How Much Does a Nanny Cost? A Detailed Breakdown for Boston, Massachusetts
Boston families, we see you — managing career, family, and busy city life isn’t easy, and finding the right childcare can make all the difference. 🍂
If you're considering hiring a nanny this year, it’s crucial to understand the true cost of bringing a professional caregiver into your home — beyond just the hourly rate.
Here’s your full, updated guide to hiring a nanny in Boston for 2025!
Average Nanny Pay Rates in Boston (2025)
Boston is known for having some of the highest nanny rates in the country — and for good reason. Families expect high-quality, professional care, and nannies have high standards of their own.
As of 2025, full-time professional nannies in Boston typically earn between $30–$40+ per hour.
For highly experienced nannies — especially those with infant/toddler specialization, household management skills, early childhood education backgrounds, or the ability to handle 3+ children — rates often rise to $40–$50+ per hour.
Top career nannies in Boston, especially those willing to travel, manage complex households, or take on hybrid family assistant roles, can command salaries even higher than that.
What Does a Full-Time Nanny Cost Annually in Boston?
Hiring a nanny for a 40-hour workweek at these rates will typically mean a gross annual salary ranging from $62,400 to $93,600 or more.
As a household employer, you’ll also be responsible for an additional 10–12% of the nanny’s salary to cover employment taxes. These include:
Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Massachusetts State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
In Massachusetts, workers’ compensation insurance is legally required for all household employers who hire someone for 16 hours or more per week.
The cost of a workers’ comp policy typically falls between $500 and $700 per year for household coverage.
When factoring everything in, your total annual employer cost to legally hire a full-time nanny in Boston typically ranges between $70,000 and $105,000+.
Employer Responsibilities When Hiring a Nanny in Massachusetts
When you hire a nanny in Massachusetts, you step into the role of a household employer — and that comes with important legal obligations.
You’ll need to:
Register for federal and Massachusetts employer accounts
Withhold and remit employment taxes (FICA, FUTA, MA SUI)
Provide overtime pay for hours worked over 40 hours per week (time-and-a-half rate)
Maintain accurate payroll records
Issue a W-2 form annually and file quarterly payroll reports
Carry workers’ compensation insurance (mandatory if your nanny works 16+ hours weekly)
Boston-area families are strongly encouraged to offer written work agreements and maintain clear communication about hours, duties, and benefits.
👉 Want to make payroll, taxes, and insurance easy and compliant?
Set up nanny payroll with GTM Payroll Services through The Natural Nanny Collective here.
Guaranteed Hours, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Other Standard Benefits
In Boston’s professional nanny market, offering a competitive benefits package is essential. Here’s what most full-time nannies expect:
Guaranteed Hours: Your nanny should be paid for an agreed-upon number of hours weekly, even if your needs fluctuate.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Most families offer two to three weeks of paid vacation each year.
Paid Holidays: Typically, six to eight paid holidays are standard (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).
Paid Sick Days: It’s common to offer three to five paid sick days annually.
Health Insurance Stipend (Optional): Many Boston families offer a $150–$300 per month health insurance contribution to stay competitive.
Annual Raises and Holiday Bonuses:
Raises are often 3–5% per year
Holiday bonuses typically equal one to two weeks’ pay after a full year of employment
These benefits show your nanny that you value their work and are committed to a professional relationship, leading to longer, more stable placements.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Mileage Reimbursement: If your nanny drives their own car for errands, pickups, or outings, reimbursement at the IRS standard rate (around 67 cents per mile for 2025) is expected.
CPR and First Aid Recertifications: Families often reimburse for annual certification renewals.
Parking or Public Transit: If your nanny commutes into Boston from outside the city, offering a transportation stipend or parking pass is common courtesy.
Final Thoughts on Hiring a Nanny in Boston
Hiring a nanny professionally is about more than filling a childcare need — it’s about building a trusted, legal, and ethical relationship that supports your family for years to come.
By understanding the real costs — from taxes to guaranteed hours — and offering a thoughtful benefits package, you’ll set your family up for success and attract the very best caregivers.
🎯 Ready to take the stress out of nanny payroll, taxes, and insurance?
Get started today with GTM Payroll Services through The Natural Nanny Collective!
🌟 Want to Find Your Perfect Nanny? Here's How to Get Started
If you're ready to start the process of finding a professional, experienced nanny for your family, we’re here to help!
👉 Fill out our quick Family Application here to get started.
Once we receive your application, our team will reach out to schedule a consultation and help you find the perfect match for your household.
We can’t wait to support your family on this journey!
