A nanny provides childcare and support in a family home, helping children grow and develop while building strong relationships with them. You can start with a high school education and on-the-job training.
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Nannies care for children in home settings, assisting with daily activities, meals, and routines. You monitor children's behavior and safety, listen actively to their needs, and create schedules that support their development. You communicate regularly with parents about the child's progress and any concerns. The work involves physical activity, problem-solving, and making decisions about the child's care. You apply knowledge of child psychology, education, and safety to provide nurturing, secure environments where children can thrive.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Nannies earn a median of $34,980 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 160,200 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most nannies start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn through on-the-job training with families. Some pursue additional training in child development, first aid, or early childhood education to strengthen their qualifications. You build skills in active listening, critical thinking, and communication as you work. Many nannies begin by working with one family, then move to other positions as they gain experience. Your counselor can help you explore training programs or certifications that fit your goals and timeline.
Nanny positions vary by family needs and location. If you are exploring whether to pursue formal training or start with experience, Pathly can map the nanny path that fits you and work with your counselor to build a plan that matches your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a nanny, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to working directly with people, building relationships, and supporting their growth. This career suits those who enjoy teaching, guiding, and creating safe, nurturing environments for children and families.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).