Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Ankeny, IA in 2026?
In Ankeny, IA, the average nanny earns about $15.41 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $616/week or $2,671/month. Most Ankeny families pay somewhere in the $9–$22/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
These numbers come from 164 live nanny listings in Ankeny on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $616
- Monthly
- $2,671
- Annual
- $32,053
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What drives the price
Most Ankeny families pay somewhere in the $9–$22/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) | $15.41 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.41 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.41+ |
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 nanny rates
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $17.12/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $16.23/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $19.10/hr | See live-in rates → |
Part-time runs slightly lower per hour than full-time here, which often means strong full-time demand supports higher rates for committed schedules.
Live-in rates here run higher than live-out — uncommon, but typically reflects specialty demand for around-the-clock or live-in newborn care. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the nanny.
How do Ankeny nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Ankeny runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring nannies in Ankeny, IA typically costs about 8% more than the Iowa average of $14/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Ankeny, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Ankeny, IA | $15/hr | — |
| Iowa | $14/hr | -8% |
| United States | $17/hr | +9% |
Where Ankeny, IA fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $12.91/hour in Dubuque to $15.41/hour in Ankeny.
Below: how each compares to the Ankeny, IA average of $15.41/hour — Ankeny, IA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Ankeny, IA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ankeny | $15.41 | — | |
| 2 | Des Moines | $15.32 | -1% | |
| 3 | Council Bluffs | $15.05 | -2% | |
| 4 | Davenport | $14.83 | -4% | |
| 5 | Sioux City | $14.70 | -5% | |
| 6 | Iowa City | $14.40 | -7% | |
| 7 | Ames | $14.19 | -8% | |
| 8 | Cedar Rapids | $14.18 | -8% | |
| 9 | Cedar Falls | $13.25 | -14% | |
| 10 | Dubuque | $12.91 | -16% |
Tips to find a great nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced 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 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 nanny in Ankeny, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Ankeny, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the 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 nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available nannies in Ankeny, IA
164 active listings in Ankeny
Nanny Mackenzie
Nanny Mackenzie
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Georgia
Nanny Georgia
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Rachel
Nanny Rachel
A little bit about me
Have experience working with
Certifications
Nanny Sandra
Nanny Sandra
A little bit about me
I have an education degree with a focus on special education. While I never taught in the classroom because I was able to stay at home with my children after I graduated, I know I used much of what I learned to be a better parent to my young ones.
I have been CPR certified but it was years ago. I would be happy to get certified again if necessary.