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 $13.25 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $530/week or $2,297/month. Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $8–$18/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$13.25/hr · Cedar Falls average

These numbers come from 127 live nanny listings in Cedar Falls on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$530
$2,297
$27,560

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What drives the price

Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $8–$18/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to nanny rates in Cedar Falls, IA. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $13.19/hour, and the most experienced (3-5 yrs) come in at a similar $14.18/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
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$13.25
2 kids~$14.25
3+ kids~$15.25+

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$14.33/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$13.11/hr
Live-inSet by family$13.15/hr

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 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 nanny.

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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 7% less than the Iowa average of $14/hour and 21% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Cedar Falls, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Cedar Falls, IA
Cedar Falls, IA$13/hr
Iowa$14/hr+7%
United States$17/hr+26%

Where Cedar Falls, 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 Cedar Falls, IA average of $13.25/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
1Ankeny$15.41+16%
2Des Moines$15.32+16%
3Council Bluffs$15.05+14%
4Davenport$14.83+12%
5Sioux City$14.70+11%
6Iowa City$14.40+9%
7Ames$14.19+7%
8Cedar Rapids$14.18+7%
Cedar Falls$13.25
10Dubuque$12.91-3%
Most expensive nearby: Ankeny ($15.41) Least expensive nearby: Dubuque ($12.91)

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

127 active listings in Cedar Falls

Abigail D. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Abigail

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Abigail Dickey, I am 20 years old, and I have 7 nieces and nephews and two on the way, that I love, and enjoy spending time with, I love working with kids and I have lots of experience with them!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Kieryn W. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Kieryn

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am Kieryn and I'm 18, and I have a lot of experience working with children of all ages. I love Jesus with my whole heart, and I love to hangout with kids and spend time with them!

Have experience working with

Infants
Jurnee H. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Jurnee

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

I love the outdoors, camping, hiking, rock climbing. I went to school for studio art: ceramics and graduated in May 2024. After school I found a passion for working with youth and began teaching toddlers and preschoolers.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sophie F. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Sophie

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

A little bit about me

College student at UNI to become a special needs teacher want more experience with children and love to babysit

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Aubriegha H. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Aubriegha

Cedar Falls, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m a trustworthy, loving, and caring person. I’m very dependable, I have a lot of experience with taking care of kids, and maintaining house work. Since I was 13 I’ve babysat for people throughout my hometown. I love being productive, and caring for others!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Lia H. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Lia

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Lia Hovenga. I just finished my freshman year of college and now am taking a break to figure out what I really want to do. I currently work at a childcare right now and have a nephew that is a little over one that I have experience babysitting. I love being with kids so I decided to look for a full time nanny job in Cedar Falls/Waterloo.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Halia M. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Halia

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Halia Mahi and I graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 2021. I am currently enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College as a liberal arts transfer major. I am currently home for the summer and am searching for a nannying job. I worked at Montessori Preschool and loved my job. I am on the volleyball team at DMACC which helps with my leadership abilities as well as commitment to the team. I believe that I work very well with people. I also believe that I work great with children. I am hardworking and believe that time management is extremely important, however the job still needs to be well done. I am a reliable person and will commit to working hard and showing up everyday on time ready to go.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Angel M. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Angel

Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Angel, and I have babysat previously throughout high school with a variety of different ages as well as working at a daycare throughout the summer time as well! I also have a 5 year old brother that I watch and help with occasionally as well!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Taylor B. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Taylor

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

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Taylor. I am a Junior at UNI! I absolutely love working with children and have lots of experience! I have worked in 3 different daycares, worked in a school setting at a para-educator, and have babysat for many families!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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