Is a nanny or daycare cheaper in Seattle, WA?

In Seattle, WA, infant center daycare costs approximately $1,980/month versus $4,000/month for a full-time nanny — a difference of $2,020/month. For one child, daycare is typically less expensive. For two children under 3, a nanny is often cost-competitive since daycare charges per child.

What is the average nanny hourly rate in Seattle, WA?

The effective hourly rate for a full-time nanny in Seattle, WA is approximately $27.0/hour in 2026, including gross wages plus employer payroll taxes. The BLS OEWS median hourly wage for childcare workers in this metro area is $21.0/hour. Experienced nannies with CPR certification, formal ECE training, or bilingual skills typically earn $2–5/hour above these figures.

Nanny Cost in Seattle, WA (2026)

BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison

A full-time nanny in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4,000/month. 48% above national avg. Amazon and Microsoft demand keep nanny rates among highest in the country.

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Seattle, WA nanny cost summary (2026)

Monthly Cost

$4,000

48% above national avg

Annual Cost

$48,000

Full-time, live-out

Hourly Rate

$27.0/hr

Family cost incl. taxes

BLS Median Wage

$21.0/hr

SOC 39-9011 metro area

Daycare (Infant)

$1,980

Center-based, monthly

Nanny vs. Daycare

+$2,020

Extra per month, 1 child

Source: BLS OEWS metro-area median wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011, 2023). The nanny hourly figure is our estimate: that median plus a private-household premium and employer payroll taxes. It is not from a survey of nanny families. Infant daycare figure: the same record as our city cost page.

Seattle, WA vs. National Average

Metric	Seattle, WA	National Avg	Difference
Monthly cost	$4,000	$2,700	+$1,300
Annual cost	$48,000	$32,400	+$15,600
Daycare (infant)	$1,980	$1,230	+$750

What Drives Nanny Costs in Seattle, WA?

• Amazon/Microsoft/Boeing families
• Seattle minimum wage $19.97/hr
• High cost of living
• No state income tax
• Competitive market for experienced nannies

Nanny vs. Daycare in Seattle, WA

Nanny (1 child)

$4,000/mo

Daycare (infant)

$1,980/mo

2 daycare spots

$3,960/mo

Nanny care costs $2,020/month more for one child. For two children sharing a nanny, the cost gap narrows significantly.

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Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Seattle, WA

How much does a nanny cost in Seattle, WA?

A full-time live-out nanny in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4,000/month in 2026 — $48,000/year. That's 48% above national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$27.0/hr.

What is the nanny hourly rate in Seattle, WA?

The effective hourly cost for a nanny in Seattle, WA is approximately $27.0/hr in 2026. The BLS OEWS metro-area median for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) is $21.0/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn $6.0/hr above this median.

See statewide nanny rates for Washington

Washington nanny costs →