Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a part-time nanny cost in Des Moines, IA in 2026?

In Des Moines, IA, the average part-time nanny earns about $15.12 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $605/week or $2,621/month. Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$15.12/hr · Des Moines average

These numbers come from 124 live part-time nanny listings in Des Moines on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$605
$2,621
$31,450

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What drives the price

Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $7–$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 part-time 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)$15.12
2 kids~$16.12
3+ kids~$17.12+

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 Des Moines part-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?

Des Moines runs below the U.S. average for part-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.

Hiring part-time nannies in Des Moines, IA typically costs about 9% more than the Iowa average of $14/hour and 8% less than the United States average of $16/hour.

Average hourly part-time nannies rates compared across Des Moines, IA and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA$15/hr
Iowa$14/hr-8%
United States$16/hr+9%

Where Des Moines, IA fits among nearby cities

5 nearby cities have enough part-time nanny data to compare, with rates ranging from $13.22/hour in Davenport to $15.07/hour in Ankeny.

Below: how each compares to the Des Moines, IA average of $15.12/hour — Des Moines, IA is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by part-time nanny rate

5 cities near Des Moines, IA ranked by average hourly part-time nanny rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Des Moines, IA
1Ankeny$15.07
Des MoinesThis city$14.90-1%
3Iowa City$14.44-4%
4Cedar Rapids$14.23-6%
5Davenport$13.22-13%
Most expensive nearby: Ankeny ($15.07) Least expensive nearby: Davenport ($13.22)

Tips to find a great part-time nanny without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best part-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced part-time 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 part-time 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 part-time nanny in Des Moines, IA

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with part-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse part-time nanny profiles in Des Moines, IA

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the part-time 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 part-time nanny fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your part-time nanny

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available part-time nannies in Des Moines, IA

124 active listings in Des Moines

Jensen S. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Jensen

Des Moines, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
10+ years experience

A little bit about me

I am 24 years old and currently own a home in Des Moines with my boyfriend of 7 years! We have three dogs together who run our roost and they know it. I love to spend my free time reading and playing outdoors with my dogs or just soaking in some sunshine. I have my Associates degree and have worked as a dental assistant for 6 years. Looking for a more flexible enjoyable schedule.

Have experience working with

Infants

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Lydia T. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Lydia

Des Moines, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

I'm a premed student going to Drake University. I grew up helping with my three little sisters and our pets. I worked with special needs kids between the ages of 9-23 the past two years. I love reading, playing guitar, and painting.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Megan G. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Megan

Des Moines, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello:) I'm seeking a new opportunity working for a family in a full-time position as a nanny! I have been surrounded by kids my entire life and have worked at a school as a paraeducator for 2 years and a daycare for a year! I specialize in preschooler/school-aged children but I'm open to working with children of all ages!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Brigeth V. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Brigeth

Des Moines, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
6 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi

My name is Brigeth Villa, and I am writing to offer my babysitting services. I am a high school student High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and I genuinely enjoy working with children.

I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which helps me engage with kids in fun and educational activities. My previous work experience in customer service roles has equipped me with patience, responsibility, and strong communication skills.

I would love the opportunity to care for your child. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to arrange a time to meet.

Thank you for considering me as a babysitter for your child.

Best regards,
Brigeth Villa

Have experience working with

Infants
Braylee N. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Braylee

Des Moines, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

My name is Braylee I am 17 years old and I currently work at a daycare but I am looking to do something a little more personal so I can expand my experience.I am going into my senior year of high school class of 2025. During the summer my hours will be available from mornings to around 5:00pm but when school starts back up I will be limited to working from 1:00 to around 5:30

Have experience working with

Infants
Alli T. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Alli

Des Moines, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

I have babysat and taken care of children for many years, mostly my own family and children of family friends. I am 17 years old and have my liscense.

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

CPR
Tegan B. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Tegan

Des Moines, IA
$14.50/hr
Part-time
3 years experience

A little bit about me

My name is Tegan Baker, i am looking for a part-time nanny position. I love to do crafts and I am very good with smaller children. I have lot of different activity’s for all ages. I am also very open minded and down to do any kind of childcare!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jadah S. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Jadah

Des Moines, IA
$16/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hello! My name is Jadah. I am 24 years old from Des Moines, Iowa. I have 4 years of experience through volunteering along with many more years of babysitting. I was also a preschool teacher for about a year. I have an Associates Degree through DMACC and a Bachelor's Degree through WGU. I work full time Monday-Friday 8-5. I can help with any needs your family has and am willing to create a schedule with you outside of my available hours if needed. I am also willing to get any certifications to meet your needs/wants. I have a 4-year-old son who would be accompanying me. I can't wait to meet/hear from you!

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Liv H. - Seeking Work in Des Moines

Nanny Liv

Des Moines, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Liv Hope, I graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in May of 2021. I currently attend DMACC and I am majoring in Business. I plan to open up my own daycare.

I have worked for many families babysitting of many ages. I have cared for many infants and toddlers.

In high school I was in soccer, FCA, student council, and cross country.

I work for Hope Law Firm as a personal assistant to the accountant and paralegals. I work at West Des Moines soccer club as a coach to boys and girls. At WDMSC I have coached all ages from, 4-12. I currently working a few nanny jobs!

I love babies and children!!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
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