Nanny Cost in Delaware (2026)
BLS wage data, hourly rates, and daycare comparison
A full-time nanny in Delaware costs approximately $2,600/month. 4% below national avg. The BLS median hourly wage for childcare workers is $14.5/hr.
Delaware nanny cost summary (2026)
Monthly Cost
$2,600
4% below national avg
Annual Cost
$31,200
Full-time, live-out
Hourly Rate
$18.8/hr
Family cost incl. taxes
BLS Median Wage
$14.5/hr
SOC 39-9011 workers
Daycare (Infant)
$1,200
Center-based, monthly
Nanny vs. Daycare
+$1,400
Extra per month, 1 child
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 39-9011 (2023) and market rate surveys. Monthly costs reflect full-time live-out nanny including employer payroll taxes.
Delaware vs. National Average — Nanny Cost
How nanny costs in Delaware compare to the national average for each metric.
| Metric | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Monthly cost (family) | $2,600 |
| Annual cost (family) | $31,200 |
| Hourly rate (to family) | $3,252 |
| Daycare infant (comparison) | $1,200 |
Annual Nanny Cost in Delaware
A full-time nanny in Delaware costs $31,200/year — compared to $14,400/year for infant center daycare. That's $16,800/year more than center care. For families with two children, nanny care often becomes cost-competitive.
Annual nanny cost
$31,200
Monthly cost
$2,600
Effective hourly
$18.8/hr
Assumes 40 hours/week, 52 weeks, live-out arrangement, includes employer payroll taxes (~8.5%).
BLS Wage Data for Delaware — SOC 39-9011
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey tracks wages for Childcare Workers (SOC 39-9011) by state. This covers daycare workers, family childcare workers, and private household nannies. Nannies typically earn above the median due to the one-on-one, private-household nature of the work.
BLS Median Hourly
$14.5/hr
SOC 39-9011, Delaware
BLS Annual (2080 hrs)
$30,200
Median wage earner
Nanny Premium vs. BLS
+$4.3/hr
Private HH premium
Source: BLS OEWS 2023. The BLS median reflects all childcare workers including center employees who earn less than in-home nannies. Family cost includes nanny's gross wage + employer Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and unemployment taxes.
Nanny vs. Daycare in Delaware
Nanny care costs $1,400/month more than infant center daycare in Delaware. But the math changes for families with multiple children.
Nanny (1 child)
$2,600/mo
Daycare (1 infant)
$1,200/mo
Daycare (2 infants)
$2,400/mo
A nanny watching two children typically charges $2–4/hr extra — often bringing the effective cost close to or below two daycare spots. Use the nanny vs daycare calculator to run your specific numbers.
Nanny Cost by City in Delaware
Major cities — costs vary from state average by 15–40% depending on local wages and demand.
Wilmington
$2,800/mo
Financial hub; Philly-adjacent wages
Dover
$2,400/mo
State capital; lower than Wilmington
What Affects Nanny Cost in Delaware?
Experience & Credentials
CPR-certified nannies with 5+ years experience command $2–5/hr above entry-level in Delaware. Formal ECE training or teaching credentials add another $2–4/hr premium.
Number of Children
Most nannies charge $2–4/hr extra for a second child. In Delaware, caring for two children typically adds $300–600/month to the base rate.
Live-In vs. Live-Out
Live-in nannies in Delaware often accept lower cash wages (room and board offset ~$500–$900/month) but must still comply with federal live-in domestic worker wage rules.
Bilingual Premium
Spanish-bilingual nannies command a 10–20% premium in many Delaware markets. Mandarin, French, and other language skills add similar premiums in multilingual urban communities.
Schedule Type
Guaranteed hours (paying for 40 hours even if family uses less) is the industry standard. Families paying for a reliable schedule pay more than those with variable hours — but attract better candidates.
Employer Taxes
Legal nanny employment requires paying Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and unemployment insurance. These taxes add ~8–10% to the nanny's gross wage — budget for this in Delaware.
Common Questions About Nanny Costs in Delaware
How much does a nanny cost in Delaware?
A full-time live-out nanny in Delaware costs approximately $2,600/month in 2026. That's 4% below national avg of $2,700/month nationally. Hourly cost to the family is ~$18.8/hr including employer payroll taxes.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Delaware?
For one child, no — a nanny costs $1,400/month more than infant center daycare ($2,600 vs. $1,200). For two children, the calculation often reverses. Two daycare spots in Delaware cost ~$2,400/month, while a nanny watching both children adds only ~$300–600/month to the base rate of $2,600.
What is the average nanny hourly rate in Delaware?
The effective hourly cost to families for a full-time nanny in Delaware is ~$18.8/hr. The BLS median hourly wage for childcare workers (SOC 39-9011) in Delaware is $14.5/hr. Private-household nannies typically earn above this median because they work one-on-one versus center-based workers who work with groups.
Do I need to pay nanny taxes in Delaware?
Yes — if you pay a household employee $2,700 or more in 2026, federal law requires paying employer Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and federal unemployment tax (FUTA). Delaware may have additional state unemployment (SUTA) requirements. Using a nanny payroll service (Homepay, Savvy Nanny, GTM) costs $400–$900/year and ensures compliance.
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