Child Care Cost Overview in District of Columbia
Washington DC has the highest child care costs in the nation. The DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) oversees licensing and the Child Care Subsidy Program. DC offers free Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, which significantly reduces preschool costs for DC families. The median family income for a family of 4 is $219,512/year.
Compared to the national average annual infant care cost of $13,184/yr, District of Columbia’s center-based infant care is approximately 54% above the national average.
Average Annual Child Care Costs in District of Columbia
| Age Group | Center-Based (Annual) | Family Care (Annual) | Nanny (Annual est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $20,283/yr | $17,671/yr | $67,200/yr |
| Toddler (12–24 mo) | $18,660/yr | $16,257/yr | $67,200/yr |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | $15,821/yr | $13,783/yr | $67,200/yr |
| School-age (6–12 yr) | $13,184/yr | $0/yr | — |
* Nanny annual cost estimated at experienced nanny rate × 40 hrs/wk × 48 wks/yr. Actual costs vary.
Monthly Child Care Cost Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate your family’s monthly child care costs in District of Columbia.
Your Monthly Cost in District of Columbia
Nanny Cost in District of Columbia
Typical nanny pay rates in District of Columbia range from $28/hour for entry-level to $35/hour for experienced nannies. A full-time experienced nanny (40 hrs/wk, 48 wks/yr) costs approximately $67,200/year in gross wages, plus employer taxes (Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%, FUTA 0.6%, and state UI). The minimum wage for nannies in District of Columbia is $18/hour. Some cities in District of Columbia have local minimum wages higher than the state rate.
Child Care Tax Savings for District of Columbia Families
Families can reduce their child care costs through two federal tax mechanisms:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: A tax credit worth 20-35% of up to $3,000 in qualifying expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.
- Dependent Care FSA: Pre-tax savings of up to $5,000 through an employer-sponsored account.
CCDF Child Care Subsidy in District of Columbia
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidizes child care costs for low to moderate income families in District of Columbia. Income eligibility limits are approximately $186,585 for a family of 4, based on 85% of the state median income. Families with incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level may have copayments waived entirely. Copays for other families are capped at 7% of gross monthly income under federal rules.
Related Calculators
Cross-State Comparison
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