How to Hire a Nanny in Houston

Direct answer

You can search marketplaces yourself or work with a placement agency. Southwest Domestics handles screening, shortlists 4–5 candidates, and hosts free in-office interviews so you hire with confidence. We have placed nannies with Houston families since 1990.

Hiring a nanny in Houston, step by step

  1. Write down the role: days and hours, children’s ages, driving (and whether you provide a car), pool and swimming, cooking, light housekeeping, errands, and travel.
  2. Set a budget: full-time (35–40 hours/week) agency rates run from $20+/hr to $25–$30/hr by experience class; see what a nanny costs in Houston and how our fees compare with other Houston agencies.
  3. Decide live-in or live-out: live-out hours over 40 per week are billed at overtime according to Texas law; live-in pricing is set at consultation.
  4. Choose how to find candidates: a marketplace means you do the screening yourself; an agency screens first. Use our checklist for choosing a nanny agency.
  5. Interview in person: ask about past experience and previous jobs, and take notes.
  6. Agree on expectations: schedule, duties, and time off, up front.

Why Houston families use an agency (not only a marketplace)

  • Every candidate is background-checked before you meet them
  • Bonded and insured placement
  • Meet 4–5 pre-screened candidates in our office — not a parade of strangers in your living room
  • Unlimited free replacements until the match is right
  • Agency tax benefits — write off up to $5,000 per year when you use our qualified agency services (see nanny taxes in Texas)
  • Ongoing support after placement

Who we place

Houston neighborhoods and suburbs we serve

  • Inside the Loop: River Oaks, Montrose, the Heights, Museum District, Rice Village
  • West University Place, Bellaire, Meyerland, and Southside Place
  • Memorial, the Memorial Villages, Tanglewood, and the Galleria/Uptown area
  • Sugar Land (First Colony, Telfair, Riverstone), Stafford, Missouri City, and Richmond
  • Katy (Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, Fulshear), The Woodlands, Pearland, and Cypress

How placement works

  1. Consultation: we discuss your household needs, schedule, and family culture.
  2. Selection: we present 4–5 hand-picked, vetted candidates.
  3. Interviews: you meet candidates in person at our office, 13847 Stafford Rd, Stafford, TX 77477. Interviews are free; each usually lasts 10–20 minutes, and the whole visit typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
  4. Placement: we handle the details, provide ongoing support, and offer unlimited free replacements if the match is not right.

Rates at a glance

Full-time (35–40 hours/week): Class A (senior level, up to 5 years experience) $25–$30/hr; Class B (mid level, up to 3 years) $23+/hr; Class C (entry level, up to 2 years) $20+/hr. Part-time (4–34 hours/week): Class A $30–$35/hr; Class B $25–$30/hr; Class C $20–$25/hr; part-time rates are set case by case. Live-out assignments over 40 hours per week are billed at an overtime rate in accordance with Texas law. A one-time $175 registration fee applies, there is no finder’s fee, and there is a 4-hour minimum per visit. See our rates page and what a nanny costs in Houston.

Not a DIY marketplace

Southwest Domestics has served Houston since 1990. We are a full placement agency — not a gig app. Call (713) 789-5437 or email southwestdomestics@gmail.com to schedule a complimentary interview.

Frequently asked questions

How do I hire a nanny in Houston?

Define the role and schedule, set a budget, decide live-in or live-out, then either screen candidates yourself or use a placement agency that screens them first. Southwest Domestics presents 4–5 pre-screened candidates you interview in person at our Stafford office.

Where do I interview candidates?

In person at our office, 13847 Stafford Rd, Stafford, TX 77477. Interviews are free, and you can ask candidates about their past experience and previous jobs.

How much does a nanny cost in Houston through Southwest Domestics?

Full-time (35–40 hours/week): Class A $25–$30/hr, Class B $23+/hr, Class C $20+/hr. Part-time rates are higher per hour and set case by case. A one-time $175 registration fee applies.

Do you charge a finder’s fee?

No. Southwest Domestics does not charge a finder’s fee, and interviews are free.

What does a nanny agency cost?

Many Houston nanny agencies charge a search or registration fee, then a placement fee of roughly 10% to 20% of the nanny’s first-year gross pay. Southwest Domestics charges a one-time $175 registration fee and no finder’s fee, interviews are free, and you pay an hourly rate by experience class. See nanny agency fees in Houston, compared.

Are your nannies background-checked?

Yes. All personnel undergo background checks, rerun for every placement, have verifiable references, and are bonded and insured.

How many candidates will I meet?

Usually up to five. You can interview as many as your time allows; it usually does not take more than five to find a match.

How long does it take to find a nanny?

Placement typically takes under a week, depending on your schedule and requirements. Call (713) 789-5437 to get started.

What if the nanny is not the right fit?

Southwest Domestics offers unlimited free replacements: if you are not satisfied, we keep finding you a new match at no additional cost until your family is happy.

Can I get a tax benefit by using an agency?

As an agency, we cover taxes, Social Security, and related payroll obligations for you, and families may be able to write off up to $5,000 per year. Ask your tax advisor how it applies to you.

Contact Southwest Domestics

Southwest Domestics
13847 Stafford Rd, Stafford, TX 77477
(713) 789-5437
Mon–Fri 9–5
southwestdomestics@gmail.com

Start a new client request or call to schedule a complimentary interview.

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