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 $19.05 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $762/week or $3,302/month. Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$19.05/hr · Indianapolis average
These numbers come from 318 live full-time nanny listings in Indianapolis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $762
- Monthly
- $3,302
- Annual
- $39,624
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Indianapolis families pay somewhere in the $8–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
More experienced full-time nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $17.72/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $21.60/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience
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) | $19.05 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$20.05 |
| 3+ kids | ~$21.05+ |
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.
Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $19.40/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $19.05/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 sits close to the national average for full-time nanny rates.
Hiring full-time nannies in Indianapolis, IN typically costs about 9% more than the Indiana average of $17/hour and 5% less than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN | $19/hr | — |
| Indiana | $17/hr | -9% |
| United States | $20/hr | +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 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
318 active listings in Indianapolis
Nanny Danielle
Nanny Danielle
Indianapolis, IN
$19 - $22/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Danielle, and I’m a caring, dependable, and patient person who genuinely enjoys being around children. I’m responsible, attentive, and always make sure children feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I enjoy creating fun and positive experiences while also keeping a consistent routine and helping with homework, meals, activities, and everyday tasks.
I’m someone who takes my responsibilities seriously and understands how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust with their children. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for your little ones!
I’m someone who takes my responsibilities seriously and understands how important it is for parents to have someone they can trust with their children. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and provide a safe, loving, and fun environment for your little ones!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Katherine
Nanny Katherine
Indianapolis, IN
$15 - $25/hr
Full-time
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Katherine! I live in Indianapolis with my fiancé and our 2 cats! Some of my favorite hobbies are gardening, painting, reading and baking!
I have been a nanny for multiple families with multiple children over the years ranging from infants to early teens! I am comfortable with up to 3 kiddos at a time and have no issues running errands or taking the kids to and from activities!
I have been a nanny for multiple families with multiple children over the years ranging from infants to early teens! I am comfortable with up to 3 kiddos at a time and have no issues running errands or taking the kids to and from activities!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Katie
Nanny Katie
Indianapolis, IN
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Katie, and I’m a college student studying toward my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who really enjoys being around children. I love creating a fun and safe environment where kids can feel comfortable and be themselves. I’m happy to help with playtime, crafts, activities, meals, homework, and keeping up with routines. I’m dependable and understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and trust the person caring for their children. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and make sure your kids feel happy, safe, and cared for!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Piper
Nanny Piper
Indianapolis, IN
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Piper Winston, and I’m a 19-year-old college student who loves working with children.
I grew up helping in my mom’s kindergarten classroom and took Early Childhood Education classes in high school. I also worked at the Early Learning Center at Brook Park in Lawrence Township, as well as in before- and after-school care.
I have also worked at a children’s day camp at DaySpring homeless shelter and volunteered at Brook Park Elementary School. These experiences have helped me become patient, kind, responsible, and flexible when working with children.
I am First Aid and CPR certified, and I always put children’s safety first. I also have an 11-year-old sister whom I’ve helped care for her whole life, giving me plenty of experience with activities, homework, routines, and everyday care.
I truly enjoy working with children and would love the opportunity to help care for your family!
I grew up helping in my mom’s kindergarten classroom and took Early Childhood Education classes in high school. I also worked at the Early Learning Center at Brook Park in Lawrence Township, as well as in before- and after-school care.
I have also worked at a children’s day camp at DaySpring homeless shelter and volunteered at Brook Park Elementary School. These experiences have helped me become patient, kind, responsible, and flexible when working with children.
I am First Aid and CPR certified, and I always put children’s safety first. I also have an 11-year-old sister whom I’ve helped care for her whole life, giving me plenty of experience with activities, homework, routines, and everyday care.
I truly enjoy working with children and would love the opportunity to help care for your family!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Haylie
Nanny Haylie
Indianapolis, IN
$19/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Haylie, I’m 19 years old, I’m studying business and criminal justice! I’m looking to help family’s who need that extra love for their kids, I’m a very dedicated person, so I’m there to help whenever is needed! Some things about me is I love to paint and write poems, also I love to play soccer! I am also very good with any kind of pets from reptiles to big dogs. I adapt really well to new settings, and good at communicating!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Megan
Nanny Megan
Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Megan Walker, and I’d love the opportunity to care for your children. I have several years of childcare experience, including regularly babysitting my four nieces and nephews and currently working as a preschool assistant teacher. I am CPR and First Aid certified, and your child’s safety and well-being will always be my top priority I enjoy creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment through activities like arts and crafts, reading, games, and outdoor play. I am dependable, patient, kind, and attentive, and I understand how important it is to find someone you can trust. I also don’t mind helping with light housework, meal prep, or other household tasks related to your family’s needs. I have open availability and I am looking for full time hours. I would be honored to provide reliable, loving care for your children. Thank you for considering me—I look forward to hearing from you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Abreana
Nanny Abreana
Indianapolis, IN
$23 - $30/hr
Full-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Abreana! I have lots of experience working with in childcare settings and as a registered behavior technician providing therapy to kids that have autism. I am currently in school for medical imaging!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Teighler
Nanny Teighler
Indianapolis, IN
$19/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Teighler Adams! I go to Cathedral High School and I will graduate in 2028. I turn 17 in August of this year, and have my drivers license to get to work/drive your kids to where they need to be!! I have been an occasional babysitter for about 4 years, but would love a more regular nannying job.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Aniya
Nanny Aniya
Indianapolis, IN
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Aniya, and I’m 19 years old. I recently graduated from high school and am taking a gap year to learn more about myself while exploring the career path I want to pursue. During this time, I want to spend it doing something that truly brings me joy, and caring for children has always been one of those things.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by younger family members, and I’ve loved being someone they could laugh with, learn from, and feel safe around. Those experiences taught me that being a caregiver is about so much more than watching children it’s about being patient, kind, dependable, and creating a space where they feel loved, encouraged, and free to be themselves.
I understand how important it is to trust the person caring for your children, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My goal is to be someone your family can rely on while making your little ones feel happy, supported, and cared for every day.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by younger family members, and I’ve loved being someone they could laugh with, learn from, and feel safe around. Those experiences taught me that being a caregiver is about so much more than watching children it’s about being patient, kind, dependable, and creating a space where they feel loved, encouraged, and free to be themselves.
I understand how important it is to trust the person caring for your children, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My goal is to be someone your family can rely on while making your little ones feel happy, supported, and cared for every day.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid