Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated
How much does a full-time nanny cost in Des Moines, IA in 2026?
In Des Moines, IA, the average full-time nanny earns about $17.54 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $702/week or $3,040/month. Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $8–$25/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.
Average hourly rate$17.54/hr · Des Moines average
These numbers come from 92 live full-time nanny listings in Des Moines on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.
- Weekly
(40 hrs) - $702
- Monthly
- $3,040
- Annual
- $36,483
Find full-time nannies near you
What drives the price
Most Des Moines families pay somewhere in the $8–$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 full-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
| 1 kid (baseline) | $17.54 |
|---|---|
| 2 kids | ~$18.54 |
| 3+ kids | ~$19.54+ |
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 Des Moines full-time nanny rates compare to state and national averages?
Des Moines runs below the U.S. average for full-time nanny rates — a meaningful budget advantage for families looking here.
Hiring full-time nannies in Des Moines, IA typically costs about 4% more than the Iowa average of $17/hour and 12% less than the United States average of $20/hour.
| Area | Average hourly rate | vs. Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $18/hr | — |
| Iowa | $17/hr | -4% |
| United States | $20/hr | +14% |
Tips to find a great full-time nanny without overpaying
- Be flexible on experience. Some of the best full-time nannies on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced full-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 full-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.
and enjoy flexible child care.
How families use Nanny Lane to find a full-time nanny in Des Moines, IA
Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with full-time nannies — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:
- 01
Browse full-time nanny profiles in Des Moines, IA
Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.
- 02
Message the ones who look like a fit
Reach out to the full-time 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 full-time nanny fits with your family in real time.
- 04
Hire your full-time nanny
If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.
Available full-time nannies in Des Moines, IA
92 active listings in Des Moines
Nanny Jani
Nanny Jani
Des Moines, IA
$17 - $21/hr
Full-time
< 1 year experience
A little bit about me
My name is Janieska, I'm bilingual. I have experience taking care of children because all my life I have taken care of my younger brothers, I love taking care of children, I am a person with a lot of energy and a lot of patience above all.
Nanny Aliana M.
Nanny Aliana M.
Des Moines, IA
$17 - $21/hr
Full-time
3 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Aliana Nicholson and I am looking to find a job as a nanny. I have taken a break from college but I have earned 2 years worth of credits toward a marine biology degree at the University of West Florida, and I have worked in a seasonal role at the Blank Park Zoo since June, 2023. As well, I have an extensive history of babysitting for family friends and taking care of children in my immediate family. I absolutely love working with kids and animals and I would be estatic to be given the opportunity to be a full time nanny!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Graciella
Nanny Graciella
Des Moines, IA
$18 - $25/hr
Full-time
6 years experience
A little bit about me
My name is Graciella! I just turned 18 and going to be living in Grimes. I have worked with children ever since I was a child! I’ve grown up with a million baby cousins and have always been the child magnet of the family! I babysit children ages infant- 16 and children with special needs! I am CPR certified and can cook clean AND bake! I own my own baking business and have been running it since I was 15, in hopes to start a bakery some day. I am very flexible, patient and understanding!
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Shakya
Nanny Shakya
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Shakya, and I love working with kids. A lot of my experience comes from helping care for my 3 year old little brother, so I’m comfortable with things like playtime, meals, bedtime routines, and keeping children happy and engaged throughout the day. Spending so much time with him has taught me patience, responsibility, and how to create a fun, caring environment. I’m reliable, kind, and always do my best to make kids feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kelly
Nanny Kelly
Des Moines, IA
$18 - $23/hr
Full-time
10+ years experience
A little bit about me
Seasoned mother of [phone number hidden] and a beautiful 1 year old granddaughter. I’m currently in the medical field.
Have experience working with
Infants
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Clara
Nanny Clara
Des Moines, IA
$19 - $25/hr
Full-time
4 years experience
A little bit about me
I’m a caring and compassionate individual with professional experience working in assisted living and dementia care, supporting vulnerable adults with patience and empathy. While I don’t have formal daycare experience, I have extensive babysitting experience caring for children of family and friends. I’m dependable, nurturing, and passionate about creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment for those in my care.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Nanny Emma
Nanny Emma
Des Moines, IA
$17/hr
Full-time
Part-time
7 years experience
A little bit about me
Hi! My name is Emma, I’m 27 years old, and I’m a mom to two kids who have given me over 6 years of real-life childcare experience. Being a parent has taught me patience, gentleness, multitasking, and how important it is for children to feel safe, understood, and cared for.
I’m naturally nurturing and attentive, and I truly enjoy spending time with kids.. whether that’s helping with routines, playing, doing creative activities, or simply being a calm and supportive presence in their day. I understand how important trust is when it comes to childcare, and I treat every child with the same care and kindness I would want for my own.
I’m dependable and easy to communicate with, and I love creating an environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and emotionally supported.
I’m naturally nurturing and attentive, and I truly enjoy spending time with kids.. whether that’s helping with routines, playing, doing creative activities, or simply being a calm and supportive presence in their day. I understand how important trust is when it comes to childcare, and I treat every child with the same care and kindness I would want for my own.
I’m dependable and easy to communicate with, and I love creating an environment where children feel comfortable, happy, and emotionally supported.
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Kennedy
Nanny Kennedy
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
Part-time
1 year experience
A little bit about me
I have 10 months of hands-on experience working in a childcare center, where I cared for children ranging from just 8 weeks old to 5 years old. During that time, I’ve learned how to support each child’s unique needs and personality, and I truly enjoy being part of their growth and daily routines.
I love spending time playing, interacting, and building connections with children—whether that’s through games, reading, or simply making them feel safe and cared for. I’m very comfortable with diaper changes, feeding, and keeping a clean, organized environment, and I always make sure each child is happy and comfortable.
I’m patient, dependable, and able to stay calm through challenges, but what matters most to me is creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel secure, supported, and excited to learn and play
I love spending time playing, interacting, and building connections with children—whether that’s through games, reading, or simply making them feel safe and cared for. I’m very comfortable with diaper changes, feeding, and keeping a clean, organized environment, and I always make sure each child is happy and comfortable.
I’m patient, dependable, and able to stay calm through challenges, but what matters most to me is creating a warm, nurturing space where children feel secure, supported, and excited to learn and play
Have experience working with
Infants
Special Needs
Certifications
CPR
First Aid
Nanny Samantha
Nanny Samantha
Des Moines, IA
$18/hr
Full-time
2 years experience
A little bit about me
I am 19 years old I live independently in my own apartment and have reliable transportation! I am a dependable childcare professional with three years of hands-on daycare experience caring for children of various ages. I am CPR and Medication Aide certified, with extensive experience working with toddlers that included serving as a Lead Toddler Teacher. In this role, I was responsible for planning daily activities, maintaining classroom structure, supporting developmental milestones, and building strong relationships with both children and families! I also have experience caring for preschool and school-age children. I enjoy creating meaningful learning experiences through arts and crafts, sensory play, and outdoor activities, encouraging creativity, exploration, and healthy development. I am passionate about supporting each child’s growth, confidence, and overall well-being while keeping a positive and engaging environment!
Have experience working with
Infants
Certification
CPR