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 $15.26 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $610/week or $2,645/month. Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $10–$21/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.26/hr · Cedar Falls average

These numbers come from 32 live nanny listings in Cedar Falls on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$610
$2,645
$31,741

Find nannies near you

What drives the price

Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $10–$21/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)$15.26
2 kids~$16.26
3+ kids~$17.26+

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.

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 3% less than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 20% 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+4%
United States$19/hr+25%

Where Cedar Falls, IA fits among nearby cities

9 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.04/hour in Ames to $17.56/hour in Des Moines.

Below: how each compares to the Cedar Falls, IA average of $15.26/hour — Cedar Falls, IA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

9 cities near Cedar Falls, IA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Cedar Falls, IA
1Des Moines$17.56+15%
2Ankeny$17.09+12%
3Cedar Rapids$16.96+11%
4Davenport$16.28+7%
5Waukee$16.08+5%
6Sioux City$15.63+2%
7Iowa City$15.63+2%
Cedar Falls$15.26
9Ames$15.04-1%
Most expensive nearby: Des Moines ($17.56) Least expensive nearby: Ames ($15.04)

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

32 active listings in Cedar Falls

Rylee S. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Rylee

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

A little bit about me

My name is Rylee Steffen and I am 18 years old, turning 19 in July. I currently am in my first year of college at UNI for Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. I love being outside and going on walks/hikes, swimming, kayaking, camping, etc. I also love doing activities inside on those rainy and cold days, like painting, watching movies, listening to music, reading, etc. I love love love being around kids and helping them learn (hence my major). Helping people is my passion! I hope I can help you :)

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
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
Kristin J. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Kristin

Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi. I'm KJ.
I am looking for a summer gig starting Mid May. I currently live in Waterloo and my lease is up in at the end of May. I like the Iowa City vibe. I have done summer babysitting gigs in the past.
A live-in position would be ideal since I'm just looking to live in this city temporarily to see if I want to stay long term. I don't have a car but I do have my license.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
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
Amirah W. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Amirah

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

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Amirah. I am 21 and currently in college. I am working towards my bachelors degree in elementary education. I love children and also love to clean and tidy up with my down time!
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
Macy N. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Macy

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

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Macy, I grew up in a small town and have been babysitting since I was about 10 or 11! I am just about to start my second year of college at University of Northern Iowa and I would love to have a part time nanny position Mondays and Wednesdays!! Possibly some Fridays as well! All through high school I worked in a daycare so I have tons of experience with ages 0-3! On top of that, my parents do foster care and we constantly have littles at my house! I would love to get to work with a family and help them out during the school year! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jack J. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Jack

Cedar Falls, IA
$11 - $20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Jack. I currently am enrolled at UNI and am majoring in RTNL (Recreation, Tourism, Non-Profit, Leadership). I am looking to nanny part time over the summer.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Aubrey W. - Seeking Work in Cedar Falls

Nanny Aubrey

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

A little bit about me

Hello! I'm looking for a family with a couple of children under 5. I would be looking for a position this summer, but I am also open to continuing into the next school year with different hours. I love being outside and would like a family that shares the same passion for outdoor activities with their kids. I have babysat throughout high school and the last school year. I have worked with babies, toddlers, and kids around the age of 10.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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