Travel and Rotational Nannies: Cost and How to Hire One
How travel and rotational nannies work, what they cost based on our 2026 placements, job offers and candidates' salary expectations, and how to hire one.
How much does a travel nanny cost?
A travelling nanny earns £55,000 to £110,000 a year in the UK, $70,000 to $150,000 in the US and AED 300,000 to AED 600,000 in the UAE, based on our 2026 placements, job offers and candidates' salary expectations. Rotational nannies work set periods on and off, so a family usually employs two to give full cover.
Key Facts
- Travelling nannies: £55,000 to £110,000 a year in the UK.
- US: $70,000 to $150,000 a year; UAE: AED 300,000 to AED 600,000.
- Rotational roles usually need two nannies to cover one position.
- Travel, accommodation and visas are paid by the family on top of salary.
- Ranges based on Lighthouse Careers placements in 2026, job offers and candidates' salary expectations.
Travel and Rotational Nannies: Cost and How to Hire One
Families who move between homes, travel for work or spend summers on a yacht often need a nanny who travels with them. Some need one nanny full time; others need a rotation of two nannies so the children always have someone they know.
What a travel nanny costs
| Country | Travelling nanny, gross a year |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £55,000 to £110,000 |
| United States | $70,000 to $150,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | AED 300,000 to AED 600,000 |
These are ranges based on our 2026 placements, job offers and candidates’ salary expectations. For comparison, a resident nanny earns £50,000 to £95,000 a year in the UK and $60,000 to $170,000 in the US. Senior, Norland-trained nannies earn £95,000 to £140,000 and above in the UK.
Travel nanny or rotational nanny?
- Travel nanny: one nanny who goes wherever the family goes. Simple, and the children have one carer, but the nanny needs proper rest days and holiday, which are hard to give on the road.
- Rotational nanny: two nannies share the role, for example two weeks on and two weeks off. The family always has a rested nanny, and holiday is easier to plan. It costs more, because you pay two salaries for one position, though each is often paid only for the time on rota.
What families pay on top
- Flights, accommodation and meals while travelling.
- Visas and work permits for the countries where the nanny works.
- Travel and health insurance.
- Employer taxes in the country where the nanny is employed.
What to look for
- Experience with travelling families and children of the same ages.
- A passport and nationality that make visas straightforward for your usual destinations.
- Paediatric first aid, and swimming and water safety for yachts and beach homes.
- Languages, if the children are bilingual.
- Calm under jet lag, changing routines and new places.
Hiring a travel nanny?
Tell us the role and we send a shortlist of vetted, reference-checked nannies within 24 hours. There are no upfront fees, and every placement comes with a free replacement guarantee. Read how we recruit on our nanny recruitment page, see the nanny salary guide, or consider a governess if your children need teaching while you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a travel nanny cost? £55,000 to £110,000 a year in the UK and $70,000 to $150,000 in the US, plus travel, accommodation and insurance.
What is a rotational nanny? A nanny who works set periods on and off, sharing the role with a second nanny so the family always has cover.
Who pays for the nanny’s travel? The family, along with accommodation, visas and insurance.