Find a Trusted Nanny in Chicago

Why Chicago Families Choose Beverly

Chicago's nanny market is defined by its neighborhoods. A family in Lincoln Park has different needs and access to different caregiver pools than a family in Hyde Park or the North Shore suburbs. Agencies tend to specialize by geography, and the city's size means referral networks rarely overlap between the North Side and the South Side. Parents often end up running parallel searches across multiple channels without a clear way to compare candidates or track progress.

Beverly solves this by acting as a single point of coordination for your entire search. We contact agencies across the city and suburbs, post to the major platforms, and tap into school and community referral networks in your target neighborhoods. Every candidate goes through the same screening process: Illinois State Police background check, reference verification, structured interview, and skills assessment. You receive a curated shortlist rather than a disorganized pile of resumes from different sources.

Chicago's seasonal rhythms also affect the nanny market. Families starting searches in spring and early summer face the most competition, as many parents plan for fall start dates when school schedules change. Beverly helps families get ahead of these seasonal surges by launching wide, organized searches early. Whether you live in a Gold Coast high-rise or a Lakeview greystone, we coordinate your search to match your family's specific needs and timeline.

Illinois Employment Law for Nannies

Illinois has clear requirements for household employers. Understanding your obligations helps you build a fair relationship with your nanny and avoid compliance issues. For a full overview of tax requirements, visit our nanny tax guide.

Minimum Wage

The Illinois state minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. The City of Chicago sets a higher minimum wage that varies based on employer size and adjusts annually. Household employers in Chicago must comply with the city rate, which is typically above the state level.

Overtime

Illinois requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. This applies to domestic employees including nannies. Unlike California, Illinois does not have daily overtime thresholds, so the weekly limit is what matters.

Paid Time Off & Benefits

Chicago's Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the city. Most Chicago families offer 5-10 paid vacation days, 3-5 sick days, and paid federal holidays as part of a competitive compensation package. Offering a CTA transit benefit or parking reimbursement is also common.

Taxes & Workers' Compensation

If you pay a household employee $3,000 or more per year, you must withhold and remit Social Security and Medicare taxes. Illinois requires state income tax withholding and unemployment insurance contributions. Workers' compensation insurance is not mandatory for household employers in Illinois with fewer than two employees, but many families choose to carry it for protection. Beverly partners with payroll providers who handle all Illinois and federal compliance.

Babysitter Services in Chicago

Looking for a babysitter in Chicago instead of a full-time nanny? Beverly helps with that too. Whether you need occasional date-night coverage or a regular part-time sitter, our screening and coordination services ensure you find trustworthy care.

Babysitters in Chicago typically charge $22-$33 per hour in 2026, depending on experience, number of children, and timing. Weekend and evening rates tend to be at the upper end of this range. For comparison, a full-time nanny in Chicago costs $22-$38 per hour — the higher commitment reflecting the consistent schedule and expanded duties.

Even for occasional babysitting, Beverly recommends running a background check. Our platform makes it easy to screen sitters with the same rigor you'd apply to a full-time nanny. Learn more about the key differences between nannies and babysitters to decide which arrangement fits your family.

Popular Chicago Neighborhoods We Serve

Beverly works with families across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Here are some of the neighborhoods where we are most active.

Helpful Resources for Chicago Parents