Find a Trusted Nanny in Washington DC

Why DC Families Choose Beverly

The Washington DC metro area presents a unique nanny hiring landscape. The market spans three jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland. Each has its own minimum wage, tax rules, and employment requirements. A nanny who lives in Maryland but works in Georgetown faces different tax withholding than one who lives and works entirely in Virginia. Families who try to navigate this patchwork on their own often make costly compliance mistakes or limit their search to a single jurisdiction, missing strong candidates just across a state line.

Beverly understands the tri-state nature of the DC market and manages the complexity for you. We coordinate your search across agencies in DC, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and Arlington, posting to platforms and activating referral networks across the entire metro. Every candidate undergoes the same screening: background check through the appropriate state or district system, reference verification, structured interview, and credential review. You receive a shortlist of finalists who are genuinely available for your location and schedule.

DC is also home to a large population of highly educated, professional families who expect a structured, thorough hiring process. Many parents work in government, policy, law, or consulting and apply the same rigor to hiring a nanny that they do to hiring at their office. Beverly meets that standard with a professional, organized approach that reflects the seriousness of the decision.

DC Employment Law for Nannies

The DC metro area's multi-jurisdictional nature means tax and employment rules vary depending on where you and your nanny live and work. For a full overview, visit our nanny tax guide.

Minimum Wage

The District of Columbia minimum wage is $17.95 per hour. Maryland's is $15.50 per hour, and Virginia's is $12.77. The rate that applies depends on where the work is performed. DC's high minimum means many nanny rates in the District are above this floor but not dramatically so.

Overtime

DC, Maryland, and Virginia all require overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours per week for domestic employees. The rules are consistent across jurisdictions on this point.

Paid Time Off & Benefits

DC's Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act requires employers to provide paid sick leave. DC families with 1-24 employees must offer up to 3 days. Maryland and Virginia have their own sick leave requirements. Competitive DC metro families typically offer 10 paid vacation days, 5 sick days, and paid federal holidays plus a Metro SmartBenefits transit allowance.

Taxes & Workers' Compensation

If your nanny works in DC, you must withhold DC income tax and pay into DC unemployment insurance. If your nanny lives in Maryland or Virginia but works in DC, reciprocal tax agreements may apply. Federal FICA taxes apply if you pay $3,000+ per year. DC requires workers' compensation for household employees. Beverly partners with payroll providers who specialize in the DC metro's multi-jurisdiction requirements.

Babysitter Services in Washington DC

Looking for a babysitter in Washington DC 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 Washington DC typically charge $23-$35 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 Washington DC costs $25-$42 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 DC Neighborhoods We Serve

Beverly works with families across the DC metro area. Here are some of the neighborhoods where we are most active.

Helpful Resources for DC Parents