Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a child care provider cost in Cedar Falls, IA in 2026?
In Cedar Falls, IA, the average child care provider earns about $15.01 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $600/week or $2,602/month. Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $9–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$15.01/hr · Cedar Falls average
These numbers come from 28 live child care provider listings in Cedar Falls on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $600
- Monthly
- $2,602
- Annual
- $31,221
Find child care near you
What drives the price
Most Cedar Falls families pay somewhere in the $9–$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 child care provider'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) | $15.01 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$16.01 |
| 3+ kids | ~$17.01+ |
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 Cedar Falls child care provider rates compare to state and national averages?
Cedar Falls runs below the U.S. average for child care provider rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring child care in Cedar Falls, IA typically costs about 6% less than the Iowa average of $16/hour and 21% less than the United States average of $19/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Cedar Falls, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Falls, IA | $15/hr | — |
| Iowa | $16/hr | +6% |
| United States | $19/hr | +27% |
Where Cedar Falls, IA fits among nearby cities
9 nearby cities have enough child care provider data to compare, with rates ranging from $15.01/hour in Cedar Falls to $17.95/hour in Waukee.
Below: how each compares to the Cedar Falls, IA average of $15.01/hour — Cedar Falls, IA is highlighted at its true rank.
Nearby cities ranked by child care provider rate
| # | City | $/hr | vs. Cedar Falls, IA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waukee | $17.95 | +20% | |
| 2 | Davenport | $16.95 | +13% | |
| 3 | Sioux City | $16.58 | +10% | |
| 4 | Iowa City | $16.49 | +10% | |
| 5 | Des Moines | $16.21 | +8% | |
| 6 | Ankeny | $16.11 | +7% | |
| 7 | Cedar Rapids | $16.11 | +7% | |
| 8 | Ames | $15.65 | +4% | |
| 9 | Cedar Falls | $15.01 | — |
● Most expensive nearby: Waukee ($17.95)● Least expensive nearby: Cedar Falls ($15.01)
Tips to find a great child care provider without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best child care on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced child care 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 child care 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 child care provider in Cedar Falls, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with child care — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse child care provider profiles in Cedar Falls, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the child care 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 child care provider fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your child care provider
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available child care in Cedar Falls, IA
28 active listings in Cedar Falls
Nanny Abby
Nanny Abby
Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
I am a Sophomore at the University of Northern Iowa majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in special education. I love working with kids and have worked with kids for the past 3 years. I have taught swim lessons ranging from all different ages, worked at a daycare for almost a year, I am a paraprofessional substitute in the Cedar Falls school district, and also do before and after school care for the YMCA. I’m looking for a full time nannying job this summer. I love being outside, being active, and making arts and crafts. I’ll be sure to incorporate those activities with your child. I’m so excited to take on this summer journey and I hope you would entrust me as a nanny for your child or children.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Alaina
Nanny Alaina
Cedar Falls, IA
$14.81/hr
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! My name is Alaina Wilson, and I’m excited to share a little bit about myself. I have a deep passion for working with children, and my goal as a nanny is to create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where kids can feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. I have over six years of experiences working with children. I’ve had the privilege of caring for children of all ages – working at camps, child development centers, or in swim lessons. I hold certifications in CPR and First Aid. My approach is calm, patient, creative, and always positive!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Reece
Nanny Reece
Cedar Falls, IA
$14/hr
Part-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
Hello! I’m a 19 year old student at UNI who has been working in child care for over three years. I’m currently certified in first aid, CPR, and child care fundamentals. I would love the opportunity to help your family in any way possible!
Have experience working with
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Anissa
Nanny Anissa
Cedar Falls, IA
$15 - $20/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I have a newborn (my first) and he is the light of my life! Some of my hobbies include reading and working on puzzles. I do have a dog named Winston and the three of us just snuggle all day. I am newer to the area, so my husband and I like to discover new things to do! I absolutely love Main Street Cedar Falls and enjoy eating and some shopping!
Nanny Shelby
Nanny Shelby
Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Allison
Nanny Allison
Cedar Falls, IA
$15/hr
Part-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
I am currently a Nursing student at UNI in cedar falls, and I work about 7 hours a week at a company called Right at home out of Waterloo, where I'm a caregiver and travel to client's homes. I have 8 siblings and am the second to oldest, within the last 7-ish years I've gained 5 siblings and have had to do a lot of babysitting of them. So, although I've never worked as a babysitter, I definitely have experience with young children and I'm looking for a fun and fulfilling summer nannying job!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Chloe
Nanny Chloe
Cedar Falls, IA
$14/hr
Part-time
8 years experience
A little bit about me
I am 18 years old! I have five younger siblings between ages 16 and 5. I am certified in CPR. I also have good history with past employers. I am reliable, creative, and trustworthy which is very important when handling children.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Brooklynn
Nanny Brooklynn
Cedar Falls, IA
$13/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi, I am brooklynn. I am 18 years old and currently work at a daycare but would like to do more work with kids. I have a very big heart for kids and love to spend time with them.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Jadyn
Nanny Jadyn
Cedar Falls, IA
$13.75/hr
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I grew up in the Cedar Valley. I graduated high school last may and am finishing up my freshman year at UNI. I am studying Elementary Education. I have been around kids my entire life, as I am the oldest of 5 kids! My youngest sibling is 7 years old! I would love a nanny position. I look forward to meeting you!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid