Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a child care provider cost in Bristol, TN in 2026?

In Bristol, TN, the average child care provider earns about $13.03 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $521/week or $2,259/month. Most Bristol families pay somewhere in the $8–$18/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$13.03/hr · Bristol average

These numbers come from 61 live child care provider listings in Bristol on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$521
$2,259
$27,102

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What drives the price

Most Bristol families pay somewhere in the $8–$18/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience is one of the biggest levers on a child care provider's rate.
Nannies with 10+ years, or specialty skills like newborn care or multiple languages, typically command the highest hourly rates.

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$13.03
2 kids~$14.03
3+ kids~$15.03+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in child care provider rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$13.88/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$13.04/hr

Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.

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How do Bristol child care provider rates compare to state and national averages?

Bristol runs below the U.S. average for child care provider rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring child care in Bristol, TN typically costs about 15% less than the Tennessee average of $15/hour and 22% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly child care rates compared across Bristol, TN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Bristol, TN
Bristol, TN$13/hr
Tennessee$15/hr+18%
United States$17/hr+29%

Where Bristol, TN fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough child care provider data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.52/hour in Cookeville to $21.00/hour in Franklin.

Below: how each compares to the Bristol, TN average of $13.03/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by child care provider rate

10 cities near Bristol, TN ranked by average hourly child care provider rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Bristol, TN
1Franklin$21.00+61%
2Nashville$19.71+51%
3Murfreesboro$15.70+20%
4Knoxville$15.68+20%
5Chattanooga$14.93+15%
6Memphis$14.53+12%
7Cleveland$13.87+6%
8Clarksville$13.80+6%
9Johnson City$13.29+2%
10Cookeville$12.52-4%
Most expensive nearby: Franklin ($21.00) Least expensive nearby: Cookeville ($12.52)

Tips to find a great child care provider without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best child care on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced child care with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most child care will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a child care provider in Bristol, TN

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with child care — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse child care provider profiles in Bristol, TN

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the child care whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a child care provider fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your child care provider

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available child care in Bristol, TN

61 active listings in Bristol

Grace W. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Grace

Bristol, TN
$12 - $15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Grace! I am outgoing, smart, kind, and LOVE children! I have worked with kids since I was 12, and I also love to cook an clean! I am first aid and cpr certified! Have a great day!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gwendolyn H. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Gwendolyn

Bristol, TN
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey! My name is Gwendolyn, I am 24 years old, and I was born and raised in Texas. I moved to Tennessee in 2019 to continue my academics and athletics. Since graduating in 2024 with my BA in Exercise Science with a minor in Education, I’ve been working in school systems as an Educational Assistant, supporting students in their learning and daily growth.

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors doing things like hiking, swimming, and staying active. At home, I’m a proud cat and plant mom, and I enjoy creating a calm, happy space around me.

I have a strong passion for working with children and love creating a safe, encouraging, and positive environment where they can thrive. I’m especially excited to bring that same care and support into a home setting as a nanny and would love the opportunity to be a potential nanny for your family.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Chloe K. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Chloe

Bristol, TN
$13/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 20 years old I have a 1 year old daughter . I have baby sat many ages of kids for the last 4 years

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Jennifer W. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Jennifer

Bristol, TN
$13/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am 17 years old I have a lot of experience with kids I have 11 siblings I have raised both my sisters kids and I absolutely love it I’m trying to save up for a car and save up to go to cosmetology school

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Trinity W. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Trinity

Bristol, TN
$13/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I love kids I’ve had lots of experience including kids with special needs. I’ve had experience with kids from newborn and to everything after. I can’t wait to babysit for you children❤️

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Loran H. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Loran

Bristol, TN
$14/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

I am a full-time college student. I love to hangout with my friends and spend time with my family. I love being around and involved with children. I am majoring in Nursing and I want to go into the field of Pediatrics.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Niaimy D. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Niaimy

Bristol, TN
$14/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am originally from Chesapeake, VA. I attend King University here in Bristol, TN. I was an EMT back at home so I do have training in first aid and cpr.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Emily M. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Emily

Bristol, TN
$14/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I am a creative, patient, & understanding person with approximately two & a half years of experience with kids aged 2-10!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Chloe V. - Seeking Work in Bristol

Nanny Chloe

Bristol, TN
$13/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Born and raised in Bristol. I am 23 years old will be 24 may 15th. I drive a 2017 Jeep compass, I have 2 cousins under the age of 3 I baby sit for them all the time. My aunt is also a teacher at Holsten view and I’ve helped her for years with her after school program.

Have experience working with

Infants
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