Coco Galli King, 29, a seasoned nanny based in New York City, has spent the last 15 years honing her skills in childcare, working with a variety of families, including high-profile celebrity clients. This extensive experience has not only equipped her with a unique skill set but has also taught her invaluable lessons about self-worth and the importance of negotiating fair compensation in an increasingly expensive city.
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Reflecting on her early career, King revealed a pivotal moment that set the tone for her professional journey. While caring for six children, including one learning Braille and two on the autism spectrum, she was controversially let go after requesting a modest 50-pence (USD 0.50) raise. “They fired me after I asked for a 50-cent raise!” King recounted. “That job taught me how to compassionately care for children with diverse needs but also instilled in me the importance of advocating for myself.”
Fast forward to now, and King is charging a substantial £35 (USD 43) per hour to care for a single child in New York City. Her journey to this rate was gradual and intentional. In a TikTok video, she discussed how she re-evaluated her worth and increased her rate from approximately £25 (USD 31) to the current total, reflecting both her experience and the realities of living in a bustling metropolis.
Despite initially bringing her Utah childcare rates to New York, King soon realised her extensive experience placed her at a competitive advantage. “Although I was new to NYC, I wasn’t new to childcare!” she noted. Her résumé boasts international experience and a history of working for high-profile clients, though it took her time to understand how these qualifications impacted her earning potential.
In her videos, she clarified her current pricing strategy, emphasising that for each additional child, she adds roughly £2 (USD 2) per hour, making the total £39 (USD 47) for three children. This adjustment reflects not just her capacity as a childcare provider but also the high living costs of New York City. King, who resides in New Jersey, pointed out that transportation costs alone add around £10 (USD 12) to her daily expenses, a significant factor in determining her rates.
“The cost of living definitely influences rates here,” King acknowledged. “With escalating rent and transport costs, nannies need to ensure they can afford to live in the city.” However, King asserts that an hourly wage is merely part of the financial picture, as childcare schedules can often shift unpredictably.
Having previously encountered unexpected cancellations that hit her finances hard, King has learned to prioritise guaranteed hours which ensure consistent pay, even when a family’s needs fluctuate. “Guaranteed hours can make the difference between paying your rent on time or falling short!” she explained. In her case, having a partner with a steady income has provided a crucial safety net, though she acknowledges that not all childcare professionals have such support.
Health insurance is another vital aspect of compensation that King has had to navigate, particularly as she currently holds a part-time position without access to employer-provided insurance. Instead, she is fortunate to have benefits available through her husband, Noah King, and her membership in the Actors’ Equity union. When seeking full-time positions, King engages in discussions about potential benefits to ensure she receives adequate support for her health needs.
While it may seem a steep asking price, King argues that childcare costs reflect the extensive responsibilities involved in raising children in a city as demanding as New York. “Childcare is often dismissed as an ‘easy job’ that you should feel ‘lucky to get paid for’, but the truth is that raising children is expensive,” she stated. King is committed to ensuring that families understand the true value of the services she provides, which encompass not just her time but her expertise, reliability, and commitment to each child’s welfare.
After more than a decade in the industry, King has developed a robust sense of self-advocacy. “I bring experience, expertise, and genuine care to the table,” she stated confidently. Her goal, she emphasised, is to facilitate smooth family dynamics while ensuring that her role is recognised for the demanding and skilled work that it entails. King’s journey serves as an important reminder of the transformative impact of self-advocacy in the often-overlooked field of childcare.