How much do you legally have to pay your nanny? It depends on where you live. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, but 30 states (plus DC) require a higher rate.
Here's the complete list for 2026—plus overtime rules most household employers don't know about.
2026 Nanny Minimum Wage by State
You must pay at least the higher of the federal or state minimum wage. If your state's rate is above $7.25, that's your floor.
| State | 2026 Minimum Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $7.25/hour | Federal rate (no state minimum) |
| Alaska | $11.91/hour | |
| Arizona | $14.70/hour | |
| Arkansas | $11.00/hour | |
| California | $16.50/hour | Some cities are higher |
| Colorado | $14.81/hour | |
| Connecticut | $16.35/hour | |
| Delaware | $15.00/hour | |
| DC | $17.50/hour | Highest in the US |
| Florida | $14.00/hour | |
| Georgia | $7.25/hour | Federal rate applies |
| Hawaii | $14.00/hour | |
| Idaho | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Illinois | $15.00/hour | Chicago is higher |
| Indiana | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Iowa | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Kansas | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Kentucky | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Louisiana | $7.25/hour | Federal rate (no state minimum) |
| Maine | $14.65/hour | |
| Maryland | $15.00/hour | |
| Massachusetts | $15.00/hour | |
| Michigan | $10.56/hour | |
| Minnesota | $11.13/hour | |
| Mississippi | $7.25/hour | Federal rate (no state minimum) |
| Missouri | $13.75/hour | |
| Montana | $10.55/hour | |
| Nebraska | $13.50/hour | |
| Nevada | $12.00/hour | |
| New Hampshire | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| New Jersey | $15.49/hour | |
| New Mexico | $12.00/hour | |
| New York | $15.50–$16.50/hour | Rate depends on region |
| North Carolina | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| North Dakota | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Ohio | $10.70/hour | |
| Oklahoma | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Oregon | $15.95/hour | Portland metro may be higher |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Rhode Island | $15.00/hour | |
| South Carolina | $7.25/hour | Federal rate (no state minimum) |
| South Dakota | $11.50/hour | |
| Tennessee | $7.25/hour | Federal rate (no state minimum) |
| Texas | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Utah | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Vermont | $14.01/hour | |
| Virginia | $12.41/hour | |
| Washington | $16.66/hour | Highest state rate |
| West Virginia | $8.75/hour | |
| Wisconsin | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
| Wyoming | $7.25/hour | Federal rate |
Important: Some cities and counties have their own minimum wages that are higher than the state rate. For example, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City may have rates above the state minimum. Always check your local requirements.
States With the Highest Nanny Minimum Wage
If you're budgeting for a nanny, these are the most expensive states for minimum wage:
| Rank | Location | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington, DC | $17.50/hour |
| 2 | Washington State | $16.66/hour |
| 3 | California | $16.50/hour |
| 4 | Connecticut | $16.35/hour |
| 5 | Oregon | $15.95/hour |
At $16.50/hour in California, a full-time nanny working 40 hours/week earns $34,320/year before overtime. Use our nanny tax calculator to see your total employer cost including taxes.
Overtime Rules for Household Employees
Most household employers don't realize this: nannies are entitled to overtime pay.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, household employees who work more than 40 hours in a single workweek must be paid at 1.5 times their regular rate for every extra hour.
| Regular Rate | Overtime Rate (1.5x) |
|---|---|
| $15.00/hour | $22.50/hour |
| $18.00/hour | $27.00/hour |
| $20.00/hour | $30.00/hour |
| $25.00/hour | $37.50/hour |
Live-in nanny exception
Some states exempt live-in domestic employees from overtime requirements. However, federal law still requires at least minimum wage for all hours worked. The overtime exemption varies by state—check your state's specific rules.
Common states with live-in exemptions: California (with specific conditions), New York (with wage order protections), and others. For a full breakdown of which states require overtime for live-in nannies — plus how room and board affects your taxes — see our live-in nanny tax guide.
What Most Families Actually Pay
Minimum wage is the legal floor, but most families pay well above it. According to industry data, typical nanny pay ranges are:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $15–$20/hour |
| Experienced (3-5 years) | $18–$25/hour |
| Senior/specialized | $22–$35/hour |
| Night nurse/newborn specialist | $25–$40/hour |
Factors that affect pay: cost of living, number of children, additional duties (cooking, driving, tutoring), and whether the nanny is live-in or live-out.
The math: A nanny paid $20/hour for 40 hours/week earns $41,600/year. Your employer taxes add roughly $4,000–$5,000/year on top of that. Calculate your exact cost →
See the total cost of hiring a nanny in every state →
How to Stay Compliant
- Pay at least the higher of federal or state minimum wage — always check both
- Track hours accurately — you need records for overtime calculations
- Pay overtime for 40+ hours/week — no exceptions for most household employees
- Check local rates — cities like Seattle, SF, and NYC have their own minimums
- Review rates annually — many states increase minimum wage on January 1
NannyKeeper automatically uses the correct minimum wage for your state and calculates overtime. Get started free →
See what you'll owe
Use our free calculator to estimate your nanny tax costs for 2026.
FAQ
Does minimum wage apply to nannies?
Yes. Household employees including nannies, housekeepers, and senior caregivers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. You must pay at least the higher of the federal ($7.25/hour) or your state's minimum wage.
Do I have to pay my nanny overtime?
Yes. Under federal law, household employees must receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states exempt live-in domestic employees from overtime, but this varies.
What happens if I pay below minimum wage?
You can be liable for back wages, penalties, and damages. The Department of Labor can investigate complaints, and your employee may also have a private right of action for unpaid wages.
Does the nanny minimum wage change every year?
Many states increase their minimum wage annually, often on January 1. The federal minimum of $7.25 has been unchanged since 2009. Always check current rates at the start of each year.
What's the cheapest state to hire a nanny?
States that follow the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) have the lowest legal floor: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. However, market rates in these states are typically well above minimum wage.