How much should I ask to be paid? Nanny

Question

I have been a part time nanny for a long time...and I always seem to get screwed with the payment arrangements. I have my third interview tomorrow, and I usually always get hired, but I was just wanting some advice on how to go about setting up a payment plan. I just want things to be clear so everyone is happy! The last position I had was part-time and I got paid pretty well......I usually stayed overnights once or twice a week but then some months the family would not need me at all. My income was $1800 one month then the next it would only be $300!

I really just want to let this family understand that I don't want to basically be an "on call Nanny." If a family needs a part-time nanny and they aren't willing to work me every week should I not take the job? Or should I ask to be paid a weekly set rate regardless of the hours? The mother travels two weeks each month, which I would basically have to get the kids to school and pick them up, dinner, clean, take to sports etc etc and do everything, but the other two weeks she won't need me as much. Basically I am going to have to change my school schedule to be available for 60 hours a month (30 hours twice a week) but then the other two weeks what if she doesn't work me? It's not like I can find another part time job because the schedules are so flexible and vary each month. I dunno....I'm rambling.

Should I just charge hourly @ a hire rate b/c they want me when they need me? OR should I charge a weekly rate regardless if they need me because I have those times set aside for them needing me? ? ? ?

Answer 1

Good nannies always make sure they have a base salary. This means you get paid a minimum of X amount of hours a week. If you work overtime, you get paid extra. If you're not needed for the day, you still receive the same amount. Make sure you talk about this with your nanny family.

Answer 2

Hi, This is a difficult one but in my opinion as it is hit and miss when they may use you I would work on an hourly rate or you could do it as a weekly rate but worked out by the avg. hours over a month.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

If I were you in that case, it sounds like you do not have the flexibility that they are looking for.  This may or may not be a fit for either of you.  If you are genuinely interested in working for them, then state upfront that you need to be paid X amount per month regardless of hours worked.  If they are willing to do this, then great, if not... you don't need them.

As an experienced childcare provider of over 18 years, I just started working for a WONDERFUL nanny agency that deals with all of this for you.  We are completely unlike any other agency out there because we do not charge the families a large fee, and we offer free services to the nannies themselves like placement, training etc.  This agency is wonderful and fun to work with.  I found them by applying for a nanny position and then started working with them instead!  Please check them out... we are in need of some good nannies!

www.nannyprosinc.com