How Much Does a Nanny Really Cost in Boston? A Complete Guide for 2025
Hiring a nanny in Boston is a major investment—both financially and emotionally. At The Natural Nanny Collective, we know families want the best care possible while also navigating the realities of budgeting, taxes, and legal requirements. If you’re considering hiring a nanny in Boston, this deep dive is for you. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of all costs, from hourly rates to benefits, taxes, and compliance with Massachusetts state law.
Typical Nanny Rates in Boston
As of 2025, most full-time professional nannies in Boston earn between $30 to $38 per hour, with experienced or specialized caregivers earning $38 to $45+ per hour. Nannies with backgrounds in early childhood education, infant care certifications, or extensive household management experience often command the highest rates.
At 40 hours/week, this puts the annual base salary between $62,400 and $93,600+, not including overtime, benefits, or employer-paid taxes.
Employment Taxes and Insurance
As a household employer, you’re required to pay:
Social Security & Medicare (FICA): 7.65% of gross wages (you must also withhold this from the nanny’s pay).
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA): Up to 6% on the first $7,000 of wages.
Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (SUI): Rates vary, typically 1.5%-4% depending on employer history.
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Household employers are responsible for both employer and employee contributions unless you opt out with a private plan.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required if your nanny works 16 or more hours per week. Premiums are typically $500-$700/year.
Legally Required Benefits in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the most comprehensive laws protecting domestic workers: the Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. As a household employer, you must provide:
Paid Rest Time: After working 40 hours in a week, live-in nannies are entitled to 24 consecutive hours off each week, and 48 consecutive hours off each month.
Meal and Rest Breaks: 30-minute meal break after 6 hours of work; unpaid unless the nanny is required to remain on duty.
Written Employment Agreement: Required if nanny works 16+ hours/week. It should outline duties, pay, schedule, benefits, termination terms, etc.
Record Keeping: You must keep records of hours worked and wages paid.
Notice of Termination: Two weeks' notice or severance is strongly encouraged.
Common (and Recommended) Additional Benefits
Though not legally required, these benefits are industry standard in Boston and can help attract top-tier candidates:
Paid Time Off (PTO): Typically 2-4 weeks/year.
Paid Holidays: Most families offer 6-8 paid holidays.
Sick Leave: 3-5 paid sick days annually is common.
Health Insurance Stipend: Many families offer $150-$300/month to offset nanny’s health insurance costs.
Mileage Reimbursement: Required at the IRS rate (currently $0.70/mile) if your nanny uses their own car for work.
Annual Bonuses: Holiday or year-end bonuses (1-2 weeks' pay) are customary.
CPR/First Aid Training: Often reimbursed by the family.
Travel and Overnight Costs
If your nanny travels with your family:
All expenses must be covered (transportation, lodging, meals).
Travel time must be paid.
Overnight fees often range from $75 to $150/night on top of hourly pay, depending on expectations (monitoring baby monitor, shared room, etc.).
Total Cost of Employing a Nanny in Boston
Let’s say you hire a nanny at $35/hour for 40 hours per week:
Base salary: $72,800
Employer taxes & insurance (approx. 12%): $8,700
Benefits (PTO, holidays, sick leave, stipend, etc.): $5,000–$10,000
▶️ Estimated total annual cost: $86,500–$92,500+
For a more experienced or travel-ready nanny at $42/hour, the total cost could exceed $105,000/year.
Why Work with a Nanny Agency Like The Natural Nanny Collective?
Navigating wage compliance, taxes, contracts, and benefits is a lot—especially for busy families. At The Natural Nanny Collective, we don’t just match you with incredible caregivers. We provide:
Legally compliant contracts
Vetted, experienced nannies aligned with your family’s values
Ongoing support even after placement
We’re also the safest nanny agency in the U.S., with candidates vetted by licensed social workers and therapists.
Ready to find your perfect nanny in Boston? Let’s chat. thenaturalnannycollective.com
