5 Things That Justify a $45/hr+ rate

How To Increase Your Earning Potential Using The Nannyist Method

Let’s be real: you can’t just walk into an interview and ask for $45 an hour, and expect a "yes" just because you have a kind face and a clean criminal record.

When you ask for a high-end rate, you aren't just asking for a wage; you’re asking a family to make a six-figure annual investment in you. If you want them to write that check without flinching, you have to show them that you aren't an "expense"—you are an asset.

A "sitter" shows up with a crumpled, one-page resumé. A Nannyist shows up with a Portfolio. This is your silent closer. It’s the physical (or beautifully digital) proof that you are the most competent person in the room. Here are the five essentials that turn an interview into a professional consultation.

1. The Pedagogical Statement (Your "Why")

Most people say, "I love kids." That’s the baseline, not the selling point. A $45/hr specialist says: "My approach is rooted in RIE principles with a focus on fostering independent play and emotional regulation." The Nannyist Standard: Write a one-page "Philosophy of Care." Explain how you handle discipline, how you encourage developmental milestones, and why you choose specific activities. It shows you have a system, not just a pulse.

2. The "Safety & Compliance" Vault

Especially in high-net-worth homes, security and liability are the parents' biggest quiet fears. Don’t wait for them to ask. Have a section in your portfolio with crisp, color copies of:

Up-to-date Pediatric First Aid/CPR: Don't let this expire—ever.

A recent Background Check: Ideally within the last 6 months.

Specialized Certifications: Water safety, car seat safety, or Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) credentials.

Showing these upfront proves you take their child’s physical safety more seriously than they do.

3. The Sample "Daily Rhythm"

Organization is the hallmark of a high-level partner. Include a sample of a "Day in the Life" log you’ve actually used.

The Nannyist Standard: A "sitter" log says: “Ate pasta, napped 2 hours.” A Nannyist log says: “Lunch: Avocado and lentil mash (Sensory: Texture exploration). Afternoon: Nature walk focusing on color identification. Nap: 2 hours (Self-soothed within 8 mins).” This proves you are actively engaging their child’s brain every single hour you are on the clock.

4. Letters of Excellence (Social Proof)

Phone references are a chore for busy parents. Make it easy for them. Include 2-3 "Letters of Recommendation" from past families.

The Pro Tip: Look for letters that specifically mention your discretion, your punctuality, and how you handled a crisis. When a new Mom reads about how you stayed calm during a medical emergency or handled a high-profile event with total invisibility, her confidence in you triples.

5. Your Continuing Education Log

The difference between a "job" and a "career" is growth. Include a list of books you’ve read this year (e.g., The Whole-Brain Child or Hunt, Gather, Parent) or workshops you’ve attended. It tells the parents: "I am an expert who stays current with the latest research in child psychology."

The Nannyist Fact-Check:

The Rate Reality: In major hubs, a $45/hr+ rate is typically reserved for "Nanny-Managers" or those with specialized experience. If you are asking for this, you must be prepared to handle "Executive Function" tasks like scheduling, vendor management, or complex logistics.

Privacy Law: Crucial Note: Never include photos of your previous charges in your portfolio without a signed release. Even if "they said it was okay," a high-end employer sees a photo of someone else's kid and thinks, "Will she post my kid, too?" Discretion is your most valuable currency.

Your Takeaway: The "Binder" Challenge

Tonight, I want you to go to the store and buy a high-quality, professional leather binder or create a sleek, password-protected digital folder.

The Solution: Choose just one item from this list—maybe it’s drafting your "Philosophy of Care"—and get it on paper. Even if you aren't looking for a new job right now, building your portfolio is the ultimate "power move" for your next annual review. It reminds you of your worth before you ever have to remind them.

— Virginia, Founder of The Nannyist Method

ou have the portfolio to get the job and the contract to protect the role. Now, you need the systems to manage the household daily—even when the parents never leave the house. Read Next: The WFH Peace Treaty: How to Command Authority When Parents Are Home