How to hire a great after school nanny
We surveyed 500 nannies looking for after school work. Five things mattered most when they decided whether to take an offer. For a fuller hiring playbook, see our 7 tips for hiring an after school nanny.
Related: After School Babysitter Guide for Parents
1. Cover gas if the nanny drives
69% of nannies said a gas allowance influenced whether they’d take an after school job. If your nanny uses their car for school pickups or activities, build a weekly gas stipend into the offer. If your area runs on public transit, offer a transit stipend instead.
2. Commit to consistent weekly hours
66% of nannies want consistent weekly hours. 50% prefer 10 to 20 hours per week. 24% want 20 to 25. Even on slower weeks, paying for those consistent hours keeps the right person committed to your family.
3. Offer schedule flexibility where you can
A flexible schedule would convince 64% of nannies to accept an after school role. That can mean letting the nanny choose specific days (M/W/F vs. Tu/Th/F), or staying later some days and leaving earlier on others.
4. Pay a competitive rate
The national average is around $26 per hour for one child, or about $400 a week at 15 hours. Check your city’s rate in the table above and offer at or near it. A rate that’s a few dollars below market will lose you good candidates.
If you prefer a flat rate over hourly, 49% of nannies will accept one. Daily flat rates are most common (51%), followed by weekly (26%) and monthly (12%).
5. Add small perks that make a difference
A car service for late nights, easy parking, or a convenient pickup location all came up as deal sweeteners. None of these cost much, but they signal you’re thinking about the nanny’s day too.
Alternatives to an after school nanny
If a dedicated nanny isn’t the right fit, here are the main alternatives parents weigh:
- School-based programs. Many public and private schools run after school programs with supervision, homework time, and activities. Usually the most affordable option, with set pickup hours.
- Child care centers and daycare. Some daycare providers extend into school-age care. Structured environment, staff-supervised, fixed schedule.
- Full-time nanny. If you also need care during school hours (a younger sibling, school holidays, sick days), a full-time nanny may make more sense than an after school nanny alone. A blended rate covers different child counts during different parts of the day.
- Drop-in care. Pay-as-you-go works for families with irregular schedules or occasional needs.
- Community programs. YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, and local community centers run affordable after school programs with activities like sports, art, and tutoring.
Ways to bring after school nanny costs down
A few things can help:
- Sibling discount. Many nannies charge less per additional child than the first.
- Pre-payment discount. Paying weekly or monthly upfront sometimes earns a small reduction.
- Military discount. Some child care services offer reduced rates for families of service members.
- Dependent Care FSA or tax credit. After school care for kids under 13 may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit if it lets both parents work. Some employer Dependent Care FSAs also cover after school care. Check with a tax professional for your situation.
What to nail down before the nanny starts
The best hires start with clear expectations on both sides. Before your nanny’s first day, agree on:
- Total weekly hours and how flexible they need to be
- Whether driving is part of the job, and how gas is covered
- Snack and meal prep expectations
- Homework help and screen time rules
- Backup plan for sick days, school holidays, and last-minute schedule changes
- How and when you’ll communicate about the day (text after pickup? end-of-week recap?)
The clearer you are upfront, the smoother the school year runs.
After school nanny cost FAQs
How much does an after school nanny cost?
As of 2026, an after school nanny in the U.S. costs an average of $26.24 per hour for one child, based on UrbanSitter booking data. Rates range from about $18.21 per hour in San Antonio to $29.63 per hour in San Francisco. For a typical 15-hour week, that’s roughly $273 to $444 depending on your city.
How much does an after school nanny cost for two kids?
The 2026 national average is $29.87 per hour for two children, compared with $26.24 per hour for one child, based on UrbanSitter booking data. Most nannies add $1 to $3 per hour for each additional child.
How many hours per week does an after school nanny work?
Most after school nannies work part-time, usually 10 to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday from school pickup until parents are home in the early evening. A common schedule is 3 to 5 hours per day, five days a week.
Should I give my after school nanny a gas allowance?
If your after school nanny drives your kids to pickup or activities in their own car, yes. Many families offer a flat weekly stipend, often $20 to $50 depending on the driving involved, or reimburse mileage at the IRS standard rate. Agree on the arrangement before the nanny starts driving.
Is the cost of an after school nanny tax deductible?
After school care for children under 13 may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit if it allows both parents to work or look for work, and this can include an after school nanny. Some employer Dependent Care FSAs also cover after school care. Eligibility depends on your situation, so check with a tax professional.
