Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Cedar Falls, IA in 2026?

In Cedar Falls, IA, the average nanny earns about $14.76 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $590/week or $2,558/month. Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.76/hr · Cedar Falls average

These numbers come from 52 live nanny listings in Cedar Falls on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$590
$2,558
$30,701

Find nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $9–$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 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)$14.76
2 kids~$15.76
3+ kids~$16.76+

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 nanny rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$15.40/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$15.12/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

Browse nannies

How do Cedar Falls nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Cedar Falls runs below the U.S. average for nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring nannies in Cedar Falls, IA typically costs about 8% less than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 24% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Cedar Falls, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls, IA$15/hr—
Iowa$16/hr+9%
United States$19/hr+32%

Where Cedar Falls, IA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.76/hour in Cedar Falls to $18.37/hour in West Des Moines.

Below: how each compares to the Cedar Falls, IA average of $14.76/hour — Cedar Falls, IA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Cedar Falls, IA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Cedar Falls, IA
1West Des Moines$18.37+24%
2Des Moines$17.41+18%
3Davenport$17.12+16%
4Ankeny$17.05+16%
5Waukee$16.90+14%
6Cedar Rapids$16.53+12%
7Sioux City$16.18+10%
8Iowa City$15.99+8%
9Ames$15.34+4%
Cedar Falls$14.76—
● Most expensive nearby: West Des Moines ($18.37)● Least expensive nearby: Cedar Falls ($14.76)

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?

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 nanny in Cedar Falls, 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:

  1. 01

    Browse nanny profiles in Cedar Falls, IA

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

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

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

  4. 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 Cedar Falls, IA

52 active listings in Cedar Falls

Ivy A. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Ivy

Cedar Falls, IA
$15 - $21/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Ivy! I’m a freshman at UNI studying k-12 special education. I’ve worked with kids of all ages and abilities by nannying, babysitting, working in a daycare, and being a personal care assistant for a child with cerebral palsy!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lyla H. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Lyla

Cedar Falls, IA
$14 - $20/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi there! My name is Lyla Helling, I am from Lakeville MN. I am moving down to Cedar Falls for school! I currently work at a swim school as a supervisor and primarily special education swim teacher but also do group lessons as well with all age groups. I have nannied for 2 family’s before with younger kids! I am currently 19 years old and am a college student. I love working with kids and would love to find a loving fun family to work with!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Dawn C. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Dawn

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I own my own nanny business and did it for 10 yrs. I've done pretty much everything. I've Helped with light housekeeping, bathing kids, I've helped with homework/homeschooling, feeding kids, keeping them entertained. I'm dependable, trustworthy, and loyal.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Amy B. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Amy

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m the oldest of seven siblings, so caring for kids has been a big part of my life from the start. At 20, I have years of hands on babysitting and nannying experience and a genuine love for working with children. I’m currently studying to become an esthetician and am excited to find a wonderful family looking for a reliable, energetic nanny or babysitter.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Leah N. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Leah

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I am in education and plan on becoming a teacher during the school year, but would love to continue working with children throughout the summer! I am passionate about working with children and I love doing many activities with them! I am very loving and kind as well!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jillian S. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Jillian

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Jillian. I am a 18 year old I go to UNai. I have been babysitting for a family since 2021 and have added a couples families since then. I would like to become a nanny to a family while at college! I can commute.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Mackenzie B. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Mackenzie

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hi :) I have always loved being with kids. Talking to them, hearing about the good and bad, has inspired me to become a licensed mental health practitioner that specializes in pediatrics.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alexus G. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Alexus

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Alexus Gause. (Lexi) I am 19, and attend college at the University of Northern Iowa. I am majoring in Social Work, with a minor in Mental Health and a certificate in Child Welfare.

I have been babysitting for families since I was 12 years old! I have experience with newborns through 12 years. As a nanny/babysitter I love letting the kids decide the day and teaching them along the way to. I also will do light housework for the family and am very pet friendly!!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certification

CPR
Hailey B. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Hailey

Cedar Falls, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m Hailey Bouzek and I will be attending UNI this fall for elementary education with a minor in special education!! I am a caring, dependable, organized, and patient with a genuine love for working with children! I love creating a fun, nurturing, and safe environment when kids can feel loved and supported. I love helping kids with homework, cleaning, preparing meals, or even keeping a consistent routine! I have my CPR training, a lot of experience and expertise!! If you or someone you know is looking for a loving and dependable nanny, reach out to me! I would absolutely love the opportunity to become a positive and reliable part of your families daily life 🩷🩷

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Find Nannies Near Me

Related costs in Cedar Falls IA

Popular services in Cedar Falls, IA

Start your journey towards finding your perfect nanny

Get Started