Nanny Cost in Chicago, IL (2026)
BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison
A full-time nanny in Chicago, IL costs approximately $3,200/month. 19% above national avg. North Shore and Lincoln Park areas are highest. Experienced nannies earn $20–$28/hr in premium zip codes.
Chicago, IL nanny cost summary (2026)
Monthly Cost
$3,200
19% above national avg
Annual Cost
$38,400
Full-time, live-out
Hourly Rate
$22.0/hr
Family cost incl. taxes
BLS Median Wage
$17.0/hr
SOC 39-9011 metro area
Daycare (Infant)
$1,500
Center-based, monthly
Nanny vs. Daycare
+$1,700
Extra per month, 1 child
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 39-9011 metro area data (2023) + market rate surveys. Monthly costs include employer payroll taxes.
Chicago, IL vs. National Average
| Metric | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $3,200 |
| Annual cost | $38,400 |
| Daycare (infant) | $1,500 |
What Drives Nanny Costs in Chicago, IL?
- • North Shore suburban premium
- • Chicago minimum wage $15.80/hr
- • Finance/legal professional families
- • Public transit makes longer commutes viable
- • Strong supply of qualified nannies
Nanny vs. Daycare in Chicago, IL
Nanny (1 child)
$3,200/mo
Daycare (infant)
$1,500/mo
2 daycare spots
$3,000/mo
Nanny care costs $1,700/month more for one child. For two children sharing a nanny, the cost gap narrows significantly.
Compare nanny vs daycare →Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Chicago, IL
How much does a nanny cost in Chicago, IL?
A full-time live-out nanny in Chicago, IL costs approximately $3,200/month in 2026 — $38,400/year. That's 19% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$22.0/hr.
What is the nanny hourly rate in Chicago, IL?
The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Chicago, IL is approximately $22.0/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $17.0/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $5.0/hr above this median.
See statewide nanny rates for Illinois
Illinois nanny costs →