Guaranteed Hours: A Standard of Fairness in Modern Nanny Contracts

09.10.25 08:18 PM - By Felicia Sutherland

In the world of household employment, “guaranteed hours” have become more than just a helpful perk — they’re now an industry standard for fairness, stability, and mutual respect between families and nannies.

At Honest Care Nanny Agency, we view guaranteed hours as one of the clearest signs of a healthy, professional working relationship. It’s how both sides — family and caregiver — can feel secure, valued, and respected.

What Are Guaranteed Hours?

Guaranteed hours refer to a set minimum number of hours a nanny is paid for each week, whether or not all those hours are actually worked.

For example:

If a nanny is guaranteed 40 hours per week at $25/hour, they’ll receive $1,000 weekly — even if the family ends up using only 35 or 30 of those hours that week.

Families benefit from knowing their nanny will remain available and committed to their schedule, while nannies gain financial predictability and the ability to plan their own lives confidently.

It’s important to note that guaranteed hours aren’t the same as a salary. They still follow an hourly pay structure, including overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.

Why Guaranteed Hours Matter

    1. Financial Stability for Nannies
    Caregivers rely on a consistent income just like any professional. Guaranteed hours allow them to budget, pay bills, and maintain peace of mind — without worrying about canceled shifts or family travel weeks.

    2. Retention and Quality Care
    Families offering guaranteed hours attract more experienced, career-minded nannies. In fact, agencies and household employment experts agree that this policy leads to stronger, longer-lasting placements.

    3. Professional Respect
    Honoring guaranteed hours recognizes a nanny’s time and commitment as professional labor. It builds trust and establishes clear expectations from the start — key ingredients for a respectful working partnership.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
  • Some families confuse guaranteed hours with salary, but they’re different:
  • Guaranteed hours = paid hourly for a minimum set of hours per week, plus overtime if applicable.
  • Salary = fixed pay regardless of hours, which can create compliance issues if overtime isn’t calculated properly.
  • Guaranteed hours offer both structure and flexibility, ensuring fair pay without blurring the lines of hourly work laws.

Legal and Industry Updates for 2024–2025

    Recent legislation has reinforced the importance of written contracts with guaranteed hours.

    In New Jersey, the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (effective January 2024) requires employers to provide written agreements specifying hours, pay rates, overtime, and breaks.

    Similar protections are being championed in New York, Pennsylvania — all states Honest Care Nanny proudly serves. These measures aim to professionalize domestic work, protect workers’ rights, and create accountability on both sides.

What the Experts Say
GTM Payroll and HomeWork Solutions emphasize that guaranteed hours protect both parties and are now a best practice for household employers.


The International Nanny Association encourages families to include guaranteed hours in every written work agreement.

Leading agencies and nanny advocates agree: guaranteed hours promote financial security, professionalism, and long-term employment success.
A Growing Standard in Modern Care

Across forums, professional networks, and agencies nationwide, guaranteed hours have moved from “nice-to-have” to non-negotiable for many caregivers. Families see the benefits, too — fewer misunderstandings, less turnover, and stronger relationships built on fairness.

Honest Care Nanny’s Take

At Honest Care Nanny, we help both families and caregivers understand these standards and build contracts that reflect clarity, respect, and compliance.

In Short

Guaranteed hours are more than a pay practice — they’re a reflection of mutual trust and professional respect. They ensure caregivers feel valued and secure, while families benefit from reliability and commitment.

They’re not just the future of nanny employment — they’re the standard today.

👉 Ready to hire a nanny the right way? 

We’ll guide you through every step — from drafting your work agreement to understanding legal pay and guaranteed hours.

Felicia Sutherland