Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Downers Grove, IL in 2026?
In Downers Grove, IL, the average nanny earns about $17.77 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $711/week or $3,080/month. Most Downers Grove families pay somewhere in the $15–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.77/hr · Downers Grove average
These numbers come from 59 live nanny listings in Downers Grove on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $711
- Monthly
- $3,080
- Annual
- $36,962
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Downers Grove families pay somewhere in the $15–$25/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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $17.77 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.77 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.77+ |
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 | $18.79/hr | See full-time rates → |
| Part-time | 10–25 hrs/week | $17.67/hr | See part-time 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.
How do Downers Grove nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Downers Grove runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring nannies in Downers Grove, IL typically costs about 1% more than the Illinois average of $18/hour and 6% more than the United States average of $17/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Downers Grove, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Downers Grove, IL | $18/hr | — |
| Illinois | $18/hr | -1% |
| United States | $17/hr | -6% |
Where Downers Grove, IL fits among nearby cities
10 nearby cities have enough nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.25/hour in Peoria to $18.77/hour in Chicago.
Below: how each compares to the Downers Grove, IL average of $17.77/hour.
Nearby cities ranked by nanny rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Downers Grove, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | $18.77 | +6% | |
| 2 | Naperville | $18.30 | +3% | |
| 3 | Plainfield | $17.68 | -1% | |
| 4 | Aurora | $17.57 | -1% | |
| 5 | Elgin | $17.11 | -4% | |
| 6 | Springfield | $16.93 | -5% | |
| 7 | Rockford | $16.66 | -6% | |
| 8 | Champaign | $16.36 | -8% | |
| 9 | Bloomington | $16.32 | -8% | |
| 10 | Peoria | $16.25 | -9% |
● Most expensive nearby: Chicago ($18.77)● Least expensive nearby: Peoria ($16.25)
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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, 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 Downers Grove, IL
59 active listings in Downers Grove
Nanny Lauren
Nanny Lauren
Downers Grove, IL
$17 - $20/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a outgoing and dependable person who loves working with kids and creating a fun, comfortable environment for them. I’m patient, responsible, and enjoy helping out with activities, homework, or just keeping kids entertained and happy throughout the day.
Nanny Patrick
Nanny Patrick
Downers Grove, IL
$18/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Graduated college with a BA degree in education from San Jose State University, San Jose, California!
I have six children, all grown up, all of them very successful, my oldest daughter is a professor, PhD, in Arizona State University, another daughter, a nurse in Seattle, Washington, a son who is an engineer in California, and another son who is in the US Air Force as an air traffic controller.
I am also a graduate of the Cordon Bleu school of culinary arts so I am also an excellent chef! I know first aid and CPR!
I have two granddaughters 10 minutes away, who are almost 6 years old and almost 3 years old, who I read to and entertain frequently.
You can call me at [phone number hidden]. Anytime for an interview if you require.
I have six children, all grown up, all of them very successful, my oldest daughter is a professor, PhD, in Arizona State University, another daughter, a nurse in Seattle, Washington, a son who is an engineer in California, and another son who is in the US Air Force as an air traffic controller.
I am also a graduate of the Cordon Bleu school of culinary arts so I am also an excellent chef! I know first aid and CPR!
I have two granddaughters 10 minutes away, who are almost 6 years old and almost 3 years old, who I read to and entertain frequently.
You can call me at [phone number hidden]. Anytime for an interview if you require.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lilly
Nanny Lilly
Downers Grove, IL
$18/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi i’m Lilly! I am a 21 year old remote college student. I am looking for a full time nanny job. I have worked with ages 0-12, up to 4 kids at once, and with twins.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Shannon
Nanny Shannon
Downers Grove, IL
$17/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! I’m Shannon and I just graduated from Downers Grove North High School and I plan to attend University of Wisconsin Madison next year. I have many years of experience with children and have been working in the LifeTime daycare for the past 6 months. I truly enjoy working with kids and I would love to spend my summer with your family. I am CPR and First Aid certified, I have my own car, and I am very flexible with hours!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Yaismir
Nanny Yaismir
Downers Grove, IL
$18/hr
Part-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
Soy una joven de 25 años, con una carrera universitaria en mi país, amante de los niños, sé hacer actividades recreativas con los niños, me gusta cocinar, soy atenta y cariñosa con los niños, estoy buscando un par time de noche o de dos días a la semana por el día
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Jennifer
Nanny Jennifer
Downers Grove, IL
$18/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi,
I’m a granny nanny. Have 40+ years experience
Am active and absolutely love children. I’m a grandmother to 5 and great to 2 boys
I’m a granny nanny. Have 40+ years experience
Am active and absolutely love children. I’m a grandmother to 5 and great to 2 boys
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Katie
Nanny Katie
Downers Grove, IL
$17/hr
Part-time
5 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi there! All my life I have wanted to work with children and I am looking for summer nanny jobs while I am on my summer break from teaching!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Lauren
Nanny Lauren
Downers Grove, IL
$18/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am 16 years old (Sophomore) and attend school at Downers Grove North and participate in the gymnastics and golf teams there. I am very good with children and will give 100% of my attention to your kids! I also am trustworthy, kind, gentle, and love to have fun! I am looking to nanny in the summer between the end of May and the beginning of August.
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Hannah
Nanny Hannah
Downers Grove, IL
$19/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a recent graduate of Colorado College currently seeking a full-time nanny position. I love working with children and creating a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, play, and grow. I have experience working with children in both classroom and childcare settings. I served as a resident 2nd grade teacher in Chicago, helping guide students through their academic schedules and providing individual support. I have also worked with preschool-aged children at Alcuin Montessori School and as a behavioral technician supporting children on the autism spectrum as I am mildly on the spectrum myself. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoy reading with kids, encouraging creativity, and spending time outdoors. I am a fast learner, patient, dependable, and passionate about helping children feel confident and cared for. I am not the best at cooking but would happily make light meals/prep when needed! Looking forward to connecting further.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid