Personal Care & Service
Nannies
Also called: Family Assistant, Family Manager, Governess, House Manager
US median pay
$34,980
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-2%
declining
Openings a year (US)
150,300
1,010,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.
What they do day to day
- Instruct children in safe behavior, such as seeking adult assistance when crossing the street and avoiding contact with unsafe objects.
- Remove hazards and develop appropriate boundaries and rules to create a safe environment for children.
- Perform first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when required.
- Instruct and assist children in the development of health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet behavior.
- Regulate children's rest periods and nap schedules.
- Teach and perform age-appropriate activities, such as lap play, reading, and arts and crafts, to encourage intellectual development of children.
- Help prepare and serve nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for children.
- Model appropriate social behaviors and encourage concern for others to cultivate development of interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
- Organize and conduct age-appropriate recreational activities, such as games, arts and crafts, sports, walks, and play dates.
- Assign appropriate chores and praise targeted behaviors to encourage development of self-control, self-confidence, and responsibility.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Persuasion3.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Time Management3.5/5
- Coordination3.5/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Instructing3.2/5
Knowledge
- English Language3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Psychology3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Sociology and Anthropology2.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma60%
- Some college16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.