Finding the right nanny is one of the most important decisions a family can make. As you begin your search, you may be asking which option is better: nanny agency vs. independent hire.
Each approach has its pros and cons, but the right path depends on your family’s needs, how much time you can commit to the search, and how confident you feel managing legal and hiring logistics. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
What It Means to Hire a Nanny Independently
Hiring independently means you’ll manage the full process yourself—from job posting and screening to interviews, reference checks, and onboarding. Many families turn to websites like Care.com, Facebook groups, or community forums to find candidates on their own.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost (no agency fee)
- Full control over the process and candidate pool
- Flexibility to negotiate custom job arrangements
Cons:
- Time-consuming and administrative burden
- No professional screening—ALL vetting is your responsibility
- Greater risk of mismatched expectations or under-qualified candidates
- You must manage legal, tax, and compliance responsibilities alone, without guidance from an agency
What a Nanny Placement Agency Offers
A professional nanny placement agency like Town + Country Resources acts as a trusted advisor and partner throughout the hiring process. Beyond simply sourcing candidates, an agency offers expert support, robust vetting, and a streamlined experience.
Key advantages of a nanny agency vs independent hire include:
1. Time Savings
The most immediate benefit of working with an agency is time. Instead of sorting through hundreds of applications or conducting countless phone screens, your agency handles the search and presents only qualified, pre-vetted candidates. You focus on evaluating fit—not resumes.
An average family in the United States typically spends ~30 hours on their search spanned across 6-8 weeks without an agency.
2. Trusted Expertise on Pay, Benefits, and Legal Requirements
Families often underestimate how complex and nuanced nanny employment can be. Agencies stay up-to-date on regional pay trends, benefits expectations, and compliance issues. At Town + Country, we help you understand what constitutes a competitive job offer and what benefits (like paid time off or health stipends) are standard to enhance the chances of getting the right nanny for you.
3. Enhanced Safety Through Professional Vetting
Perhaps the biggest differentiator in the nanny agency vs. independent debate is vetting. At Town + Country, all candidates go through:
- A detailed in-person or video interview
- Verification of work history and references
- A comprehensive background check conducted by a licensed private investigator
These extra layers of screening help ensure your child’s safety and reduce the risk of a bad hire.
4. Long-Term Support
Your relationship with the agency doesn’t end once a hire is made. Agencies like ours offer ongoing guidance—whether it’s clarifying expectations, managing transitions, or helping with re-placements if a job isn’t the right fit. We’re here to make sure your nanny relationship succeeds over time.
Cost Considerations: Nanny Agency vs. Independent Hire
Agencies charge a placement fee, but that fee reflects the level of service, safety, and efficiency they provide. Hiring independently may appear less expensive upfront, but if the match fails or the nanny isn’t properly vetted, the financial cost, emotional toll and time lost can be far higher.
So, Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between a nanny agency vs. independent hire ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Use a nanny agency if you want a safe, efficient, and professionally guided experience.
- Hire independently if you have the time, tools, and comfort level to manage every step on your own.
At Town + Country Resources, we’ve made over 180,000 placements. If you’re unsure where to begin or want expert advice on how to approach your search, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you make a confident and informed decision.