Hiring A Nanny ?
🧠 Hiring a Nanny: What Every Family Should Know
Pittsburgh Childcare Connections Guide to Industry Standards
Whether you’re hiring your first nanny or your fifth, this guide will help you understand what’s fair, legal, and respectful in today’s nanny profession — so you can build a trusting, long-term relationship with the caregiver you choose.
✅ 1. Background Checks, Clearances & Safety
Families should:
• Request (or provide) a PA Criminal Background Check
• Ask for a Child Abuse Clearance
• Confirm CPR/First Aid certification (especially for infant care)
• Consider a full national background check (Checkr, SentryLink, etc.)
🛡️ All PCC Verified nannies have been vetted for these items before being listed.
💼 2. Legal Employment & Taxes
Did you know?
If your nanny works in your home and earns more than $2,700/year (2024), you are considered a household employer by the IRS.
This means:
• You must pay legally (not cash under the table)
• You may be responsible for W-2 wages, unemployment insurance, and workers comp
• You can use payroll services like Sure Payroll HomeWork Solutions or Poppins Payroll to stay compliant.
💡 Legal pay protects both you and your nanny — and makes you eligible for dependent care tax credits.
⏰ 3. Guaranteed Hours
Nannies depend on income stability.
Even if you come home early or go on vacation, guaranteed hours mean your nanny still gets paid. This allows them to plan their budget — just like you do with your paycheck.
✅ Industry standard:
• Full-time: 35–50 guaranteed hours/week
• Part-time: consistent weekly minimum (ex: 20 guaranteed hours)
📃 4. Contracts Are a Must
Written agreements avoid confusion and protect both parties.
Your nanny contract should include:
• Start date, hours, and duties
• Pay rate and overtime
• PTO/vacation/sick time
• Holiday pay
• Termination policy
• Communication expectations
💸 5. Pay Rates & Raises
Competitive pay matters. The Pittsburgh average for experienced nannies is $20–$30/hour depending on:
• Age of children
• Number of children
• Duties (driving, cooking, overnights)
• Experience level and credentials
🎯 Bonus tip: Review pay annually and build in raises as your child’s needs evolve.
🏖️ 6. PTO, Sick Time & Holidays
Offering paid time off is an expected part of being a professional employer.
Standard PTO package includes:
• 2 weeks paid vacation
• 3–5 sick days
• Paid federal holidays (or time-and-a-half if worked)
This makes your position more attractive and supports long-term commitment.
🙋♀️ 7. Be Transparent & Detailed in Job Posts
Nannies love when families include:
• Days/hours
• Pay range
• Job duties (driving, laundry, pet care?)
• Start date
• Age(s) of children
• Vaccination or certification requirements
Open communication saves everyone time and sets you up for a great match.
❤️ Closing Note:
Hiring a nanny is more than just filling a schedule — it’s building a relationship.
When families understand the standards of this profession, everyone wins — especially the kids.
Let’s raise the bar, together. 💛