanny gets and how much notice is required.
Legal and Safety Considerations
When setting a nanny schedule, remember that nannies are employees, not independent contractors. You must:
- Pay at least minimum wage and overtime (1.5x for hours over 40).
- Withhold and pay Social Security, Medicare, and federal/state unemployment taxes.
- Provide a safe work environment and follow child safety guidelines (e.g., safe sleep practices, car seat use).
For tax and legal specifics, consult a payroll service or a tax professional. For child safety, follow the latest guidelines from pediatric organizations—for example, infants should always sleep on their backs on a firm surface, and children under 13 should ride in the back seat.