How to Find a Nanny in New York: A Complete Guide for Families

Finding a nanny in New York is unlike hiring anywhere else in the country. Competition for the best career nannies is fierce, salaries are the highest in the US market, and families on the Upper East Side, in Tribeca or the West Village expect a level of professionalism that goes far beyond babysitting. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

What does a nanny cost in New York?

In 2026, experienced full-time nannies in Manhattan typically earn between $30 and $45 per hour, with live-in arrangements and rota positions negotiated as annual salaries — often $85,000 to $130,000 or more for multilingual, educator-qualified candidates. Newborn care specialists and nannies with formal early-childhood degrees sit at the top of the range.

Agency or private search?

Online platforms are inexpensive, but the vetting burden falls entirely on you: references, background checks, identity verification and interviews. A specialized nanny agency screens every candidate before you ever meet them — at Elite Swiss, fewer than two in a hundred applicants are ever presented to a family.

The screening that actually matters

• Verification of identity, work history and certifications
• Reference calls with previous families — not just written letters
• A current criminal record check
• A personal interview assessing both professional and personal fit
• A paid trial day in your home before any offer is made

Contract essentials in New York

New York has strict domestic worker protections. Your contract should cover guaranteed hours, overtime after 40 hours, paid leave, payroll taxes (the so-called nanny tax) and a confidentiality clause. A good agency drafts this with you — and stays available for the entire placement.

Elite Swiss places carefully vetted nannies with families across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the wider metro area — every placement backed by our 12-month guarantee. Tell us about your family, and we will introduce your first candidates within days.