The cost of childcare in Ireland
MindMe.ie finds out how much childcare actually cost’s in Ireland? Back to Top
The cost of hiring childminders, nannies and Au Pairs can vary depending on what part of the country you live in. Through research and experience, Dublin and Cork (city and suburbs) are pretty much on the same par when it comes to childcare costs, with the midlands coming in as the least expensive region. Of course there are other factors that affect the rate that a childminder charges or how much a nanny is paid, such as: qualifications, experience, meals supplied and activities.
ChildmindersBack to Top
A childminder is a person who cares for children in their own home independently and can often care for several children. However guidelines must be met regarding ratios.
• A childminder may mind up to a maximum of 5 pre-school children (including the childminder’s own pre-school children).
• A childminder may mind up to a maximum of 12 school age children.
No. of pre-school children being cared for |
Maximum no. of school age children |
| 0 | 12 |
1 |
10 |
2 |
7 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
| 5 | 1 |
5 |
0 |
In Dublin, Cork and most of the urban areas in Galway and Limerick, a full-time Childminder will cost approximately €8-€10 per hour. This rate varies throughout the country with the national averagerate being €6.5-€10. Discounts are usually given where there are siblings being minded also.
• A lot of childminders provide food and of course a lot don’t, there is no general rule of thumb but you should expect to pay more for a childminder who provides meals or snacks.
• Childminders should be paid 52 weeks of the year and for bank holidays unless there is an extended break, e.g. families who don’t require their childminder for the summer months.
• Childminders are self-employed and are therefore responsible for paying their own taxes.
• Some childminders charge minimum wage of €10.50 (since 1 st January 2022). In 2023 the minimum
wage is €11.30 per hour.
NannyBack to Top
A nanny is a carer who works in the family home and is therefore your employee so you must pay all relevant tax and social contributions and at least the minimum wage should be paid. It is always best to discuss salary in terms of gross pay. A full time nanny generally works Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Any extra hours, overtime and additional babysitting is not included within their weekly wage. Rates vary depending on the nanny’s experience, how many children are in your family, the nanny’s qualification and location.
In Dublin, Cork and some parts of Galway, a nanny’s salary is the following: (guideline only)
• Full time €10.50 – €20 per hour,
• Part time €12 – €20 per hour
• Nannies are paid 52 weeks of the year and are entitled to statutory holidays
• Nannies should hold a childcare certificate, minimum Fetac 5 and first aid. Many nannies with years of experience can obtain higher salaries
In other parts of the country, again the rates of pay are sometimes slightly less: (guideline only)
• Full time/Part-time €10.50 – €12 per hour
Au PairBack to Top
If you're considering hiring an au pair an au pair one of the first things you’ll want to know is, what is a typical au pair salary and what are au pair costs, it’s also the question we get asked most frequently.
So, what are standard au pair wages?
A recent court case has determined that au pairs should be regarded as employees, they are therefore legally entitled to the minimum wage. The current minimum wage stands as follows:
Minimum hourly rate of pay |
% of minimum wage |
|
| Experienced adult worker | €10.50 |
100% |
| Aged under 18 | €7.35 |
70% |
| First year from date of first employment aged over 18 | €8.40 |
80% |
| Second year from date of first employment aged over 18 | €9.45 |
90% |
Rates on or after 1 January 2022
The cost, per hour, for live in and live out au pairs is the same, however you may make the
deductions, listed below to a live in au pair’s wages to cover food and board.
• For board (food) only: €0.87 per hour worked (calculation at hourly rate)
• For lodgings (accommodation) only: €23.15 per week or €3.32 per day
