Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Des Moines, IA in 2026?
In Des Moines, IA, the average full-time nanny earns about $15.51 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $620/week or $2,688/month. Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 179 live full-time nanny listings in Des Moines on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $620
- Monthly
- $2,688
- Annual
- $32,261
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$22/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
Experience
Number of kids
| 1 kid (baseline) | $15.51 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.51 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.51+ |
Hours & 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 Des Moines full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Des Moines runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Des Moines, IA typically costs about 7% more than the Iowa average of $15/hour and 10% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $16/hr | — |
| Iowa | $15/hr | -6% |
| United States | $17/hr | +12% |
Where Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA average of $15.51/hour — Des Moines, IA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by full-time nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Des Moines, IA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ankeny | $15.07 | -3% | |
| 2 | Des MoinesThis city | $14.90 | -4% | |
| 3 | Iowa City | $14.44 | -7% | |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids | $14.23 | -8% | |
| 5 | Davenport | $13.22 | -15% |
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?
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, IA
179 active listings in Des Moines
Nanny Gianna
Nanny Gianna
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Nanny Damarea
Nanny Damarea
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Danielle
Nanny Danielle
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Riley
Nanny Riley
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Paisley
Nanny Paisley
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Jessica
Nanny Jessica
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Mike
Nanny Mike
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Pramila
Nanny Pramila
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certification
Nanny Harlee
Nanny Harlee
A little bit about me
I am currently a Special Education Associate at an elementary school. I have worked with kids off and on since I was about 14 years old. I am also a CNA and a Certified Medication Aide.
I enjoy doing puzzles, arts and crafts and taking care of my chickens. I have one niece and five nephews that mean the world to me that I enjoy spending time with.