Nannies
Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.
Also called: Baby Sitter, Babysitter, Care Attendant, Child Care Aide, Child Care Professional, Child Care Specialist
Median pay
$34,980
Pay for the broader BLS group “Childcare Workers”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$24,260 – $46,010
People employed
518,910
Whole BLS group
Holland code
SAC
Social · Artistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 8.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Work outdoors in all weather
Nannies pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Childcare Workers”.
What nannies do
- 01Instruct children in safe behavior, such as seeking adult assistance when crossing the street and avoiding contact with unsafe objects.
- 02Remove hazards and develop appropriate boundaries and rules to create a safe environment for children.
- 03Perform first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when required.
- 04Instruct and assist children in the development of health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet behavior.
- 05Regulate children's rest periods and nap schedules.
- 06Teach and perform age-appropriate activities, such as lap play, reading, and arts and crafts, to encourage intellectual development of children.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
Knowledge
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from nannies
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education84% · —
- Psychiatric Aides79% · —
- Occupational Therapy Assistants74% · —
- School Bus Monitors71% · —
- Nursing Assistants69% · —
Change into nannies
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education76% · $38,140
- School Bus Monitors71% · $35,100
- Psychiatric Aides68% · $44,910
Majors that lead here
- Child Development
- Child Care Provider/Assistant
- Early Childhood and Family Studies
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.