Raise- How much $$ to ask for? **update**

[GoldenAfternoon]

My sister needs a little advice. Here is her situation: She is employed as a full-time nanny here in Worcester, Ma. She has happily taken care of a 2 year old boy since he was 2 months old. Her wages started at $13 per hour, and she was given raises of 50 cents every 6 months. She is now up to $14.50. In October, the mom gave birth to a little girl. She returns back to work next week, and told my sister to "think about how much more money she wants" and to get back to them. So, how much more should she ask for? She loves working for this family and has no intentions of quitting. They've given her 8 weeks of paid vacation in the past year, and always pay her for 40 hrs even if she works less. However, her work is about to double, and neither one of the children is particularly easy. Both parents are doctors, and the hours are about to get longer, as well. I suggested $3 more per hour. What would you suggest? She isn't looking to double her money, but she wants a fair raise. Your 2 cents would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[cardaway]

Is she a live in nanny?

 

[Miss Kelly]

$20 an hour? And she is probably worth much more than that.

 

[shirleyb]

I would say $3 to $5 per hour. It sounds like they've been very fair with her in the past --8 wks of paid vacation -- I've been at my job 12 years and only get 4 wks! I wouldn't want her to ask for too much that would leave a bad taste in their mouths, IYKWIM?

 

[Colorado Mom]

There are lots of things to consider here. Do they provide anything for her? Car, insurance, paid vacation, room and board? Is she just nanny or does she do housework? Are her hours set?

I know that here there is a childcare help center and I called them when I decided to nanny. They were more then happy to tell me highs and lows of all childcare costs in my area. I took the mid rate for an infant and factored in all the pluses the family gave to me.

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Thanks for the quick replies! She doesn't live-in, and they don't provide any health insurance. She uses her own car, but they just bought a new minivan for her to use. She's childless and griped about having 2 carseats in the back of her Jeep Liberty Also, the 7 of the 8 vacation weeks were when the family traveled. She requested 1 week off for our Sept. trek to WDW She has also only called in sick once. She does housework pertaining to the children: washing bottles, putting clothes away, and tidying up the 9 milion toys they have. They have hired house cleaners to do the rest of the "real" cleaning. The family is, without question, very good to her and she isn't trying to rip them off. I think she's worth a million Thanks again

 

[Monte Cristo]

This is an interesting thread that I want to follow. I am embarassed to tell everyone what we pay our "nanny." She's also not a live in, but does come to our house and does a lot of what you list and some other stuff you don't.

She does anything pertaining to the baby, does her laundry, wash, dries, folds, puts away OUR laundry, does some light cleaning and vacuuming, and most improtantly takes wonderful care of our daughter. She is a friend of ours more than a nanny. We are going on vacation in a few weeks to WDW and my wife's mother is coming to help us. I almost would feel strange asking her to come along to help us...I don't know why.

To the OP, sorry I have given you no good info but to me, a great nanny/babysitter is invaluable. By the sound of the way this family treats your sister, I think they think the same as I.

 

[terri01p]

I don't mean this to sound rude but I can't beleive that she gets payed that kind of money to watch a child, my goodness are our cost of living rates that different, do you know what people wouldn't do for that kind of money around here, 14.50 my goodness I can't get over that...my friend watches two kids 40 hours a week for 120.00 a week.

 

[Keggy]

I don't think she is making too much money - she is making just over $30K a year. For someone who is reliable and does much more than just babysit - that is priceless. I would think 3 to 4 dollars more per hour is acceptable. They will let her know if it isn't. They obviously value her.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I think an even $18 an hour would be good. That's a lot of money, but I think it's reasonable considering what they are now paying her.

 

[Cinderella2004]

I think I'd ask them what they were thinking. Put the ball back in their court so to speak.

 

[disneyfreakk]

I think she should ask for $7.25 more an hour. Always start high, her family might go for it. The worse thing they will do is tell her no, and give a counter offer. She should also consider talking to them about being a live in!

 

[MELSMICE]

$20 an hour? And she is probably worth much more than that.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[ChrisLei]

I agree with asking for an even $20. This is after all an infant, and an extra child to care for. I think they would pay it in a heartbeat because they have a responsible loving person.

 

[Lizzy2]

I used to be a Nanny and I would suggest to your sis to call some of the local employment agencies(if there are Nanny agencies around that's a bonus -call them) and ask what the going rate is so she can make a good decision. Does she have friends who are Nannies? She may want to take a poll. It sounds like she has a good deal already-some families wouldn't have even thought to offer her more money for another child so I understand her hesitation to look greedy. Live-outs usually do make more $ since they have to pay rent and living expenses that you don't have to pay when you live in. The parents have to consider that. You can't expect someone to take care of your children for more than 40h. a week and not pay them enough to pay the rent and the ConEd and groceries. Tell your sis good luck- I loved being a Nanny-many good memories and my "babies" are all grown and up and down the east coast now! Geez I'm old!!!

 

[TimeforMe]

$20 an hour? And she is probably worth much more than that.

ITA
My DD18 babysits and gets that at times. The minimum she gets is $15 per hour.

 

[trip]

Both parents are doctors, and the hours are about to get longer, as well.

Sounds like she's worth at least $20 an hour. Remember, she will be caring for an infant and a 2 year old.

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Thanks so much, everyone. Our cousin is also a nanny. She said that $13-$16 is average pay for our area, and that the closer you get to Boston the more money you can make. She makes $22 an hour in the town of Southboro. Her charges are 8 year old twins, but one has special needs. I would assume that adds a little bit to the salary? I'll show my sister this thread with all of your suggestions and kind words. The mother goes back to work on January 15, so I'll let you know how much $$ she ends up with then. . .if she lets me

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

The raise ended up being $3 more per hour= $17.50. I think that was fair, because they've also agreed to hire a high school student to lend a hand 2 or 3 afternoons a week. Thanks for your input

 

[DVCLiz]

I don't mean this to sound rude but I can't beleive that she gets payed that kind of money to watch a child, my goodness are our cost of living rates that different, do you know what people wouldn't do for that kind of money around here, 14.50 my goodness I can't get over that...my friend watches two kids 40 hours a week for 120.00 a week.

In all fairness, though, Terri, I live in beautiful NC, too, and I think we are talking about two different things. In-home child care is one thing, but a full-time nanny to a professional family is quite another. I know several people who have nannies and pay in this range or more. Child care for upper middle class or upper class professional families is much much more expensive than the kind of child care your friend is getting paid to do. I'm sure your friend is providing safe, loving and excellent care, don't get me wrong, but it's still totally different from being a full-time nanny.