Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Elkhart, IN in 2026?
In Elkhart, IN, the average full-time nanny earns about $14.81 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $592/week or $2,567/month. Most Elkhart families pay somewhere in the $8–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$14.81/hr · Elkhart average
These numbers come from 85 live full-time nanny listings in Elkhart on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $592
- Monthly
- $2,567
- Annual
- $30,805
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Elkhart families pay somewhere in the $8–$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) | $14.81 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$15.81 |
| 3+ kids | ~$16.81+ |
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 Elkhart full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Elkhart runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Elkhart, IN typically costs about 1% more than the Indiana average of $15/hour and 14% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Elkhart, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Elkhart, IN | $15/hr | — |
| Indiana | $15/hr | -1% |
| United States | $17/hr | +17% |
Where Elkhart, IN fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for full-time nannies near Elkhart, IN is Carmel at $17.10/hour; the least expensive is Lafayette at $12.03/hour.
Below are the 7 most and 7 least expensive cities near Elkhart, IN and how each compares to Elkhart, IN's average of $14.81/hour.
Most expensive cities near Elkhart, IN
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Elkhart, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | $17.10 | +15% | |
| 2 | Fishers | $16.08 | +9% | |
| 3 | South Bend | $15.38 | +4% | |
| 4 | Westfield | $15.17 | +2% | |
| 5 | Noblesville | $15.01 | +1% | |
| 6 | Indianapolis | $14.91 | +1% | |
| 7 | West Lafayette | $14.41 | -3% |
Least expensive cities near Elkhart, IN
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Elkhart, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lafayette | $12.03 | -19% | |
| 2 | Columbus | $13.14 | -11% | |
| 3 | Fort Wayne | $13.19 | -11% | |
| 4 | Greenwood | $13.32 | -10% | |
| 5 | Evansville | $13.36 | -10% | |
| 6 | Valparaiso | $13.58 | -8% | |
| 7 | Bloomington | $14.11 | -5% |
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 Elkhart, IN
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 Elkhart, IN
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 Elkhart, IN
85 active listings in Elkhart
Nanny Lexey
Nanny Lexey
Elkhart, IN
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Lexey, and I’m a caring, dependable, and patient nanny with a genuine love for working with children. I believe in creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where kids can learn, explore, and grow.
I’m comfortable with everything from arts and crafts to light cleaning, and outdoor activities. Parents often describe me as trustworthy, organized, and easy to communicate with, and I take pride in treating each child I care for as if they were my own. My goal is to provide peace of mind for parents and fun, safe and enriching days for the kiddos!! :)
I’m comfortable with everything from arts and crafts to light cleaning, and outdoor activities. Parents often describe me as trustworthy, organized, and easy to communicate with, and I take pride in treating each child I care for as if they were my own. My goal is to provide peace of mind for parents and fun, safe and enriching days for the kiddos!! :)
Nanny Mychaela
Nanny Mychaela
Elkhart, IN
$14/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, my name is Mychaela! I have years of experience with kids as i have a big family, and i have been babysitting (in and out of my family) for a few years now. I have a valid drivers license, clean driving record, and a safe vehicle to transport your kiddos if need be.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lindsey
Nanny Lindsey
Elkhart, IN
$14/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Im moving back home and Id love to care for your home the way I would for my own and also I enjoy what I do I have no record as well I will be here forever home care lady I'm a homebody perfect trust and respect is my number one thing I always go above and beyond
I'd describe my personality as empathetic, motivated and caring and hardworking trustworthy
I like caring for homes because I don't quite fit in our office setting, but I feel like homes should be cared for by someone like me like homes or homes supposed to make it home and keep it safe and trust whoever is doing it
I'm looking for a job that is communicative and dependable
I started housekeeping when I lived in Vegas and have enjoyed my time
One thing you should know about me is I'm trustworthy to have in your home I'm flexable I have personality
My skills include good cleaning every time I'm quick and efficient and I love to clean
I'd describe my personality as empathetic, motivated and caring and hardworking trustworthy
I like caring for homes because I don't quite fit in our office setting, but I feel like homes should be cared for by someone like me like homes or homes supposed to make it home and keep it safe and trust whoever is doing it
I'm looking for a job that is communicative and dependable
I started housekeeping when I lived in Vegas and have enjoyed my time
One thing you should know about me is I'm trustworthy to have in your home I'm flexable I have personality
My skills include good cleaning every time I'm quick and efficient and I love to clean
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jade
Nanny Jade
Elkhart, IN
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am a 20 y/o young women who loves nature, children, and animals. I love to read, write, teach, and cook. And I am looking to help others while still helping myself! :)
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Alexis
Nanny Alexis
Elkhart, IN
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am currently working as a resident care associate at waterford crossing nursing home in Goshen I love taking care of others I am getting ready to start clinicals to earn my cna license to become certified I have a lot of experience taking care of others I'm determined to learn care instructions
Certification
CPR
Nanny Ashley
Nanny Ashley
Elkhart, IN
$14/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
I love working with kids. I’ve been a family babysitter since I was 11. I’m now 18 and still love watching kids and helping out with all ages.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Cassandra
Nanny Cassandra
Elkhart, IN
$14/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Cassandra, and I'm 29 years old. I have two kids ages 4 and 2. I currently am looking to watch one more child and be able to bring along my 2 year old or have you drop off your little with me! I have extra car seats if needed to get around.
I hold a Bachelors degree in sociology and a minor in Psychology. Most of my background is in childcare, public school, and private school. I have worked with children from ages 6 weeks to about 14 years old. I will provide references upon request.
At my last position, as a nanny, I stayed with the family for three years and only left because I moved out of state. I am hoping to find the perfect family to work with again.
I hold a Bachelors degree in sociology and a minor in Psychology. Most of my background is in childcare, public school, and private school. I have worked with children from ages 6 weeks to about 14 years old. I will provide references upon request.
At my last position, as a nanny, I stayed with the family for three years and only left because I moved out of state. I am hoping to find the perfect family to work with again.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Maegan
Nanny Maegan
Elkhart, IN
$15/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
I have a BA in early childhood and special education. I have 3 kids of my own ages 5, 3 and 1 who I would love the chance to come share time with your children as well if at all possible, if not, I fully understand! I have been babysitting or working in a childcare setting (church included) since I was 14 years old (will be 40 this year 😅). I love kids of all ages. I would love to being a preschool setting to those who need it and help teach and guide your kids in daily learning activities as well!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Jessica
Nanny Jessica
Elkhart, IN
$14/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Jessica I’m 18 , I graduated high school in may and became a cna for a bit I love to take care of people in any age group ! I live on my own and I absolutely love to read , I don’t smoke or drink.
Have experience working with
Special Needs