Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a nanny cost in Marion, IA in 2026?

In Marion, IA, the average nanny earns about $16.86 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $674/week or $2,922/month. Most Marion families pay somewhere in the $10–$28/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.86/hr · Marion average

These numbers come from 25 live nanny listings in Marion on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$674
$2,922
$35,069

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What drives the price

Most Marion families pay somewhere in the $10–$28/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)$16.86
2 kids~$17.86
3+ kids~$18.86+

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 Marion nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Marion, IA typically costs about 2% more than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 13% less than the United States average of $19/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Marion, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Marion, IA
Marion, IA$17/hr—
Iowa$16/hr-2%
United States$19/hr+16%

Where Marion, IA fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $14.80/hour in Cedar Falls to $18.18/hour in West Des Moines.

Below: how each compares to the Marion, IA average of $16.86/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Marion, IA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Marion, IA
1West Des Moines$18.18+8%
2Des Moines$17.44+3%
3Davenport$17.41+3%
4Ankeny$17.12+2%
5Waukee$16.95+1%
6Cedar Rapids$16.82—
7Sioux City$16.31-3%
8Iowa City$16.11-4%
9Ames$15.32-9%
10Cedar Falls$14.80-12%
● Most expensive nearby: West Des Moines ($18.18)● Least expensive nearby: Cedar Falls ($14.80)

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 Marion, 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 Marion, 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 Marion, IA

25 active listings in Marion

Audrey M. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Audrey

Marion, IA
$15 - $22/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Audrey , I’m 17 (18 in august) and currently a senior at Linn-Mar High School, and will be attending the university of Iowa to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy in the fall! I have experiences as a babysitter and a before school sitter for a 7 year old for the past 2 years, I’ve also been a supervisor at the FunStation for over 2 years now, so I have experience working with kids in a fun, safe, and busy environment.
I’m responsible, dependable, patient, and have reliable transportation, as well as a cpr certification! I’d love the opportunity to help out with childcare, activities, meals, homework, or anything else your family may need. If you’re still looking for someone, I’d love to hear more details and answer any questions you may have!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Alena D. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Alena

Marion, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

I am the oldest of 4 kids and have lots of experience babysitting them as well as other families kids. I am going to UNI to be a nurse and I love working with kids in the summer when I am out of school.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Krissy L. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Krissy

Marion, IA
$17/hr
Part-time
8 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello!
My name is Kristen, and I have been working with children since I was 16. I’ve worked at multiple schools in the Cedar Rapids district and in multiple positions. I currently have my CPR and first aid training. I have my teaching license and currently work in the Cedar Rapids school district. I love arts and crafts, music, and baking. I believe every child is important in their own way and deserves every opportunity to be creative. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and I hope you reach out!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kenzie A. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Kenzie

Marion, IA
$17/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Kenzie and I am excited about my move to Marion! I have worked at an early childcare academy for over a year and was a high school and middle school health and physical education teacher for 6 years before that. I love working with kids and being active with them. Helping them learn and grow brings me so much joy. I cannot wait to meet your family!

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jasmine H. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Jasmine

Marion, IA
$17/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Jasmine! Im 19, and I’m currently looking for a full time nanny position. As of now, I work full time at an early learning center with toddlers, and I’ve been with them for a year and a half! I have experience with ages anywhere from 1 year to school age! I am CPR and first aid certified, and have also completed many different courses related to childcare!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Natalee P. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Natalee

Marion, IA
$17/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

I am almost 30. I currently work in a school but looking for something with a little less hours and flexibility. I have cared for special needs kids since 2015

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Kaieesha B. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Kaieesha

Marion, IA
$19 - $21/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello, I’m Kaieesha! I love spending time and doing activities with kids. I have 3 god daughters myself. I helped take care of my oldest god daughter for over a year. I have some other babysitting experience as well. I’m looking forward to meeting families and helping out!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Alyssa M. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Alyssa

Marion, IA
$13.50 - $16.50/hr
Part-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I am 27 old and I am married with no kids and love to be outside.

Have experience working with

Infants
Gina F. - Seeking Work in Marion

Nanny Gina

Marion, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi, I'm Grandma Gina🌼, I have over 30 years of childcare experience and love spending time with precious little ones. Reading stories, playing games, arts and crafts, pretend play, outdoor activities, swimming, trips to the movies, zoo, play station, parks & picnics, skate park, splash pads, etc. I love to keep them busy and happy. 🌼
Cooking, clean-up, lite housekeeping -No Problem🙂
Availability is part-time
Thanks for stoping by and have a wonderful day🌼

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Recent reference

"Gina was a great nanny/babysitter. She worked for me for several years almost on a full time basis. She was great with my son who was a toddler at the time. Gina was like part of our family. When my son started pre school we no longer needed her. We miss her."
- Beth McDougall
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