Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Chicago, IL in 2026?
In Chicago, IL, the average nanny earns about $20.98 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $839/week or $3,637/month. Most Chicago families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$20.98/hr · Chicago average
These numbers come from 928 live nanny listings in Chicago on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $839
- Monthly
- $3,637
- Annual
- $43,638
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Chicago families pay somewhere in the $15–$30/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.
01
Experience
More experienced nannys command higher rates. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $19.86/hour, while the most experienced (6-10 yrs) charge around $23.72/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $20.98 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$21.98 |
| 3+ kids | ~$22.98+ |
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
| 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
| Arrangement | Typical hours | Average rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35–50 hrs/week | $22.04/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $20.73/hr | See part-time rates → |
| Live-in | Set by family | $20.24/hr | See live-in rates → |
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.
How do Chicago nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Chicago runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring nannies in Chicago, IL typically costs about 9% more than the Illinois average of $19/hour and 10% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $21/hr | — |
| Illinois | $19/hr | -8% |
| United States | $19/hr | -9% |
Where Chicago, IL fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.97/hour in Peoria to $21.24/hour in Schaumburg.
Below: how each compares to the Chicago, IL average of $20.98/hour — Chicago, IL is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Chicago, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schaumburg | $21.24 | +1% | |
| 2 | Chicago | $20.98 | — | |
| 3 | Naperville | $19.88 | -5% | |
| 4 | Aurora | $19.56 | -7% | |
| 5 | Elgin | $19.14 | -9% | |
| 6 | Plainfield | $18.68 | -11% | |
| 7 | Springfield | $17.76 | -15% | |
| 8 | Rockford | $17.75 | -15% | |
| 9 | Champaign | $17.26 | -18% | |
| 10 | Peoria | $16.97 | -19% |
● Most expensive nearby: Schaumburg ($21.24)● Least expensive nearby: Peoria ($16.97)
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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a nanny in Chicago, IL
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse nanny profiles in Chicago, IL
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the nannies whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.
- 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.
- 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 Chicago, IL
928 active listings in Chicago
Nanny Silje
Nanny Silje
Chicago, IL
$20/hr
Full-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Silje. I’m looking for a live in nanny position. I’m 22 years old and I have a variety of experience in childcare including care for special needs kids. I’d love to chat about what you’re looking for to see if I’d be a good fit!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Andrea
Nanny Andrea
Chicago, IL
$25 - $35/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a highly responsible, dependable, and dedicated person with a genuine passion for caring for children. I enjoy creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel supported. I am friendly, patient, and approachable, and I take great pride in providing attentive and compassionate care. My strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to the well-being of children make me an excellent candidate for a nanny position.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certification
CPR
Nanny DarnellT
Nanny DarnellT
Chicago, IL
$18 - $19/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Darnell Thurmond I have worked with children for more than 10 plus years in many fields from day cares to elementary schools working with kids of multiple ages including young adults and adults as well I love helping people and teaching them the many aspects of life as that is something I hold deeply to my heart.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Molly Anne
Nanny Molly Anne
Chicago, IL
$20 - $30/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I am a certified early childhood ed and special education teacher. I currently sub for cps and am looking for a summer position. I have 6+ years of experience and love working with children!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Nanny Dasia
Nanny Dasia
Chicago, IL
$19.50 - $22.50/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I have a niece who recently turned one years old, I've worked with children almost my whole life and I would love to continue it
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anna
Nanny Anna
Chicago, IL
$24 - $30/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Anna, and I am currently employed as the lead teacher in a younger toddler classroom (ages 15-24 months). I began working with young children in early high school, and have continued to grow my knowledge, skill, and passion for childcare ever since. I am looking to switch to nannying to carve out a bit more time for my other hobbies and passions, most of which involve art making. Not only do I have years of experience and knowledge working with early childhood, I am also CPR and water safety certified! I would love to find a family in need of assistance with caregiving to form a hopefully long term nanny relationship with. Please reach out with any questions or for further information about me! I look forward to meeting you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Génesis Z
Nanny Génesis Z
Chicago, IL
$15 - $16/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Responsible, caring, and dependable babysitter with experience caring for children of different ages. I am a cosmetology graduate with strong communication skills, patience, and a nurturing personality. I am committed to creating a safe, fun, and positive environment while ensuring children’s needs are met. I can assist with meal preparation, homework help, light housekeeping related to childcare, and engaging activities. Parents can count on me to be trustworthy, attentive, and dedicated to their children’s well-being.
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certification
First Aid
Nanny Gemma
Nanny Gemma
Chicago, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hey there! My name is Gemma, I’m a full-time architectural designer here in Lincoln Park, freshly graduated from college last year with a Bachelor’s of Architecture from IIT. I’d be looking for nannying/babysitting opportunities over the weekend, flexible with any time commitments between 7am-11pm. I’m happy working with kids by virtue of their curious nature, and having grown up joyfully around my younger sister and cousins. I have nannied a fair bit these past few years, with most experience ranging the ages 1-8.
A little bit about me - My family and I came to the US from Italy in 2012, so I speak fluent Italian and English. I speak also a bit of French, though I understand it better than I speak it. I’m a good cook by passion, and love to read and sketch as hobbies. I play the cello as well, and am part of a local adult chamber orchestra. I’m comfortable helping and looking over elementary through high-school level homework, and performing light house-chores.
A little bit about me - My family and I came to the US from Italy in 2012, so I speak fluent Italian and English. I speak also a bit of French, though I understand it better than I speak it. I’m a good cook by passion, and love to read and sketch as hobbies. I play the cello as well, and am part of a local adult chamber orchestra. I’m comfortable helping and looking over elementary through high-school level homework, and performing light house-chores.
Nanny Cillian
Nanny Cillian
Chicago, IL
$17 - $30/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I’m Cillian, a 22-year-old Psychology undergraduate with a strong passion for working with children and supporting their development. My long-term goal is to become an Educational Psychologist, and through both my studies and practical experience, I have developed valuable skills working with children of different ages and needs.
I have experience supporting children in both home and classroom settings, including working with children with autism. My responsibilities have included assisting with schoolwork, supporting daily routines and basic needs, engaging children in play and educational activities, and providing reliable babysitting care. These experiences have helped me develop patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and their families.
I am enthusiastic, responsible and caring. I genuinely enjoy helping children reach their potential and would love the opportunity to support your family.
I have experience supporting children in both home and classroom settings, including working with children with autism. My responsibilities have included assisting with schoolwork, supporting daily routines and basic needs, engaging children in play and educational activities, and providing reliable babysitting care. These experiences have helped me develop patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with children and their families.
I am enthusiastic, responsible and caring. I genuinely enjoy helping children reach their potential and would love the opportunity to support your family.
Have experience working with
Special Needs