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Which Nanny Payroll Service is Best in Australia?

By Mark Hudson · 27 June, 2025
Last updated · 20 August, 2025
Which Nanny Payroll Service is Best in Australia?

Which Nanny Payroll Service is Best in Australia?

Hiring a nanny comes with more than just finding the right person - it also means taking on the responsibilities of an employer. That’s where nanny payroll services step in. But with several providers in Australia offering payroll support for families, how do you know which one is best?

We’ve analysed the four most popular nanny payroll providers in Australia:

  • Pay The Nanny
  • Carepay Co
  • Domestic Payroll
  • Nannypay

Regardless of which provider you choose, you'll be in good hands. Australia is lucky to have a number of quality payroll providers. 

We compare them on what matters most: price, size, software, agency connections, and track record. We also break down why we think that we (Pay The Nanny) are the best all-round service for families.

1. Price | Pay The Nanny Offers the Lowest Cost

When comparing nanny payroll services in Australia, price is one of the biggest factors for families. You want a service that’s compliant, comprehensive, and doesn’t sting you with hidden costs.

Here's how the major players stack up:

All prices include GST. Comparison based on most comparable service option between companies and publicly available information on 27 June 2025.

Verdict: Pay The Nanny Offers the Lowest Cost

  • Lowest setup fee: Pay The Nanny charges just $75
  • Lowest weekly cost: Starting from $16/week (for monthly pay cycle), Pay The Nanny is potentially the lowest cost service
  • All prices above are based on an "all-inclusive" offering meaning full management and handling of payments through to nannies and relevant agencies.
  • Bonus: Includes a modern mobile app for timesheets, leave, and payslip access.

By contrast:

  • Carepay Co and Nannypay tend to be at the higher end when factoring in setup and weekly rates.
  • Domestic Payroll has lower ongoing fees, but is slightly more expensive when compared with Pay The Nanny.
  • Pay The Nanny combines modern tech, flexible pricing, and full-service support at the lowest comparable price point.

2. Size | Pay The Nanny Operates Across Australasia

In terms of scale, Pay The Nanny is currently the largest dedicated nanny payroll service that operates in both Australia and New Zealand. With thousands of families across Australia and New Zealand having used the service, it has the resources and support capability to handle complex setups, shared care, and multi-family arrangements with ease.

Larger providers typically mean:

  • Better support turnaround
  • More tested payroll systems
  • Greater familiarity with edge cases like multiple employers or board and lodging deductions

Verdict: With size comes stability, and Pay The Nanny leads the way here too.

3. Software | Pay The Nanny Has the Only Custom-Built Mobile App

This is where the differences really show. Pay The Nanny is the only provider, we're aware of, offering a custom-built mobile app for both families and nannies.

The app includes:

  • Timesheet entry and approval
  • Payslips
  • Leave requests & balances
  • Payroll Statements
  • Expense & Travel reimbursements

Other providers use different systems, some of which may be more traditional than Pay The Nanny's custom-built platform. For busy parents and nannies on the go, an intuitive mobile app can make payroll a breeze rather than a burden.

Verdict: Pay The Nanny is the only provider with a custom-built mobile app.

Trusted by 1,000+ families across New Zealand & Australia

We calculate, file and pay. You don't.

Pay The Nanny runs your payroll, files with the ATO and pays your nanny on time, so you never have to.

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Employment contracts are included for our clients

4. Agency Network | Nannypay Has the Edge

When it comes to long-standing relationships with nanny agencies, Nannypay has well-established connections with agencies, which may be beneficial for some families. They’ve partnered with a number of Australian nanny agencies, which can make onboarding smoother if you’re already using one of their partners. They're also vocal advocates for the nanny industry.

Verdict: Nannypay leads on agency ties, for now.

5. Oldest in the Market | Domestic Payroll

If longevity is important to you, Domestic Payroll is the oldest of the four providers, with a history dating back several decades.

Experience is valuable. Some established services, like Domestic Payroll, are built on long-established systems that have been trusted for many years. While these solutions are long-established, they continue to serve families who value longevity and reliability.

Verdict: Domestic Payroll is the most established and was one of the first nanny payroll providers in the country.

Final Verdict: We think Pay The Nanny is the Best All-Round Payroll Service

When you weigh up all the factors – affordability, modern tech, size, and ease of use – Pay The Nanny stands out as the best choice for families hiring a nanny in Australia.

Whether you're a first-time employer or already have a nanny and just want the admin taken off your plate, Pay The Nanny gives you:

  • A low cost entry point
  • Advanced custom-built platform
  • Strong support team
  • And peace of mind knowing your nanny is paid correctly and compliantly every time

Ready to get started? Get a quote today and see how easy nanny payroll can be.

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