Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Ames, IA in 2026?
In Ames, IA, the average full-time nanny earns about $14.51 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $580/week or $2,515/month. Most Ames families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$14.51/hr · Ames average
These numbers come from 114 live full-time nanny listings in Ames on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $580
- Monthly
- $2,515
- Annual
- $30,181
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Ames families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/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 full-time nanny'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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $14.51 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$15.51 |
| 3+ kids | ~$16.51+ |
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
| 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.
How do Ames full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Ames runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Ames, IA typically costs about the same as the Iowa average of $15/hour and 16% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $15/hr | — |
| Iowa | $15/hr | +0% |
| United States | $17/hr | +19% |
Where Ames, IA fits among nearby cities
7 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.51/hour in Ames to $15.83/hour in Ankeny.
Below: how each compares to the Ames, IA average of $14.51/hour — Ames, IA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Ames, IA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ankeny | $15.83 | +9% | |
| 2 | Des Moines | $15.51 | +7% | |
| 3 | Davenport | $15.23 | +5% | |
| 4 | Sioux City | $15.02 | +4% | |
| 5 | Cedar Rapids | $14.98 | +3% | |
| 6 | Iowa City | $14.82 | +2% | |
| 7 | Ames | $14.51 | — |
● Most expensive nearby: Ankeny ($15.83)● Least expensive nearby: Ames ($14.51)
Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-time nannies 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 full-time nannies 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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Ames, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Ames, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the full-time nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your full-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available full-time nannies in Ames, IA
114 active listings in Ames
Nanny Joslynn
Nanny Joslynn
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a 20 year old girl who loves kids and I would love to be able to care for your kids daily and help with whatever else you need done. I have been babysitting since I was 15 years old and I am CPR, First aid, Essentials, and Universal Precautions Certified. Please reach out if you have any questions!!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Riley
Nanny Riley
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! Im 18 years old I currently have a drivers license along with a reliable car, CPR certified, first aid and have worked as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor for 3 years. I love teaching and working with kids. Im willing to work full time starting mid December! I am also open to occasional baby sitting as well but am looking for full time!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Morgan
Nanny Morgan
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m Morgan Beardsley and I’m from the Ames Area! I am 18 years old and just graduated from Gilbert High school. I am looking for something more full time until spring. I will start at DMACC in Ankeny in January. I will be studying photography and will only have classes 2 days a week! I have many years of experience babysitting, and recently nannied this summer for 3 kids, all 6 years old. I have experience with all ages and enjoy being around children! I am CPR and first aid certified! Please reach out to me!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Cidolyne
Nanny Cidolyne
Ames, IA
$14.10/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
An ambitious and goal oriented professional who will always provide her customers with a top quality service that meets their needs and exceed their expectations looking for a challenging and rewarding position, where my experience will be further developed.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny McKenzie
Nanny McKenzie
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
My name is McKenzie, I’m 23 years old and I graduated from Iowa State University with my degree in Human Services + Family Studies. I have tons of experience with children — I have babysat for years, worked as a respite care worker in high school and have also spent time working in a daycare/preschool. I am CPR & first aid certified. My daughter was born at the end of November so I am looking for a family that would allow me to bring her with me to provide care for your children in your home. I would be happy to provide references!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I’ve worked with children for the last 2 years at a daycare center. I enjoy reading, dancing and doing art activities with children!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Elyse
Nanny Elyse
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a compassionate and responsible individual eager to begin a career in childcare as a babysitter or nanny. With a natural ability to connect with children and a commitment to creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment, I am dedicated to supporting the developmental and emotional needs of each child in my care. My excellent communication skills, patience, and creativity enable me to engage children in meaningful activities that promote learning and growth. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and caring nature to a family looking for reliable and attentive childcare.
Nanny Reagen
Nanny Reagen
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Reagen Miller! I am 19 years old living in Maxwell Iowa. I am the oldest of 4 other siblings! Who I cared for since a very young age. I have two sister in laws who have 3 and 4 kids who I love nannying for when I can! I would love to be a live in nanny for someone in need. I have a reliable car to get your kids to where they need to be and to be there for you in time of need! I am willing to get CPR certified and any other things that you are wanting me to be! Thank you for reading :)
Nanny Elana
Nanny Elana
Ames, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I work at a Preschool during the school year and am looking for something for the summer! I love working with children and having the opportunity to watch them learn and grow!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid