Everything you need to know about nanny salaries, minimum wage, employment costs and paying fairly.

Hiring a nanny is an investment in your child's wellbeing

One of the first questions parents ask when looking for childcare is:

"How much should I pay a nanny?"

The answer depends on several factors, including experience, qualifications, location, working hours and the responsibilities expected of the nanny.

While every family has a budget, it's important to remember that a nanny plays a significant role in your child's safety, development and daily routine. Paying a fair and legal wage not only helps attract experienced professionals but also builds a respectful and long-lasting working relationship.

What affects a nanny's salary?

No two nanny positions are exactly the same. A salary should reflect the role and responsibilities involved.

Factors that influence pay include:

Experience
Qualifications and training
First Aid & CPR certification
Newborn care experience
Special needs experience
Montessori or ECD qualifications
Number of children
Ages of the children
Live-in or live-out employment
Working hours
Additional household duties
Driving responsibilities
Night shifts or weekend work
Location within South Africa

Generally, a nanny with specialist training or many years of experience can expect to earn more than someone who is new to the profession.

Understanding South Africa's Minimum Wage

One of the biggest misconceptions is that nannies have a different minimum wage from other workers.

They do not.

From 1 March 2026, domestic workers—including nannies, housekeepers and caregivers employed in private homes—are covered by South Africa's National Minimum Wage of R30.23 per ordinary hour worked.

This means employers may not pay less than this legal minimum for ordinary hours worked.

What does the minimum wage look like?

Using the current minimum wage of R30.23 per hour, the minimum earnings work out approximately as follows:

Hours Worked

Minimum Pay

Per hour

R30.23

4-hour day

R120.92

8-hour day

R241.84

9-hour day

R272.07

40-hour week

R1,209.20

45-hour week

R1,360.35

45-hour work month (approx.)

R5,894.40

These figures are based on ordinary working hours and exclude overtime, allowances and bonuses.

The Four-Hour Rule

Many families employ a nanny or domestic worker for only a few hours at a time.

South African labour law provides that if an employee reports for work, they must generally be paid for at least four hours, even if they work fewer than four hours that day.

For example:

Works 2 hours → Pay for 4 hours
Works 3 hours → Pay for 4 hours
Works 4 hours → Pay for 4 hours

This rule helps protect employees from travelling to work for very short periods without fair compensation.

Remember: Minimum Wage Is Exactly That—The Minimum

The legal minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer may pay. It should not automatically be viewed as the standard salary for every nanny.

Many experienced professionals earn more because they bring additional value through:

Years of experience
Excellent references
Professional childcare qualifications
First Aid certification
Specialised newborn care
Multiple languages
Driving experience
Additional household management skills

If you're hiring someone with significant experience and responsibilities, paying above the minimum wage is often appropriate.

Other Employment Costs to Consider

When employing a nanny, remember that salary is only one part of the overall employment relationship.

You may also need to budget for:

UIF contributions
Annual leave
Sick leave
Family responsibility leave (where applicable)
Public holidays
Overtime (when applicable)
Bonuses (optional)
Transport allowance (if agreed)
Training opportunities

These benefits help create a fair, professional and legally compliant working environment.

Live-in vs Live-out Salaries

Many parents ask whether live-in nannies should earn less because accommodation is provided.

Accommodation can form part of an overall employment package, but employers must still comply with South African labour legislation regarding wages and any lawful deductions. It should never be assumed that providing accommodation alone justifies paying below the legal minimum.

Should You Negotiate Salary?

Yes.

Every family's needs are different, and every nanny brings unique experience.

During the interview process, discuss:

Working hours
Responsibilities
Salary expectations
Overtime
Public holidays
Leave
Additional duties

Having these conversations upfront helps avoid misunderstandings later.

Paying Fairly Benefits Everyone

A fairly paid nanny is more likely to:

Stay with your family longer
Feel valued and respected
Be motivated in their role
Build a trusting relationship with your children
Provide consistent, high-quality care

A positive employment relationship benefits both the family and the caregiver.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a nanny isn't simply about finding the lowest salary—it's about finding the right person for your family while ensuring they are paid fairly and legally.

At Nannies247, we encourage families to view childcare professionals as skilled, valuable members of the household. Fair pay, clear expectations and mutual respect are the foundation of a successful working relationship.

How Much Should I pay a nanny in South Africa?