What Is a Nanny House Manager and Do You Need One?

Written By Sarah Davis

Running a household can feel like a full-time job. Between school schedules, grocery shopping, errands, home maintenance, and childcare, many families quickly realize they need extra support. A nanny house manager can fill this gap by combining childcare with household management, giving parents peace of mind and helping the home run smoothly.

Some families call this role a house manager or household manager. In larger or more complex homes, the position may evolve into coordinating staff or even reporting to an estate manager. For most busy families, though, the role is about one trusted professional who can manage day-to-day operations while caring for children.

House Manager Job Description

A house manager’s role is to keep the household managed and organized. When combined with childcare, it becomes the hybrid role of a nanny house manager. Common duties include:

  • Childcare such as school pick-ups, activity coordination, and supervising playtime

  • Preparing meals or snacks for children and sometimes the family

  • Grocery shopping, errands, and keeping household supplies stocked

  • Overseeing children’s laundry and tidying their spaces

  • Managing the family calendar, appointments, and after-school activities

  • Coordinating with vendors, housekeepers, or household staff when needed

This job combines hands-on childcare with the wider responsibilities of household management. The candidates we place have extensive experience stepping in seamlessly and anticipating needs before parents even ask. They remember that Ellie has soccer on Mondays, James has swim on Wednesdays, your family prefers low-fat yogurt when grocery shopping, and the car is due for an oil change. By managing these details, a nanny house manager lightens the mental load so parents can return from a busy workday and focus on enjoying time with their family.

Why Families Hire a House Manager

Families often realize they need a house manager when household duties start to feel overwhelming. The right house manager can make daily operations seamless by:

  • Offering one point of consistency for both children and the home

  • Taking on household projects and errands

  • Supporting parents who feel like running a household is its own full-time job

  • Acting as a family assistant and personal assistant combined

For busy families, the hiring process often starts with a nanny, then naturally grows into a nanny house manager when more responsibilities are added.

Needs for Families with More Complexity

For families with more complex needs, an estate manager often takes on a broader level of oversight. This role may include supervising staff, tracking expenses, managing multiple properties, and ensuring that every aspect of a private household runs successfully.

By contrast, a nanny house manager blends childcare with household operations. They oversee children’s daily routines while also handling errands, organizing schedules, and managing household duties.

House Manager Salary and Cost

House manager salaries vary depending on the needs of the household. A nanny house manager typically earns $25 - $40 per hour, while a full-time estate manager may earn $65,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the complexity of the role.

Factors that affect cost include:

  • Size of the home

  • Number of staff to oversee

  • Childcare expectations

  • Location (household manager salary is higher in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles)

  • Benefits such as paid vacation, retirement contributions, and health insurance

Do You Need a House Manager?

If managing household duties and childcare feels overwhelming, it may be time to hire a house manager. For most families, the best fit is a professional who can provide reliable childcare while also keeping the household organized and supported.

Larger or more complex homes may require a full-time estate manager to oversee multiple properties and staff. But for many busy families, a nanny house manager is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

At Olive You Nanny, we connect families with qualified professionals who seamlessly fit into your home and support your unique needs.

CLICK HERE TO TO BEGIN YOUR SEARCH FOR A HOUSE MANAGER


Sarah Davis