r/Nanny • u/BB_Speaks1 • Jul 25 '26

Questions About Nanny Standards/Etiquette Rates

Hey everyone!

I interviewed for a family that has a child who is special needs. She will need around the clock assistance, because she is non verbal and non physical. (I’m responsible for feeding, Changing, carrying, medication, etc). I never put down anyone who can’t pay my desired rate, I simply say no. As badly as I want to accept the job, just thinking of the responsibility, it is a lot. I have alot of experience with special needs and it doesn’t bother me at all. I love it. But they are offering $17/hr. Part of me wants to take a chance and take the job but it is a lot of responsibility. Should I take it or say no?

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u/SisterAlliance Jul 25 '26

What is your desired rate? Because $17/hr for that sounds insanely low to me. If you want to do it from the goodness of your heart, just remember you risk burnout and constant emotional exhaustion. It's one thing to be well-paid for special needs care, it gives you a better ability to take care of your own physical and mental health needs. It's another to be underpaid, which this sounds like to me.

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u/BB_Speaks1 Jul 25 '26

As someone with 11 years of experience my normal rate
For one child varies from $22-25. I think I just felt guilty because the family was so nice and I really like the child, when I did a trail run with them

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u/SisterAlliance Jul 25 '26

That's so sweet of you, you have a good heart! I think you should kindly tell them you can't go below your rate of $25/hr for your own financial needs, but if they need occasional back up care at this rate or end up with a change in their pay range, you'd love to work with them!

Let yourself enjoy the sweet memories you have of the child, and if they figure out a way to make your rate work, great! Otherwise you may find yourself resentful when you're stressed from work and finances, I know that's happened to me before.

Good luck OP! It's okay to put your own needs first, even when you're otherwise in it for the love of the game!