Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a nanny cost in Waukegan, IL in 2026?
In Waukegan, IL, the average nanny earns about $21.26 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $850/week or $3,685/month. Most Waukegan 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$21.26/hr · Waukegan average
These numbers come from 42 live nanny listings in Waukegan on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $850
- Monthly
- $3,685
- Annual
- $44,221
Find nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Waukegan 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
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) | $21.26 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$22.26 |
| 3+ kids | ~$23.26+ |
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
| 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 Waukegan nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Waukegan runs above the U.S. average for nanny rates, in line with most major metros.
Hiring nannies in Waukegan, IL typically costs about 6% more than the Illinois average of $20/hour and 10% more than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Waukegan, IL | $21/hr | — |
| Illinois | $20/hr | -6% |
| United States | $19/hr | -9% |
Where Waukegan, IL fits among nearby cities
The most expensive city for nannies near Waukegan, IL is Chicago at $21.37/hour; the least expensive is Peoria at $17.44/hour.
Below are the 5 most and 5 least expensive cities near Waukegan, IL and how each compares to Waukegan, IL's average of $21.26/hour.
Most expensive cities near Waukegan, IL
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Waukegan, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago | $21.37 | +1% | |
| 2 | Schaumburg | $21.29 | — | |
| 3 | Naperville | $20.93 | -2% | |
| 4 | Aurora | $20.11 | -5% | |
| 5 | Plainfield | $19.31 | -9% |
Least expensive cities near Waukegan, IL
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Waukegan, IL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peoria | $17.44 | -18% | |
| 2 | Bloomington | $17.52 | -18% | |
| 3 | Rockford | $17.64 | -17% | |
| 4 | Champaign | $17.66 | -17% | |
| 5 | Springfield | $17.81 | -16% |
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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, IL
42 active listings in Waukegan
Nanny Julissa
Nanny Julissa
Waukegan, IL
$28 - $31/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I have four years of nanny & teacher assistant experience ranging from different ages such as 0-13 years old. I’m also a dedicated mama to my baby & my poodle/shih-tzu. I enjoy being outside mostly in the summer but don’t mind the snow. I love good food so finding a good recipe and making it is something i enjoy as well!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rosario
Nanny Rosario
Waukegan, IL
$22/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hola me llamo Rosario, hablo dos idiomas, español a la perfección e inglés aún que aveces de dificulta, vivo en Waukegan, y trabajo en una escuela Guidepost Montessori por las mañanas… me gusta mucho trabajar con niños e incluso cuidarlos después de mi trabajo… ya que estoy casada y no tengo niños en estos momentos… estoy en el “proceso” de aprender a manejar… incluso uso ubers para trasladarme al trabajo como dato curioso… he sido niñera dos veces… aparte de mi trabajo matutino…
Hello, my name is Rosario, I speak two languages, Spanish perfectly and English although sometimes it is difficult, I live in Waukegan, and I work in a Guidepost Montessori school in the mornings... I really like working with children and even taking care of them after work... since I am married and have no children at the moment... I am in the "process" of learning to drive... I even use Ubers to move to work as a curious fact... I have been a babysitter twice... apart from my morning work...
Hello, my name is Rosario, I speak two languages, Spanish perfectly and English although sometimes it is difficult, I live in Waukegan, and I work in a Guidepost Montessori school in the mornings... I really like working with children and even taking care of them after work... since I am married and have no children at the moment... I am in the "process" of learning to drive... I even use Ubers to move to work as a curious fact... I have been a babysitter twice... apart from my morning work...
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Rebeca
Nanny Rebeca
Waukegan, IL
$22/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi my name is Rebeca Valdez 32 yrs old I’m very sweet and caring ❤️ I love working with children . I hope you are able to give me a chance 😊
Nanny Dawn
Nanny Dawn
Waukegan, IL
$22.50/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I am an energetic and compassionate 43 year old nanny with 10+ years experience. Due to the Covid 19 crisis, one of the parents I work for is being furloughed and they will not be able to keep me on. I’ve been with my current family since their first born was 3 months old. He turns two next month and they have added a little girl to their family. She will be 1 in June. I’ve established remarkable bonds with both children and will be sad to be moving on but eager to share my talents with a new family. I can provide letters of recommendation and professional references Upon request. My strengths include establishing routine, cultivating and encouraging creativity, showing patience and compassion and dependability. Im a big advocate of reading with children of all ages And volunteer with a nonprofit reading to and play with children living in shelters. Id love to meet your family and see if I might be a good fit in your home. Thank You in advance for your consideration.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Cristina
Nanny Cristina
Waukegan, IL
$20/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Cristina Cisneros I'm 37 years old mom of 4 teenage kids, responsable hard worker, full of energy that I love babies.
Have experience working with
Infants
Nanny Delsy
Nanny Delsy
Waukegan, IL
$20 - $25/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Delsy. I am caring, responsible, and patient person who enjoys spending time with kids. I'm dependable, attentive, and always want children to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. I'd love the opportunity to help a family with childcare and be someone they can trust!
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Reyna
Nanny Reyna
Waukegan, IL
$22 - $26/hr
Full-time
8 years experience
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Cheryl
Nanny Cheryl
Waukegan, IL
$22/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Hi I’m Cheri , a retired school teacher looking for occasional babysitting jobs in my area .
Nanny Ilianna
Nanny Ilianna
Waukegan, IL
$20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
Mi nombre es Marina tengo 18años amo los niños me gusta pasar tiempo con ellos jugar pero sobretodo cuidar de ellos
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Related costs in Waukegan IL
Other services in Waukegan, IL
After-School Nannies • Bilingual Nannies • Full-Time Nannies • Housekeeper Nannies • House Manager/Nannies • Infant Care • Live-In Nannies • Nannies for Twins • Night Nannies • Part-Time Nannies • Short-Term Nannies • Spanish-Speaking Nannies • Special Needs Child Care • Summer Nannies • Toddler Care • Weekend Nannies