As childcare professionals, we often are negotiating pay and benefits for ourselves when working with families. Many of us wonder if we are being paid a fair salary compared to other nannies and household workers in our profession. It can be hard to find legitimate, accurate and credible information online about average nanny pay and benefits. A great source of information on the subject is the recent survey released by the INA (International Nanny Association). Their 2017 Nanny Salary and Benefits survey shines a light, not only on the average benefits and salary of in-home childcare professionals but also on how training and experience effects these numbers as well. Let’s find out how your salary compares to the international averages as well as if education and experience effects your pay and benefits. Here is some information that we at Charlotte’s Best Nanny found interesting from this newly released survey.
The INA survey was distributed to US nannies as well as internationally, including results from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others. It included 1449 complete responses, plus 388 partial responses. Of the responders, 99% were female, 92% live outside the employer’s home, 42% have at least a 2-year college degree, and 77% work fulltime. 53% report that their current employment fits the nanny job description and 42% are nanny/household managers, up from 38% in 2014. 71% have more than 5 years of experience.
Some interesting facts we found from the 2017 international survey include that the average hourly rate is USD $19.14, up from $18.66 in 2014. In NC the average hourly rate for the nannies and household workers surveyed is $16.00 an hour. A little over half (52%) of nannies have had a salary increase in the last 12 months, up from 38% in 2012. Education and experience correlate with a higher hourly wage. Almost two thirds (60%) were given an annual bonus. Nannies that have taken the INA Nanny Credential Exam and/or the INA Basic Skills Assessment get paid a higher hourly rate on average. Only 64% are paid legally. 75% of nannies receive paid vacation, up from 57% in 2014, and 76% receive “guaranteed pay” when the family does not need them, up from 71% in 2014. 17% receive health insurance, full (7%) or partial (10%). There has been a slight increase in nannies having written work agreements, 69% over 67% in 2014.
Where do you fall within these percentages? Are your benefits and pay similar to the international averages? Trends in technology have greatly contributed to the positive changes in the nanny industry. Online classes are more readily available as well as job listings, and easily accessible online payroll services. A great way to make sure you are receiving the pay and benefits you deserve is to continue your education in childcare. Classes are offered all around your area at local community colleges, as well as online. The INA offers a Nanny Credential Exam as well as the INA Basic Skills Assessment online that is a great tool to check out. We also have regular seminars and workshops for nannies at Charlotte’s Best Nanny as well to hone your skills as a professional childcare worker. So, we can see, through the survey’s findings, that education and experience DO in fact affect your hourly wage for the better.
As the years pass, the nanny industry continues to grow and thrive helping to provide an opportunity for a growing career in this field. If you would like to check out the full summary of The INA Nanny Salary & Benefits Survey please follow the link below:
Written by: Elizabeth
