You know you bring a lot to the table as a nanny by supporting the family you work for, yet discussing a compensation increase may feel awkward to bring up with your employer. Continue reading to learn how to renegotiate your nanny compensation with ease!

Do Your Research

Before meeting with the family about renegotiating your compensation, establish a reasonable rate to ask for from the family. Remember that a 3%-10% increase per year is normal, which includes cost of living and performance.

You should know your worth and value based on your experience and education. Consider any certifications that you may have earned over the year like CPR and First Aid; Childhood Education; nutrition and fitness; special needs care; or training around discipline. These demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and professionalism that warrant a higher rate.

Be aware of the rates for nannies in your area. The goal is to make sure you are receiving compensation that is comparable to what other nannies receive in your area.

You can trust that if you’ve been placed through a reputable agency, such as Preferred ChildCare, you are receiving a reasonable rate when you begin working with the family; however, your responsibilities may increase over time and warrant higher pay.

Choose The Right Time

Your performance review, after one year of working with your employer, is a natural time for the family to make compensation increases. Compensation increases may be based on the cost of living or on increased duties you have taken on over the year.

However, you know best about your day-to-day work that your employer may have overlooked or even taken for granted, especially those duties that might not be written in your agreement with the family. If you feel under-compensated for your workload before the performance review, it could be the perfect time to initiate a discussion.

Request a Meeting

The most crucial aspect of renegotiating your current nanny compensation is to demonstrate to your employer what a valuable asset your services are to them.

To do this, begin by requesting a meeting with your employer. Give them ample notice to prepare for the conversation and avoid meeting when your employer may be stressed or not in a good frame of mind.

State Your Intentions for Renegotiating Your Salary

Instead of expecting to renegotiate your compensation all within one meeting, make sure to state a time period that you are hoping to receive an increase in your compensation. For example, you might let the family know that you would like to see an increase in three to six months.

The family will appreciate the advanced notice and that you can give them time to think it over. Having this discussion a few months prior to your performance review can also help guide that meeting when it comes to them evaluating your performance against your current compensation.

Outline Your Value and Ask for Feedback

During the meeting, discuss how much you enjoy working for the family and if you would like to stay with them longer. Outline all of the ways that you serve the family through your duties. Include what is specifically mentioned inside your agreement with the family and anything that goes above and beyond those duties. For example, if you routinely come up with fun arts and crafts activities for the children, arrange outings, or do extra cleanup, don’t hesitate to let the family know! If you’ve done anything specifically to help the family or child, now is the time to mention this.

Ask the family for any feedback on areas where they feel you can provide more support to them.

Remember that you are allowed to say “no” to any of the suggestions they make if it crosses your boundaries or makes you feel like adding on a requested responsibility would take away from your current ability to care for the children. You can also make your own suggestions of how to be more helpful to them if you notice an area that could use your help and you are willing to do it.

Maybe you notice that the parents arrive home late and it would be helpful if you could start to prepare dinner before they arrive. Perhaps you could start to show the children how to organize their rooms. Being willing to go beyond your normal duties is what will demonstrate your value to your employer and bring in more income!

State Your Request

Clearly state that you’re requesting a raise from the family. Provide a specific figure or a salary range based on your research and the value you bring.

After making your request, allow the family time to consider and respond.

Thank Them Regardless Of The Outcome

Express gratitude to the family for taking the time to consider your request, regardless of the outcome. Acknowledging their consideration contributes to a collaborative and communicative atmosphere, setting the stage for continued open dialogue in your professional relationship.

Handle The Response Gracefully

Whether it’s a positive or a negative one, navigate the response with grace.

If it's a yes, discuss the details, such as the effective date and any changes to your role or responsibilities.

If it’s a no or not right now, you can ask them when they would be able to discuss your compensation again. Ask for feedback on what you can do better in the future and seek to understand their decision.

Follow Up With the Family

After your initial meeting with the family, make sure to circle back with them within your stated review time period. Update them on your work and any progress you’ve made on meeting the new goals you set together.

Remember, the family needs to know they are getting the value they expect out of your services, so you need to remind them of all of the work you’re doing for them!

Know that if the family does not agree to renegotiate your compensation, you have options and can decide whether or not you still want to work with this family or look for another position. Take into account whether or not you enjoy working with the family and any other considerations of importance (e.g., the location of the job to where you live).

Apply to Preferred Childcare as a Nanny

Renegotiating your nanny compensation is all about clear communication with your employer, knowing their expectations and needs, and showing them how you meet their needs through the value you bring to the family. Annual compensation increases are normal and should be evaluated based on your experience, duties, responsibilities, and how well you support the family.

Do you live in the North Carolina Triad and wonder if you are being underpaid as a nanny? Consider placements through Preferred ChildCare! Apply HERE to become a nanny or sitter with us and we’ll make sure you are paid fairly!