How Much Does a Nanny Really Cost in Dallas, Texas? – 2025 Complete Guide
If you’re a parent in Dallas, TX searching for reliable in-home childcare, chances are you’ve asked: How much does a nanny really cost in Dallas? Whether you’re hiring your first nanny or upgrading from part-time help to full-time professional care, it’s important to understand the true cost of hiring a nanny in Dallas.
In this updated 2025 guide from The Natural Nanny Collective, we’ll walk you through:
Current nanny rates in Dallas, TX
Hidden costs families often overlook
Legal requirements for household employers in Texas
How to stay compliant with nanny tax laws in Dallas
And how using a trusted Dallas nanny agency can save you time and protect your family
Let’s break it all down.
Also, take a look at our nanny background check process and what this entails!
Where Are Nannies in Highest Demand in Dallas?
Some of the most popular Dallas neighborhoods for in-home childcare include Highland Park, Lakewood, University Park, and North Dallas. Families in areas like Plano, Frisco, and McKinney also frequently seek full-time nannies, especially near major employers like UT Southwestern, Texas Instruments, and Southwest Airlines.
If your nanny is regularly taking your little one to Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum, or Perot Museum, you’ll want to factor in drive time and mileage as part of their day-to-day duties.
Looking for the best nanny agency in Dallas near you? Whether you're in Addison, Allen, or Bishop Arts District, The Natural Nanny Collective proudly serves families all across the metroplex.
Average Nanny Pay in Dallas (2025)
The average hourly rate for a nanny in Dallas ranges from $23 to $35+ per hour, depending on experience, education, responsibilities, and benefits offered.
Entry-level nannies (2–3 years experience): $23–$26/hour
Mid-level nannies (4–8 years experience, certifications): $27–$34/hour
High-level career nannies (8+ years, degrees, long-term experience): $35–$40+/hour
These numbers are based on data from The Natural Nanny Collective’s placements. Care and Zip Recruiter do not have accurate rates listed.
If you're hiring a nanny in North Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, or Frisco, expect to be on the higher end of the range due to competitive market rates.
The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Nanny in Dallas
Many parents think of the nanny’s wage as the full cost—but if you're hiring legally, there are several important nanny employer responsibilities that affect your bottom line:
Taxes and Legal Payroll Obligations in Texas
Even though Texas has no state income tax, you still need to pay:
Social Security and Medicare (FICA): 7.65% employer match
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA): 0.6%
Texas Unemployment Tax (SUTA): 2.7% on the first $9,000 of wages
ETIA surcharge: 0.10%
These add about 9–10% to your nanny’s gross wages. That means if your nanny makes $55,000/year, your tax cost alone could exceed $5,000 annually.
Optional but Common Benefits
To attract and retain the best nanny in Dallas, many families offer:
2–6 weeks of paid time off (PTO)
3–5 sick days
10 paid holidays (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)
Mileage reimbursement if the nanny drives her own vehicle
Yearly raises or bonuses for long-term placements
Health insurance stipend (optional but appreciated)
Adding in PTO and benefits can easily increase the total cost by $3,000–$8,000/year.
Nanny Laws in Dallas, TX: What Parents Need to Know
If you pay a nanny $2,700 or more per year (2025 IRS threshold), you're legally considered a household employer and must:
Pay nanny taxes and issue a W-2
Track hours (even for live-in nannies)
File Form I-9 and W-4 at the start of employment
Report your new hire to the Texas Attorney General
Comply with federal overtime laws (1.5x pay after 40 hours/week for live-out nannies)
In Dallas and across Texas, there are no state-mandated paid sick leave laws, but offering sick days has become a standard practice among professional families.
While Texas doesn’t require workers’ comp insurance, we highly recommend it to protect your family if a nanny is injured on the job.
What a Dallas Nanny Actually Costs: Real Example
Let’s say you hire a full-time nanny at $25/hour for 45 hours per week. That’s $1,125 per week or $58,500 per year in gross wages.
Add 9% in taxes, plus PTO, sick time, and maybe mileage or a holiday bonus—your total cost could be closer to $65,000–$70,000 per year.
That means your true hourly cost is about $28–$30/hour, not just the $25/hr you offered.
Dallas Rotational Nannies can costs range from $100,000 per year and up!
Why Work with a Nanny Agency in Dallas?
Hiring independently can take 30+ hours of searching, interviewing, and vetting—and still put your family at risk if you miss a legal requirement.
A reputable Dallas nanny agency like The Natural Nanny Collective offers:
In-depth consultation to understand your family’s needs
Carefully matched, fully-vetted candidates
Interviews conducted by licensed social workers
Full background checks: national, county, sex offender, MVR, social security trace
Verified references from former employers
Customized employment contracts with e-signing
One-year replacement guarantee depending on your package
We’re here to make the process as safe, smooth, and convenient as possible so you can focus on what matters most: your kids.
Final Thoughts: Why Hiring a Nanny in Dallas is a Smart, Family-Focused Investment
Hiring a nanny in Dallas, TX is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your family's well-being. It offers the personalized care, stability, and peace of mind that busy families need—especially in a growing city like Dallas where quality childcare can be hard to find. When done right—and legally—you gain a trusted caregiver who truly becomes part of your family.
If you're ready to explore hiring a nanny in Dallas, North Dallas, Highland Park, or any surrounding areas, reach out to The Natural Nanny Collective—widely regarded as one of the best nanny agencies in Dallas for families who value safety, professionalism, and a thoughtful, holistic approach to childcare. We’ll walk you through every step and help you find the best fit for your family’s needs and values.
Fill out our Family Application today to get started with your nanny search!