Child Care Cost Overview in New York
New York has one of the most expensive and heavily regulated child care markets. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) oversees licensing. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is administered locally by county departments of social services. New York City has its own additional regulations and higher costs.
Compared to the national average annual infant care cost of $13,184/yr, New York’s center-based infant care is approximately 31% above the national average.
Average Annual Child Care Costs in New York
| Age Group | Center-Based (Annual) | Family Care (Annual) | Nanny (Annual est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–12 mo) | $17,262/yr | $14,829/yr | $67,200/yr |
| Toddler (12–24 mo) | $15,881/yr | $13,643/yr | $67,200/yr |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | $13,464/yr | $11,567/yr | $67,200/yr |
| School-age (6–12 yr) | $11,220/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 New York.
Your Monthly Cost in New York
Nanny Cost in New York
Typical nanny pay rates in New York 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 New York is $16/hour. Some cities in New York have local minimum wages higher than the state rate.
Child Care Tax Savings for New York 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 New York
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidizes child care costs for low to moderate income families in New York. Income eligibility limits are approximately $114,277 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.