Nanny Pay Rates in 2025*: How Much Should You Pay Your Nanny? A guide to Understanding Australian Nanny Wages

 *Information updated for 2026 – make sure to check out our 2026 nanny pay rates article here! 

If you’ve hired a nanny in Australia in 2025, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much should I pay my nanny?

Whether you’re hiring – or already employing – a full-time, part-time, or casual nanny, understanding the 2025 nanny pay rates ensures you’re offering fair compensation while remaining compliant with employment laws.

This guide will cover:

✔️ The average Australian nanny pay rates in 2025
✔️ How rates vary across different states and cities
✔️ The impact of experience, responsibilities, and employment type
✔️ The legal minimum wage in 2025 for nannies
✔️ How to handle nanny payroll properly.

What Are the Average Australian Nanny Pay Rates in 2025?

Nanny pay rates in Australia depend on experience, employment type, and location. While there’s no fixed industry-wide award for nannies, most are covered under the Miscellaneous Award.

Under the Miscellaneous Award in 2025:

🔹 After 3 months in a role, Nannies fall under Level 2 of the pay guide
🔹 For the first 3 months they are under Level 1 of the pay guide
🔹 Ordinary hours (Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM) are paid at a minimum rate of $25.85 per hour (casual employees receive an extra loading, at $32.31 per hour).

However, real-world nanny wages in 2025 are often higher than the minimum, depending on experience and location.

2025 Nanny Pay Rates for each major city in Australia

Sydney & Melbourne:

Nannies in Sydney and Melbourne command some of the highest nanny pay rates in 2025, reflecting the higher cost of living and strong demand for in-home childcare.

💰 Base rates:

• Casual: $36–$42 per hour
• Permanent: $34–$40 per hour.

For experienced nannies or those taking on additional responsibilities (e.g., meal prep, tutoring, driving children), rates can go beyond $40+ per hour.

In particular, Sydney nanny rates are the highest with experienced nannies expecting up to $45 – $50/hour employed.

Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra:

In Brisbane and Perth, 2025 nanny pay rates are slightly lower than in Sydney and Melbourne but still competitive.

💰 Base rates:

• Casual: $34–$40 per hour
• Permanent: $32–$38 per hour.

Adelaide, Hobart. and Regional Area:

Nannies are a premium childcare option, but being smaller cities, Adelaide, Hobart, and Regional Areas typically sit at a mid-range level.

💰 Base rates:

• Casual: $32–$36 per hour
• Permanent: $28–$34 per hour.

Factors That Impact Australian Nanny Pay Rates

🔹 Experience & Qualifications – A nanny with childcare certifications, speciality training, or 5+ years of experience will earn higher rates.

🔹 Job Responsibilities – Pay variations depending on whether the nanny’s role include meal preparation, school drop-offs, household duties, or travel.

🔹 Live-in vs. Live-out Nannies – Live-in nannies may receive a slightly lower hourly rate, but minimum wages still need to be met and accommodation and meals are often included.

🔹 Casual vs. Permanent Employment – Casual nannies earn higher hourly rates due to casual loading, while permanent employees receive leave entitlements.

What Additional Costs Should You Consider when paying your nanny in 2025?

Beyond the hourly wage, families hiring a nanny must factor in:

✔️ Superannuation – 12% of wages from July 2025
✔️ Annual Leave & Sick Leave – For permanent employees
✔️ Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required in most states
✔️ Public Holiday Pay & Overtime – As per employment agreements
✔️ Vehicle & Fuel Costs – If the nanny is driving on the job in either their own car or the family’s car.

How to Pay Your Nanny the Right Way This Year

If you’re hiring a nanny, or if your casual babysitter has become your nanny in 2025, one of the most important things to get right is payroll compliance. In Australia, nannies who work regular hours and have ongoing employment with a family should be classified as employees, not independent contractors. That means you need to handle tax, superannuation, and entitlements correctly.

Questions families ask us about pyaing a nanny in 2025 include:

• How do I pay my nanny legally?
• Do I need to provide super for my nanny?
• What’s the easiest way to manage nanny payroll?

The safest and easiest way to ensure you’re meeting all legal requirements is to set your nanny up as an employee and use a payroll service like NannyPay. We handle PAYG tax, superannuation, payslips, and compliance, so you don’t have to worry about the admin.

💡 Want to make sure you’re paying your nanny correctly? Learn more here about nanny payroll in Australia and how we can help.