Santa Monica is one of the most active hiring markets on the Westside for nannies, family assistants, and newborn care specialists. The combination of young professional families, proximity to the beach, and a culture that values work-life balance makes it a popular market for candidates who want steady, well-compensated work.
The Santa Monica Nanny Market
Families in Santa Monica tend to be younger and more casual than those in Beverly Hills or Bel Air, but their expectations around reliability, warmth, and candidate experience are just as high. Many Santa Monica families are dual-income households where both parents work full-time — meaning they need someone who can run the household in their absence, not just supervise.
Nanny Pay in Santa Monica
Santa Monica rates track closely with other Westside markets:
- Experienced nanny (3-5 years): $30-$42/hr
- Career nanny (5+ years): $40-$52/hr
- Newborn Care Specialist: $40-$55/hr
- Part-time nanny: $28-$38/hr (often after-school roles)
Common Role Types in Santa Monica
- Full-time Monday-Friday: The most common format, typically 7am-6pm or 8am-5pm
- After-school roles: Growing demand for candidates available 2:30-6:30pm, often with school pick-up driving required
- Nanny-housekeeper: A combined role where light household maintenance is expected alongside childcare
- Newborn support: Overnight and day NCS contracts, heavily in demand for first-time parents
What Santa Monica Families Value
A few traits come up consistently in Santa Monica placements:
- An active, outdoor mindset — beach trips, park time, and active play are common expectations
- Strong communication skills with parents, including daily updates and open feedback
- Comfort driving in Westside traffic, especially near school drop-off and pick-up zones
- Experience with meal prep and light cooking for children
View all current open positions in Santa Monica and across LA on our jobs board.