Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Urbandale, IA, the average nanny earns about $14.26 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $570/week or $2,472/month. Most Urbandale 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$14.26/hr · Urbandale average

These numbers come from 29 live nanny listings in Urbandale on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$570
$2,472
$29,661

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What drives the price

Most Urbandale 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)$14.26
2 kids~$15.26
3+ kids~$16.26+

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 Urbandale nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Urbandale, IA typically costs about the same as the Iowa average of $14/hour and 15% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Urbandale, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Urbandale, IA
Urbandale, IA$14/hr
Iowa$14/hr0%
United States$17/hr+18%

Where Urbandale, 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 Urbandale, IA average of $14.26/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Urbandale, IA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Urbandale, IA
1Ankeny$15.41+8%
2Des Moines$15.32+7%
3Council Bluffs$15.05+6%
4Davenport$14.83+4%
5Sioux City$14.70+3%
6Iowa City$14.40+1%
7Ames$14.19
8Cedar Rapids$14.18-1%
9Cedar Falls$13.25-7%
10Dubuque$12.91-9%
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 Urbandale, 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 Urbandale, 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 Urbandale, IA

29 active listings in Urbandale

Maddie M. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Maddie

Urbandale, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
7 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Maddie, and I’m a sophomore at Iowa State University. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and have experience helping care for my younger sibling, volunteering with foster care programs, and working as a CNA. Through these experiences, I’ve worked with children of all ages and am comfortable caring for a wide range of needs and personalities. I’m patient, responsible, and love finding fun ways to keep kids entertained, whether that’s playing games, doing crafts, spending time outside, or helping with homework. My goal is always to make sure kids feel safe, comfortable, and have a good time while their parents are away. I’d love the opportunity to help out your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bella R. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Bella

Urbandale, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Bella and I love babysitting and cleaning. I love to organize things like coloring supplies, clothes, shoes, etc. I have been babysitting my siblings since I was 8 and I enjoy it very much. I have two moms and three siblings-one brother(10) and two sisters(3 and 8). They are so fun to be around.

Have experience working with

Special Needs
DeArica P. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny DeArica

Urbandale, IA
$14/hr
Full-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi all! I am a fun, responsible, energetic, and reliable 23 year old person who has 2 years of professional child care experience. Although it may not seem like much, but outside of working at a daycare, I also gained more child care experience by babysitting my little cousins, nieces, and nephews. I love being around children, and I am a former student-athlete from the University of New Orleans, who just moved back home and would like to have some form of income. So I thought… WHY NOT BABYSITTING!?!? My CPR/First Aid certification is expired, but I do know how to preform both as I have worked in the childcare profession before. I am able to start right away and hope that I can relieve some stress off of the parents and be a fun and caring person to your little ones!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Shayia S. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Shayia

Urbandale, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I am Shayia & I absolutely adore children. I have 7 years of experience with kids & have been a CNA for 2 years. Now, I work at Southeast Polk Elementary as a special education aide & love it! I would love to spend my summers while not at the school still working with children while having fun.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bella J. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Bella

Urbandale, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi I’m Bella ! I started to nanny in 2016 and I absolutely loved the job and the children. Some of my daily duties for the kids as their nanny/babysitter was to wake the kids up prepare them for school , take them to school , pick them up and help with homework , preparing meals and doing some house cleaning if that’s what they wanted me to do that day . I considered that family my own family . I took the kids to parks and took them swimming because that’s one of my favorite activities to do ! Unfortunately the family moved out of state and no longer needed me but I cherished all the times that we had . I am a very self motivated person and love to help others out . I had to grow up at a young age and take care of my brother as kid so this is what I love to do .

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Sara F. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Sara

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

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Sara! I am 20 years old, I will be graduating college this year, and I really enjoy working with kids. It takes a certain type of person to provide children with the right support and care they need and I feel confident that I have those skills!

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Anna S. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Anna

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

A little bit about me

I am currently a senior at Urbandale High School and I'm looking for a job with kids!! I have been working regular jobs since I was 14, and none of them have been able to compare to my love of children and babysitting! I have 5 years of experience, and I am well trained, and dedicated to sitting/nannying! I have grown up as the oldest in my huge family (extended as well) so that is mostly where I gained my love for children. I can help with Travel and Cooking/Meal Preparation, as well as Cleaning, and pretty much any other basic needs. I'm looking for any babysitting/nanny jobs, and I am also willing to do cleaning services as well as pet care. I also am fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and I am willing to still wear a mask. Please let me know if you have any questions! I hope to sit for you soon!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kalie G. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Kalie

Urbandale, IA
$13/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Kalie! I have a 3 year old niece that I have helped to take care of since she was born. I am CPR and first aide certified, as well as I have my CNA.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Samantha S. - Seeking Work in Urbandale

Nanny Samantha

Urbandale, IA
$16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

hi I’m Sam. I’m 19 years old. I enjoy working with children. I have a bubbly, creative, fun, caring personality.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

CPR
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