Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in Cedar Rapids, IA in 2026?

In Cedar Rapids, IA, the average full-time nanny earns about $14.98 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $599/week or $2,597/month. Most Cedar Rapids 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$14.98/hr · Cedar Rapids average

These numbers come from 152 live full-time nanny listings in Cedar Rapids on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$599
$2,597
$31,158

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What drives the price

Most Cedar Rapids 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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$14.98
2 kids~$15.98
3+ kids~$16.98+

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.

How do Cedar Rapids full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Cedar Rapids runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring full-time nannies in Cedar Rapids, IA typically costs about 3% more than the Iowa average of $15/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across Cedar Rapids, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA$15/hr
Iowa$15/hr-3%
United States$17/hr+16%

Where Cedar Rapids, IA fits among nearby cities

5 nearby cities have enough full-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.22/hour in Davenport to $15.07/hour in Ankeny.

Below: how each compares to the Cedar Rapids, IA average of $14.98/hour — Cedar Rapids, IA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate

5 cities near Cedar Rapids, IA ranked by average hourly full-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Cedar Rapids, IA
1Ankeny$15.07+1%
2Des Moines$14.90-1%
3Iowa City$14.44-4%
Cedar RapidsThis city$14.23-5%
5Davenport$13.22-12%
Most expensive nearby: Ankeny ($15.07) Least expensive nearby: Davenport ($13.22)

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.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Cedar Rapids, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse full-time nanny profiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

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

  2. 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.

  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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA

152 active listings in Cedar Rapids

Lily A. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Lily

Cedar Rapids, IA
$14.50/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Lily, i’m 18 years old and all my life i grew up with 2 younger brothers, now 15 and 8. My mother was a single mom so i mostly helped take care of my brothers. Taking care of them made me realize how much i would like to help and take care of other children. My plan in the fall is to attend kirkwood to study early elementary education. Personally I believe i’m patient with children and I enjoy having fun with them!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Laura Z. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Laura

Cedar Rapids, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m 20 years old and I’ve lived in Cedar Rapids my whole life. I have 4 years of daycare experience and I’m CPR and first aid certified. I’m looking to try something a little different and get back into babysitting. I love pets and I’m more than willing to with families who have them. Although my account of not currently verified I could pass a background check if needed!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Ella D. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Ella

Cedar Rapids, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Ella Drish, and I've recently moved to the area. I'm a recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education, and I'll be teaching 2nd grade at Johnson STEAM Academy this fall.

I'm currently seeking a summer nannying position and bring extensive experience to the role. For the past four summers, I've worked as a nanny, and I also have prior experience as a 4-year-old teacher assistant in a daycare setting.

You can rest assured knowing I'm CPR and First Aid certified, and I also hold medication certification. I'm passionate about creating a fun and engaging summer for children, incorporating activities like pool days, crafts, park visits, and movies. I'm also happy to prepare breakfast, snacks, and lunch.

Pets are no problem at all – I love animals!

Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Tori J. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Tori

Cedar Rapids, IA
$14.12/hr
Full-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Tori. I am a very loving and caring person. I love to take care of and assist with children and adults of all walks of life. God gave me a purpose in this world and my purpose is to caregive!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Isabella G. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Isabella

Cedar Rapids, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 18 years old and recently have finished high school, so my schedule is completely open allowing me to dedicate my full attention to childcare. I love children and taking care of them I myself have 7 younger siblings that I've helped my parents take care of over the past year and several little cousins I've babysat.
Most people would consider me kind and patient and I'm so excited to become a nanny.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
River C. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny River

Cedar Rapids, IA
$16 - $19/hr
Full-time
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

(He/him) I am a 20 year old that enjoys working with and caring for kids. I enjoy traveling and being outside. I don’t mind getting messy, especially if it makes me(and others) happy. I love animals, baking, and going on adventures!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Gwen S. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Gwen

Cedar Rapids, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m 18 years old, I am pursuing becoming a police officer, I have 2 little sisters, I need a job that pays more and since I love being around children I figured this would be a great way for me to make money and help out families.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
Baylee P. - Seeking Work in Cedar Rapids

Nanny Baylee

Cedar Rapids, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 24 years old. I am in college for education and I am very passionate about it. I love to read and build legos. I am very patient and compassionate. I am available anytime except Monday-Thursday after 4 pm for class. I am able to do light housework along with meal prep or making meals.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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