Nanny vs developer: what should an immigrant to the USA choose?
Looking after someone else's child or building software? Which profession lets you settle into a new country faster and gives you a good income and a comfortable life? Working as a nanny in the USA is a popular option — plenty of American families need help with their children. But as a developer, your salary will be in another league. What else is worth weighing when thinking about working in America?
What a nanny does in the USA
Every family has its own requirements and preferences, so a nanny's pay depends on how demanding the work is, how many hours are spent with the child and what qualifications you hold. The duties usually include:
- caring for the child;
- walks and accompanying them;
- preparing meals;
- entertainment and developmental activities;
- keeping the nursery tidy;
- medical care where necessary.
Additional help around the house is sometimes expected, or accompanying the family on holiday.
What a developer does in the USA
Developers are highly valued in the USA, because they can build software, test it and take responsibility for maintaining it afterwards. The role requires a set of technical skills. Requirements vary between companies, but you can get a clear sense of the core work by reading a few different developer job postings.
What makes the field attractive:
- You can work for international companies from anywhere in the world.
- There is strong demand in the job market.
- Career prospects are excellent.
- Employers offer benefits such as health insurance, bonuses and paid leave.
- The pay is good.
We will come back to what a web developer earns. First, the money in childcare.
What a nanny earns in the USA
Nanny vacancies vary, and all of them hinge on the child's age. An infant needs constant care and attention, while a school-age child has to be collected from lessons, taken to clubs, fed and helped with homework. Pay therefore depends heavily on the duties. The average hourly rate is $15–30, reaching $35 in large cities.
Working 40 hours a week, then, you can expect $2,500–4,500 a month.
What a web developer earns in the USA
The average annual income for someone starting out in this field is $65,000–75,000. That is at least $5,400 a month — more than twice a nanny's income. As a mid-level developer, your salary will be around $80,000–120,000 a year.
Developers can also take on freelance work at their own rates. Depending on how demanding the project is, that runs from $30 to $100 an hour.
The facts speak for themselves: web development is the more profitable and more promising line of work for an immigrant to America. And although the barrier to entry is higher than for childcare, a course makes starting out in the new field far easier. At PASV you can learn Full Stack Developer from scratch to junior level in just 10 months.
Frequently asked questions
What can a nanny with a teaching qualification earn in America?
A qualified nanny can earn above the average — around $25–40 an hour, reaching $50 an hour in large cities.
Can you become a developer without a degree in the field?
Yes. The technical skills you need can be picked up on a course.
Which visa is best for working as a developer in the USA?
H-1B, O-1 or L-1, depending on your experience and your employer.
Can a developer work remotely?
Yes. Many international companies look for remote employees.
Where can a nanny's career go in America?
Towards house manager, or opening your own agency and placing nannies.
