Hiring a Nanny: Common Compensation Questions Parents Ask Us

April 25th, 2017 by

Looking for a nanny for your family can be tricky, which is why an increasing number of parents are enlisting the services of a nanny agency to assist with the hire. Here at the Nanny Authority, our placement specialists are available to speak with parents about any questions or concerns that arise before, during, or even after the process to choose the right nanny. This article will aim to answer common questions that parents ask us about compensating their nanny and extending other monetary benefits for a job well done.

Questions Related to Nanny Paid Time Off:

Should I Compensate My Nanny for Snow Days or Jury Duty?

It would be a show of good faith if you were able to compensate the nanny for things out of his or her control, such as snow days or jury duty. However, if the parents don’t have a snow day, depending on the weather conditions and travel safety, the nanny should still come in.

For Which Holidays Should I Compensate My Nanny?

Nannies should be given the day off or compensated double their normal pay for all federal holidays. Mandatory federal holidays are as follows: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and January 1st. Optional holidays include the day after Thanksgiving, Presidents Day, Christmas Eve, and Martin Luther King Jr., Day. Other holidays and religious observances are left to the discretion of the employer.

Questions Related to How Much to Pay Your Nanny:

What Is the Minimum Wage for a New York City Employee?

The minimum wage is $10.50 for small employers that have less than ten employees, and nannies must be paid 1 ½ times their regular rate of pay for weekly hours over 40, or 44 hours for residential employees. More information on New York City’s minimum wage laws can be found on its Department of Labor website.

When Should I Offer My Nanny a Raise?

Raises vary according to the family and nanny’s current salary. It is customary to increase a nanny’s salary at the yearly mark, and when another child or additional job responsibilities are added to his or her schedule. We also recommend giving your nanny a bonus around the winter holidays and/or at their yearly bench mark.

Questions Related to Nanny Compensation and Changes in Family Lifestyle:

Should I Compensate My Nanny for Vacations Our Family Takes Without Him or Her?

Compensation for vacations is contingent on the contract terms. Two weeks’ vacation time is the standard. Full-time nannies should be paid for 52 weeks of employment. Oftentimes, the nanny’s contract will state that he or she can take one week off of his or her choosing, and one week off of the family’s choosing (sometimes this is when the family will go on vacation.) If the family takes more than one week, and the nanny is not required to travel with them, he or she should still get paid for the time off.

Should I Hire a Different Nanny as My Child Goes Through Developmental Stages?

As your children get older, it is inevitable that your family’s needs and lifestyle will change. A nanny that possesses newborn experience may not have toddler or grade-schooler experience. Some families keep a nanny from newborn to teenage years, but every family is different. Ultimately, the parents need to do what is in the best interest of the child.

Contact Nanny Authority to Answer Your Nanny Questions:

Our placement specialists advise the families from beginning to end on their search to guarantee a successful placement for both parties. For more information on how the Nanny Authority can assist you while you are looking for a nanny, contact us at 973-466-2669 or via the website today!