What does a Nanny do?
As a caregiver, a Nanny is responsible for taking care of children. This means keeping them safe, clean, fed, entertained and on schedule with the rest of the household. In addition to caring for children, Nannies may also be responsible for cleaning the house and minding the family’s pets.
If there is a baby in the house, a Nanny will be expected to perform tasks like bottle feeding and diaper changing. For families with multiple children, they must simultaneously manage the unique needs of each child. Nannies are also expected to have a driver’s license—and in some cases, a car—to transport children to and from activities. They may also be asked to run errands for the parents. A successful Nanny blends seamlessly with the family, filling in where needs arise.
Nanny skills and qualifications
Taking care of a child can be demanding work, and it requires a unique set of skills. When writing a Nanny job description, keep in mind that the role’s primary goals are to keep a child safe, healthy and active. Some essential qualifications include:
- A passion for working with children
- Patience and communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with basic household chores
- Cooking skills
- An understanding of child development
Nanny experience requirements
Experience is an important consideration when hiring a Nanny. Because the role is extremely hands-on and involves the delicate task of caring for a child, extensive experience may indicate that an applicant is well-equipped for the position.
At least three years of experience in the child care industry can be a good minimum requirement to look for. This can mean previous employment as a Nanny, Child Care Worker or Preschool Teacher.
Nanny education and training requirements
There are no formal education requirements for Nannies. However, completion of a bachelor’s degree program can indicate that a candidate has extra skills that might aid them in the role. Relevant fields include early childhood education and child psychology.
It’s common for employers to request that Nannies be CPR certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Heart Association. This certification can be life-saving in the event of an emergency. Also important is a clean driving record if a Nanny is expected to transport children to and from activities.
Nanny salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Nanny is $49,653 per year. However, salary can vary depending on several factors, including location, the number of children to be cared for and the Nanny’s experience level.
Nanny salary expectations
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Common salary:
22.71 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -47.35 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
There are other professional caregiving roles that involve similar duties and qualifications. If this Nanny job description is not quite what you’re looking for, here are some similar samples that might help:
Nanny job description FAQs
Who does a Nanny report to?
A child’s parents usually hire a Nanny and assign them their daily responsibilities. The Nanny reports directly to the parents for feedback, scheduling concerns and other issues.
Some Nannies are employed by an agency that assigns them to homes based on their strengths and experience levels. These Nannies report to a manager or supervisor at the agency and will go to them with questions or concerns.
What’s the difference between a Nanny and a Babysitter?
A Babysitter is someone who occasionally comes to the parent’s house to watch their children while the parents engage in other activities. The key word here is “occasionally,” as Babysitters are typically short-term caregivers who are often employed on an irregular basis.
A Nanny, on the other hand, is a permanent role with consistent working hours. Nannies may also be responsible for additional household chores or errands, while Babysitters are solely expected to care for the children.
What setting does a Nanny typically work in?
Nannies usually work in their employer’s household. They spend much of their time here taking care of the children, preparing meals and completing household chores. They may also be expected to take the children to school or accompany them to other activities outside the house. Some Nannies even go on trips with the family to assist with the children when needed.
What makes a good Nanny?
To succeed in the role, a Nanny should have patience and compassion. They should also be organized and tidy to maintain a clean home for the family. Nannies are often responsible for handling several tasks or caring for many children at once, so they should have good time management and multitasking skills. Problem-solving skills and staying calm under pressure are also valuable qualities in this role.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
