Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Indianapolis, IN in 2026?
In Indianapolis, IN, the average full-time nanny earns about $16.17 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $647/week or $2,803/month. Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 594 live full-time nanny listings in Indianapolis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $647
- Monthly
- $2,803
- Annual
- $33,634
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What drives the price
Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $7–$25/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) | $16.17 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$17.17 |
| 3+ kids | ~$18.17+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $16.63/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $16.58/hr | See live-in rates → |
Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the full-time nanny.
How do Indianapolis full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Indianapolis runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Indianapolis, IN typically costs about 11% more than the Indiana average of $15/hour and 7% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN | $16/hr | — |
| Indiana | $15/hr | -10% |
| United States | $17/hr | +7% |
Where Indianapolis, IN fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for full-time nannies near Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, IN and how each compares to Indianapolis, IN's average of $16.17/hour.
Most expensive cities near Indianapolis, IN
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Indianapolis, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | $17.10 | +6% | |
| 2 | Fishers | $16.08 | -1% | |
| 3 | South Bend | $15.38 | -5% | |
| 4 | Westfield | $15.17 | -6% | |
| 5 | Noblesville | $15.01 | -7% | |
| 6 | IndianapolisThis city | $14.91 | -8% | |
| 7 | West Lafayette | $14.41 | -11% |
Least expensive cities near Indianapolis, IN
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Indianapolis, IN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lafayette | $12.03 | -26% | |
| 2 | Columbus | $13.14 | -19% | |
| 3 | Fort Wayne | $13.19 | -18% | |
| 4 | Greenwood | $13.32 | -18% | |
| 5 | Evansville | $13.36 | -17% | |
| 6 | Valparaiso | $13.58 | -16% | |
| 7 | Bloomington | $14.11 | -13% |
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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, IN
594 active listings in Indianapolis
Nanny Timmya
Nanny Timmya
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Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
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Nanny Reed
Nanny Reed
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Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
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Nanny Lucy
Nanny Lucy
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Nanny Keniya
Nanny Keniya
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Nanny Alexus
Nanny Alexus
A little bit about me
I’ve worked with families in a variety of settings, from part-time babysitting to full-time nanny roles, and I pride myself on being dependable, patient, and creative when it comes to engaging with children. Whether it’s helping with homework, organizing activities, or simply being a supportive presence, I always aim to make each child feel valued and cared for.
Currently, I’m a graduate student in college, furthering my education. My flexible schedule allows me to provide consistent, reliable care, and I’m always happy to work with families to find the right fit for their needs.
I look forward to meeting you and your family!