Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

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

In Wdm, IA, the average nanny earns about $14.91 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $596/week or $2,584/month. Most Wdm families pay somewhere in the $9–$23/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$14.91/hr · Wdm average

These numbers come from 48 live nanny listings in Wdm on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$596
$2,584
$31,013

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What drives the price

Most Wdm families pay somewhere in the $9–$23/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)$14.91
2 kids~$15.91
3+ kids~$16.91+

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 Wdm nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

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

Hiring nannies in Wdm, IA typically costs about 5% more than the Iowa average of $14/hour and 11% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly nannies rates compared across Wdm, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Wdm, IA
Wdm, IA$15/hr
Iowa$14/hr-5%
United States$17/hr+12%

Where Wdm, 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 Wdm, IA average of $14.91/hour.

Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate

10 cities near Wdm, IA ranked by average hourly nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Wdm, IA
1Ankeny$15.41+3%
2Des Moines$15.32+3%
3Council Bluffs$15.05+1%
4Davenport$14.83-1%
5Sioux City$14.70-1%
6Iowa City$14.40-3%
7Ames$14.19-5%
8Cedar Rapids$14.18-5%
9Cedar Falls$13.25-11%
10Dubuque$12.91-13%
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 Wdm, 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 Wdm, 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 Wdm, IA

48 active listings in Wdm

Lydia O. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Lydia

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

A little bit about me

My name is Lydia and I am new to Des Moines! I have 2 years childcare experience working at a daycare with infants and toddlers. I have so much passion for nurturing children. I have experience with bottle feeding, spoon feeding, playing, putting down for naps, keeping on a schedule, being tidy, etc. I would be happy to provide references and can’t wait to talk more!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Zana Z. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Zana

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

A little bit about me

I love working with kids and am currently in college studying to be a Psychology major to work in kids mental health and support. I have babysat multiple times in the past and have had a blast with the kids! I am CPR and First Aid certified. I am very responsible and love to stay busy and be outside. I am very creative and love to come up with new ideas to have fun. I am also able to transport kids and have strong communication skills. I am looking for a summer nanny position as I am a college student.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Bailey T. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Bailey

Wdm, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is bailey I am a senior in high school i am also 17 years old. i absolutely love taking care of children, i love playing games with them, i love making kids happy. every bit of it is my favorite. other then school i do have a pretty flexible schedule!
Sharon K. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Sharon

Wdm, IA
$14/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Sharon!! I’m looking for a summer job. I think babysitting would be perfect is because one day I want to become a teacher. So this will be a great way of preparing me. If anyone one is interested message me to get some more info. Good day!!
Elizabeth D. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Elizabeth

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

A little bit about me

Hi! I love being outdoors, going on walks/hikes! I am very creative and love to do arts and crafts. I also enjoy movies, especially Disney movies :). I have CPR/first aid, mandatory reporting, universal precautions, and essentials trainings.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Sierra D. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Sierra

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

A little bit about me

Hi my name is Sierra drake I love to work with little kids, I have lot of fun introducing my self to kids, I am 17 year old I am in 12th grade and I have lot of experience babysitting kids I use to babysit kids in my neighborhood, I love to experience to take care of kids I know how to cook and I know how to do everything that involved a nanny. I will love to help you in any way I can but I am currently in school,

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
Emma O. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Emma

Wdm, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
5 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Emma O’Neal and I’ve been working in childcare for almost 6 years! I love arts and crafts, natural activities, and having tons of educational fun!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Kayte B. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Kayte

Wdm, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I’m currently a full time college student pursuing a degree in Psychology. I have been working with kids since 2015 and honestly do not see myself ever doing anything else. I am very understanding and have a lot of knowledge in child care and would love to find the perfect job for me!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jazmyne S. - Seeking Work in Wdm

Nanny Jazmyne

Wdm, IA
$13.87/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello, my name is Jazmyne Smith I’ve been on this page for a while and realized that I didn’t introduce myself. I am currently 24 years old and living in West Des Moines, Iowa. I currently go to Kirkwood Community College Full-Time and I am studying to be a paralegal. I graduated from Hawkeye Community College in December and got my degree in social work. I am looking for a part-time permanent babysitting or nanny job. I’ve been working in Childcare since I was 18. And I currently work at a daycare center. I’ve been there for 13 months. And I want to do something with my life. Down Below is my availability. 

Availability:

Mondays: 8:30 am-4:30, 9:30 am-[phone number hidden] am-6:30 pm.

Tuesdays: 8:45 am-4:45 pm ,9:45a-5:45p and 11:00 am-5 pm.

Wednesdays: 8 am-5 pm ONLY.

Thursdays: 9:45 am- 4:45 pm or 9:30 am-3:45 pm

Fridays: (Not Available at all)

Saturdays( Not Available at all)

Sundays: 11 am-5 pm ONLY

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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