Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a full-time nanny cost in St. Louis, MO in 2026?

In St. Louis, MO, the average full-time nanny earns about $19.80 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $792/week or $3,432/month. Most St. Louis families pay somewhere in the $14–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$19.80/hr · St. Louis average

These numbers come from 235 live full-time nanny listings in St. Louis on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$792
$3,432
$41,184

Find full-time nannies near you

What drives the price

Most St. Louis families pay somewhere in the $14–$30/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)$19.80
2 kids~$20.80
3+ kids~$21.80+

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.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in full-time nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$20.14/hr
Live-inSet by family$19.22/hr

Live-in arrangements look cheaper per hour because room and board are part of the package. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the full-time nanny.

Browse full-time nannies

How do St. Louis full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

St. Louis sits close to the national average for full-time nanny rates.

Hiring full-time nannies in St. Louis, MO typically costs about 9% more than the Missouri average of $18/hour and 1% less than the United States average of $20/hour.

Average hourly full-time nannies rates compared across St. Louis, MO and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis, MO$20/hr—
Missouri$18/hr-8%
United States$20/hr+1%

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 St. Louis, MO

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 St. Louis, MO

    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 St. Louis, MO

235 active listings in St. Louis

Shamera G. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Shamera

St. Louis, MO
$20/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My names shamera I work hard I’m patient I pick up on things fast I clean cook what I’m needed to do !

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Kyla J. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Kyla

St. Louis, MO
$17 - $25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I cook, I clean , I been taking care of kids since I was 15 I love kids overall I’m very patient and I love helping them learn and grow it brings my happiness to know that they are happy

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Maurlesha C. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Maurlesha

St. Louis, MO
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Babysitter Introduction

Hello! My name is Maurlesha. I’m a responsible, patient, and dependable person with experience caring for children of different ages. I’ve helped take care of my siblings from ages 2–17, which has taught me how to be attentive, understanding, and responsible when it comes to children.

I take childcare seriously and understand the importance of keeping children safe, comfortable, and well cared for. I’m willing to come to your home, or you’re welcome to bring your child to me. I’m also happy to meet with you beforehand so we can get to know each other and make sure you feel comfortable with me caring for your child.

Although I don’t currently have a driver’s license, I’m reliable and willing to work with you to make arrangements that work for everyone.
Alainha R. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Alainha

St. Louis, MO
$16 - $25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

About Me

I’m a caring, responsible, and patient person who really enjoys spending time with kids. I’m good at keeping children entertained, making sure they feel comfortable and safe, and being someone they can trust. I’m dependable and attentive, and I understand that every child is different and may need a different approach. I enjoy playing games, doing activities, helping with homework, and making sure the kids are having fun while still following rules and routines. I’m also willing to help with meals, cleanup, and other things that make caring for children easier for the family.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Kelis P. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Kelis

St. Louis, MO
$20 - $25/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Kelis. I’m a caring, patient, and responsible person who truly loves working with children. I currently work at an elementary school, where I get to interact with and support kids every day. I’ve also tutored children, which has given me experience helping them learn and grow. I would love the opportunity to bring my experience, positive attitude, and genuine love for kids to your family!
Lanyah B. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Lanyah

St. Louis, MO
$20/hr
Full-time
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello I’m Lanyah I’m a 20 year old college student pursuing in early childhood development and health care. I love kids and care deeply about their safety and wellbeing. I love to learn, sing, dance, and have fun all skills I love to in incorporate into my work. I have been babysitting and nannying since the age of 13 so I well versed in working with children of all ages.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Iyana C. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Iyana

St. Louis, MO
$22 - $25/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Iyana. I currently work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where I support children by helping them develop communication, social, and daily living skills. I also have experience in patient care, which has strengthened my patience, compassion, and ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for others.

I’ve always enjoyed working with and caring for children, and I love creating positive, engaging experiences that help them learn and grow. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, chunky hand knitting, arts & crafts, and taking walks in local parks. I am dependable, nurturing, and energetic, and I look forward to building meaningful connections with the families I work with.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Abigail D. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Abigail

St. Louis, MO
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello!
My name is Abi, and in May 2026 I graduated from Saint Louis University's Chaifetz School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Minor in International Business.
While I have a professional background in marketing and leadership, one of the most rewarding parts of my experience has been caring for children. For more than three years, I have provided dependable, attentive childcare for children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to school-aged children and teenagers.
I am patient, responsible, dependable, and genuinely enjoy building positive relationships with children and their families. Outside of work, I love baking, reading, watching movies, spending time outdoors, and making memories with my friends and family.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Mary Margaret G. - Seeking Work in St. Louis

Nanny Mary Margaret

St. Louis, MO
$18 - $22/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Mary Margaret Garrett, and I recently moved from Columbia, MO, to St. Louis to live with my fiancé. I grew up just north of St. Louis, so I'm very familiar with the area and excited to be back!

I graduated from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business. I also earned certificates in Global Business and Floral Design.

I've always loved working with children and caring for others. I have childcare experience from both high school and college, and I truly enjoy creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for kids. I'm dependable, patient, and eager to support your family however I can. I would love the opportunity to get to know your family and help care for your little ones!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in St. Louis MO

Popular services in St. Louis, MO

Start your journey towards finding your perfect full-time nanny

Get Started