Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a live-in nanny cost in Knoxville, TN in 2026?

In Knoxville, TN, the average live-in nanny earns about $15.08 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $603/week or $2,614/month. Most Knoxville families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.08/hr · Knoxville average

These numbers come from 142 live live-in nanny listings in Knoxville on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$603
$2,614
$31,366

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What drives the price

Most Knoxville families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 live-in 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)$15.08
2 kids~$16.08
3+ kids~$17.08+

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 live-in nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$15.40/hr
Live-inSet by family$15.37/hr

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 live-in nanny.

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How do Knoxville live-in nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Knoxville runs below the U.S. average for live-in nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring live-in nannies in Knoxville, TN typically costs about 2% less than the Tennessee average of $15/hour and 10% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly live-in nannies rates compared across Knoxville, TN and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN$15/hr
Tennessee$15/hr+2%
United States$17/hr+12%

Where Knoxville, TN fits among nearby cities

6 nearby cities have enough live-in nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.81/hour in Clarksville to $19.48/hour in Nashville.

Below: how each compares to the Knoxville, TN average of $15.08/hour — Knoxville, TN is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by live-in nanny rate

6 cities near Knoxville, TN ranked by average hourly live-in nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Knoxville, TN
1Nashville$19.48+29%
2Memphis$15.20+1%
Knoxville$15.08
4Murfreesboro$15.08
5Chattanooga$14.92-1%
6Clarksville$13.81-8%
Most expensive nearby: Nashville ($19.48) Least expensive nearby: Clarksville ($13.81)

Tips to find a great live-in nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best live-in nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced live-in 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 live-in 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 live-in nanny in Knoxville, TN

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with live-in nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse live-in nanny profiles in Knoxville, TN

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the live-in 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 live-in nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your live-in nanny

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available live-in nannies in Knoxville, TN

142 active listings in Knoxville

Maliyah R. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Maliyah

Knoxville, TN
$15 - $19/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Maliyah, I’m 19 years old, and I have years of hands-on experience helping care for children from growing up in a large family with five siblings. I’m fluent in sign language, very patient, nurturing, and naturally enjoy helping create a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for kids and families.

I have experience with cooking meals, cleaning, laundry, pet care, organizing, and helping care for younger children in day-to-day life. I genuinely enjoy spending time with kids, being creative, helping around the house, and making people feel comfortable and cared for. I’m dependable, hardworking, and currently looking to grow my experience in childcare and family assistance.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Arayah A. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Arayah

Knoxville, TN
$16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Arayah. I’m a responsible, caring, and patient babysitter who loves working with kids. I always try to create a fun, safe, and positive environment, whether that’s helping with homework, playing games, or sticking to bedtime routines. I’m dependable and will treat your children with kindness and care like they’re my own. I’d love the opportunity to help your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Triniti K. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Triniti

Knoxville, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Triniti, I’m 18 years old, and I’m a responsible, caring, and dependable nanny. I’ve worked consistently since I was 14, including three years at Bonefish Grill, which helped me build a strong work ethic and great communication skills. Growing up, I helped raise my three younger siblings, so caring for kids has always come naturally to me. I’m patient, attentive, and love creating a safe, fun environment for children. I’d love to be a positive and reliable addition to your family!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Ella B. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Ella

Knoxville, TN
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hey my name is Ella, I am a freshman at Moody Bible Institute studying Biblical Studies! I have been a barista for three years and worked with kids on my days off and in the afternoons after I am done with the shop. I live full time in Chicago but am home for the holidays!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
My K. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny My

Knoxville, TN
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I am Noella Annet and I love kids and I graduated from high school i am looking for a job and I am interested and I can start anytime I am available anytime

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Sarah L. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Sarah

Knoxville, TN
$15/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I have always been passionate about hospitality and children. I have recently been a chef & manager without extra time. I hope to get back to spending time with children. I have worked in nurseries, private homes, daycare, psychiatric/behavioral hospitals, taught swimming, and been a camp counselor with epilepsy foundation & CISV. I have had certifications in past and am happy to retake them. I have worked with special needs, primarily ASD. I am older and on top of work experience, have a lot of life experience, that add to skill levels, such as multi tasking, patience, communication, ability to handle higher levels of stress. I do clean up as go and can cook or do other chores as well. I genuinely enjoy being with, caring for, playing with, teaching, children of all ages.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Elizabeth P. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Elizabeth

Knoxville, TN
$16/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Elizabeth Pollion and I am a graduate student at UTK! I'm originally from Northern Michigan and just finished my bachelors degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University. I'll be in Knoxville getting my masters in Management and Human Resources. I am excited to get know Tennessee.

I am a former D1 athlete so I stay very active. I love the outdoors, exercise, anything creative, and of course kids.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

First Aid
Emma D. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Emma

Knoxville, TN
$15.49/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Emma Dills and I have a deep love for children! I have been a small group leader in kids ministry for many years and have had countless jobs babysitting for my church! I have a very big family and have been taking care of little ones since I was 12!
I am graduating high school this year through online private school and plan to pursue pediatric psychiatric nursing! I can cook, meal prep and do light house keeping! I am very attentive and caring!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Maddie J. - Seeking Work in Knoxville

Nanny Maddie

Knoxville, TN
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I have a lot of experience with baby’s! I will treat your child with the love and care it deserves!

I can do housekeeping as well and tidy up the house! Message me!🩷

Have experience working with

Infants
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