In the nanny world, it’s essential to understand the various factors at play when determining nanny duties and pay rates. From the number of children and their ages to the nanny’s qualifications and the prevailing market rate in the area, numerous factors play a role in determining both the scope of duties and the corresponding pay rate for nannies.

1. The age and number of children

One of the primary factors influencing nanny duties and pay rates is the number of children in the family and their ages. Caring for the needs of a large number of children often requires more adaptation of skills. On the flipside, caring for a child without siblings can require more active interaction from the nanny.

Roles with younger children typically require more hands on care and attention – to keep them safe and meet their needs, not to mention providing the appropriate developmental attention. That said, young children might have less demands on their time, meaning that the nanny is not required to do as much driving or rushing around.

2. Specific childcare and non-childcare tasks required

Many Nanager roles incorporate tasks beyond the basics. Families may require their Nanager to perform additional tasks such as family laundry, meal prep, or errands while others may request programming of early childhood education, tutoring support, or other child-related tasks. Increase the scope of nanny duties and pay rate expectations will likely increase.

Nannies and nanny jobs come in all types, and a nanny’s expected wage might be influenced by their skills and willingness to do specific tasks that are requested in the role. Clear communication between the family and the nanny is contributes positively during advertising and negotiations, and assists in a positive working relationship. Expectations influence the determination of nanny duties and pay so don’t be afraid to review and adjust if circumstances change.

3. The schedule and flexibility required

The length of shifts and the total weekly hours is another significant factor in determining nanny duties and pay rates. Part-time positions with shorter shifts (particularly in competitive times of day, such as after school care!)  typically command at least slightly higher hourly pay rates from professional nannies than full-time positions. This is because a commitment to the role may prohibit them from being available for additional work.

Nannies who are expected to work atypical or irregular hours will often request higher compensation for their flexibility. Families seeking varied availability from their nannies should expect to pay a premium to attract and retain a great nanny who is willing and able to meet those needs.

4. The nanny’s qualifications

Nannies who hold relevant qualifications may seek higher pay rates due to their specialised skills and expertise. Child-related qualifications include the Certificate III/Diploma in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor of Education. But sometimes a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or a Master of Occupational Therapy is the specialised relevant qualification a nanny brings to their work.

It’s important to factor in the necessity and/or value of the qualification to decide whether it will influence the nanny duties and pay rate. A Diploma in Early Childhood, for example, will be more impactful to an infant care nanny than a home manager/nanny for high school age children. If the family doesn’t benefit from the nanny’s qualification it might not be a determining factor in their pay rate.

5. The nanny’s age and years of experience

In such a niche industry, sometimes experience is more of an influence on a nanny’s wage than qualifications. There is no nanny-specific qualification in Australia. Experienced nannies with a proven track record of providing quality care may command higher pay rates than those with less experience.

Life experience and age can also be a factor. Some of our candidates offer the valued perspective of having raised their own children and some parents feel more confident leaving their children in the care of a mature (older) adult. Other families may be seeking someone younger to perform the nanny duties and pay for the benefit of someone who can relate and engage on that level with their children. 

6. Market Rate in the area

The local market and industry standards also play a significant role in determining nanny duties and pay rates. While Australian nannies fall under the Miscellaneous Award when it comes to minimum conditions, there is no nanny-specific Award so instead we have industry standards that guide expectations. Factors such as the demand for nanny services and the cost of living influence pay rates. However, there will always be a range, with not every nanny commanding the same pay.

The Australian nanny industry has been in a state of flux, over the past several years in particular, so it’s important to understand what’s going on at the time of your search. We recommend researching ads for similar roles in your area, or consulting a trusted agency or nanny payroll provider to help you determine fair compensation.

7. Type of Employment

Finally, the way a nanny is paid is certainly an important, yet often not discussed, influence on pay rate. This great NannyPay blog breaks down the differences between one hourly rate as a contractor, vs casual employee, vs permanent employee! The benefits (such as Super or paid time off) factor into what their hourly pay rate should be.

So how do you determine what to pay your nanny?

As you can see, the range of nanny duties and pay rates are much more complicated than a typical pay guide in a Fair Work Award can determine! There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nanny care. Understanding the factors that influence nanny duties and pay rates is an important part of employing or working as a nanny. By carefully evaluating these factors and engaging in open and transparent communication, families and nannies can ensure that the requested duties and pay rates align with their expectations and needs.

If you’re looking for guidance on nanny duties and pay rates or assistance in finding the perfect nanny for your family’s needs, Nanager is here to help. Our team understands the complexities of the nanny industry and can provide personalised support and advice for parents and nannies alike. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.