Am I Under Paid?

Hi there-

That sounds like a lot! I work for a doctor so when she is on call 2-3 days per week then I have to stay the night, otherwise I live out too. I take care of one boy, 8, when he is in school I go to school or babysit for other families. Sometimes I will have to run errands for the Mom, grocery store, drop off stuff, cleaners, etc. It definitely doesn't take up my whole day though. I get to buy whatever I want at the store and I get paid for gas too. I do supply my own car and all she pays for is the gas towards it even though I drive up to 300 miles a week sometimes for her! I get paid $525 per week though so I dont know if you can compare that to you at all??

I think for sure though your family needs to compensate you for gas that your using for their errands.

I worked for the same family for about 3 years and recieved 2 raises during that time. When I left I was making $13 an hour. Do you make an hourly wage as well? Or is it a weekly thing?
Anyhow, I drove the kids to school, the park, and their summer activities throughout the week. I was not paid for gas, but all of those places were within 5 miles of the home. Other chores included washing all of the kid's laundry from that week, sweeping every day, doing whatever dishes I arrived to work to, pick up, and weekly vacuuming and mopping. These were all things that I could do as the kids napped, or played in the backyard.
They always said I could eat from their cupboard, but I rarely did.

Luckily they did not ask me to do personal errands, or chores for them. Once I was asked to do some extra cleaning, but I was paid accordingly.

I think it's best to lay those things out in a contract with the parents when you first meet them. Or make something now and discuss it with them, if you're unhappy.

I did not feel like I was doing too much for what I was paid for, but it sounds like you do and an unhappy nanny won't make for happy kids ( :

Good luck!

WOW- my opinion is that you are being completely underpaid! I take care of one 6 month old and work around 50 hours a week and it comes to about twice what you are being paid. My responsibilities include laundry, dishes, food prep and anything else having to deal with the baby including bath time and clean up. And even I have been told by several mothers who have nannies that they feel I am being underpaid.
I really think you should broach the subject and ask for either a raise out right or even a salary review.

(just noticed this post is several years old. i am sure this nanny's pay has been adjusted by now)

I've been doing this for a number of years, and as a live-out, you should be getting paid by the hour, not salary (flat rate). Maybe you can sit down & re-negotiate your pay,as I believe you are getting ripped off! You should be getting paid(for 2 kids & being a mother's assistant,not just a nanny/child care provider),at least $15/hour PLUS mileage if you use your own car.ESPECIALLY with gas prices going up as they are! It doesn't sound to me like you are the confrontational type,so I would count my words,be comfortable & secure in what you want & need, then present your case.Prior to approaching her,you might want to look around &see what else is available for you so that if she decides to not to keep you,you have a back up plan for employment.